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July 23, 2024
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
Let’s acknowledge the changes that come with pregnancy and having a baby.
“There’s a lot out there about getting your body back through diet and exercise,” says Katharine Connolly, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine. “If you’re feeling this pressure, be kind to yourself. Your body goes through many changes that are not reversible.”
If that’s why you’re here, plastic surgery may be able to help. A Mommy Makeover may be right for you to achieve the functional and aesthetic changes you want.
What happens to your body after pregnancy?
“During pregnancy, you have the ultimate form of tissue expansion,” explains Dr. Connolly. “It really stretches the skin, and then it all shrinks back down. Unfortunately, the skin’s ability to retract is often pretty limited.”
This is typically more evident in two places:
- Abdomen: Even if you’re fit without excess fat, you can’t overcome loose skin that can’t retract. You’re also limited in effectively addressing diastasis recti, a common condition in postpartum people in which the rectus abdominis muscles separate during pregnancy from being stretched — often resulting in a belly that “sticks out” or bulges.
- Breasts: Pregnancy, nursing, weight loss, and aging affect the contour and firmness of breasts. Especially after hormonal changes, your breasts may lose fullness, change their shape, or sag further down your body.
“Even if you eat super healthy and have a great workout routine, you can’t tighten your skin,” says Dr. Connolly. “Loose skin isn’t related to how healthy or unhealthy you are. It’s a flaw in how our skin functions, and there’s a limit to what the body can heal.”
What is a Mommy Makeover?
Plastic + Hand specializes in the Mommy Makeover in Portland, Maine.
This body contouring procedure may include the following:
Based on your goals, there can be different variations of a Mommy Makeover. You’ll discuss this more in your consultation with your Plastic + Hand surgeon.
Are you a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
While this answer begins with an in-person consultation, Dr. Connolly recommends waiting a year for a Mommy Makeover.
“It may be extra conservative, but if you take a year after finishing breastfeeding, it lets the breast tissue settle,” she explains. “This timeline also helps you get the best aesthetic results.”
As for a tummy tuck, consider waiting until you’re done having children.
“You can have a pregnancy after a tummy tuck,” says Dr. Connolly. “But you’ll be undoing the work of your abdominoplasty. Instead, save yourself recovery time and money until you feel ready.”
Make time for recovery
Typically, you’ll need about six weeks off to recover.
If you have young kids at home or typically manage the housework, you’ll need help.
“There are lifting restrictions and guidelines to help you heal after surgery,” explains Dr. Connolly. “I think a lot of women are like superheroes, and we think we can do all the things, but you need to prioritize (and plan for) the recovery your body needs. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.”
Do you have questions about a Mommy Makeover?
If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover for either cosmetic appearance or to help with medical issues, our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified Mommy Makeover surgeons in Maine.
“I think it’s important to feel good about your body, and you can do that in different ways,” says Dr. Connolly. “We’re here if you want to come in and chat more.”
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
