After pregnancy, the body typically doesn’t return to its pre-baby shape on its own. A mommy makeover, a combination of surgical procedures, can restore the appearance of a woman’s body after pregnancy.
Mommy makeovers may include procedures like a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction, and more and more women want to know their surgical options after the childbearing phase of their life.
The timing of a mommy makeover is important, and at Nashville Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Cash can help you create a personalized mommy makeover plan for natural-looking results that will help you feel like yourself again.
Understanding the Physical Changes After Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles separate, your skin stretches, and fat gets distributed to the abdomen, back, and thighs. The breasts also enlarge to prepare for milk production.
After birth, the uterus can take up to six weeks to return to its pre-pregnancy size. Once the breasts shrink after milk supply dwindles, they may sag or feel smaller than they used to. Pregnancy changes the body in many ways, and it’s important to wait until you’re fully recovered before you consider a mommy makeover.
When Is the Best Time for a Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Cash recommends waiting at least six months after pregnancy to get a mommy makeover. She also suggests waiting six months after you finish breastfeeding.
Why? It takes that long for your body to heal and stabilize after pregnancy and breastfeeding, so giving yourself enough time to recover from the physical toll of pregnancy and breastfeeding can ensure better surgical results.
It’s also a good idea to wait until you are finished having children before you consider a mommy makeover. Further pregnancies can re-stretch skin and undo the effects of some procedures.
What Is the Best Age to Have a Mommy Makeover?
Your age doesn’t hold the same importance as other markers of readiness for a mommy makeover. Some women are done having children in their twenties, while others finish their last pregnancy in their early 50s. You’re never too old to reclaim a pre-pregnancy body for increased confidence and self-esteem.
Emotional and Lifestyle Readiness: Beyond Physical Healing
Beyond physical healing, it’s important to be emotionally ready for a mommy makeover. Choosing cosmetic surgery after pregnancy is a deeply personal decision, and the best candidates have realistic expectations and a strong support system.
Mommy makeovers are performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. Recovery typically takes between four and six weeks, and you may need help with daily tasks during that time.
To pave the way for a smooth recovery, make sure you have plenty of help lined up after surgery. You will need support with childcare, meal prep, and errands while you heal.
Risks of Rushing a Mommy Makeover
If you get a mommy makeover too soon after pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may not get the results you hoped for. Premature surgery can increase your risk of infection, poor healing, and disappointing aesthetic outcomes.
For example, if you get a breast lift before your breasts have returned to their pre-pregnancy size, they will continue to shrink after surgery and may sag despite your procedure. However, if you wait until your breasts have returned to their baseline, you’ll see much perkier lift results.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Mommy Makeover in Nashville?
Excellent mommy makeover candidates have a stable, healthy weight, are in good overall health, have no breast masses, and do not smoke.
You may benefit from a mommy makeover if:
- You have smaller or flatter breasts than you would like
- Your breasts are asymmetrical or a different size
- You have excess skin and fat around your abdomen, hips, buttocks, or thighs
- You want a more youthful, fitter body
Dr. Cash can help you discover if you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover during your consultation at his Nashville office.
Ready to Reclaim Your Pre-Pregnancy Confidence? Book a Consultation Today
Every woman needs personalized guidance to address her goals and desires, and choosing your mommy makeover surgeon holds vital importance. You want to choose a surgeon board-certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only valid board certification for a plastic surgeon.
Dr. Cash holds certifications from the ABPS and the American Board of Surgery. As one of the top mommy makeover surgeons in Nashville, he can help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this procedure and the optimal timeline for your situation.
During consultations at our Nashville office, each patient is treated with respect and attention. Dr. Cash listens to your goals, thoughtfully answers questions, and provides the information you need to make a confident decision. If you’re ready to explore your mommy makeover options, contact Nashville Plastic Surgery online or by calling (615) 454-2271 today.