Motherhood is a beautiful journey that many women view as being a sacred rite of womanhood. But for some women, they are dismayed to learn that this is one journey that definitely leaves its mark on the body. Motherhood might be a gift, but for the body, it can be the gift that keeps on giving. At Dr. Bruce Kadz’ practice in Beverly Hills, CA, we believe that every woman should love her body, which is why we are pleased to specialize in Mommy Makeovers.
What Is a Mommy Makeover? 5 Things to Know
1. Mommy Makeovers Are Revitalizing
In the cosmetic surgery industry, a Mommy Makeover is a term that refers to a group of treatments that are commonly used to restore a post-pregnant body to its youthful and svelte glory. You can think of these treatments and procedures as a way to revitalize your body after the enduring changes of pregnancy and post-pregnancy.
There are many benefits to this grouping of treatments. Aside from being revitalizing to the whole body, this makeover is also a huge timesaver for women who are struggling to juggle motherhood with their normal exercise routines. These treatments are also a great boost for confidence, as many women experience a drop of self-esteem after they notice the changes pregnancy makes to their bodies.
By revitalizing the body, new mothers have more time to devote to motherhood and can feel confident about the way they look. While these makeovers can be customized for every mom, there are a few common treatments.
Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that alters the size and shape of the breasts. Most breast augmentations are focused on increasing the size and correcting the shape of the breasts, but some patients opt for breast augmentations that reduce the size of the breasts. Breast augmentations are typically done by using breast implants or transferring fat into the breasts to increase the size.
Breast Lift
Breast lifts are a surgical procedure that trims excess skin from the breasts and lift the breasts into a higher position. Breast lifts help tighten the skin of the breasts and return the breasts to a perkier, more youthful position. While breast lifts are generally done by surgical methods, there are some non-surgical options that can be explored to correct mild skin laxity in the breasts, such as radiofrequency treatments.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is another surgical procedure which “tucks” the tummy into a tighter and flatter shape. Tummy tucks remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal region and can also tighten the underlying muscles to tone the shape of the lower stomach. Tummy tucks are also typically done with surgical methods like liposuction, but mild conditions can also be corrected with minimally invasive techniques.
Others
There are several other treatments that can be included in a makeover. For example, women who are concerned about the scarring from stretch marks might consider energy-based dermal treatments to reduce the appearance of scars on the breasts and stomach. Other women may be concerned with smoothing away post-pregnancy cellulite and slimming the hips, thighs, or buttocks. Women may also want to address other body changes associated with pregnancy, such as acne or hair growth, which can be corrected with treatments added to the standard makeover.
There are also women who are concerned with the more intimate changes of their body, particularly the appearance and tightness of the vagina after giving birth. For women who have natural births, vaginal rejuvenation techniques might be included in a makeover to correct any perceived feminine health concerns.
2. Mommy Makeovers Are Restorative
The most important thing to know about this makeover is that it is restorative. Above all else, pregnancy changes a woman’s body in permanent and often unexpected ways. Many women anticipate that their abdomens will expand with the growth of their child, but the reality is that there are many other changes to the body that may come as a surprise. The restorative nature of this makeover allows mothers to recapture their pre-pregnancy shape.
Common Body Changes From Pregnancy
There are many common changes in the body that comes with pregnancy. For example, many women gain additional weight over the course of a pregnancy, which can remain long after the baby is born. Pregnancy also expands the breadth of the hips, increases the size of the breasts, alters hair growth and loss, changes the texture and condition of skin, and can even affect nail growth or acne.
Why Pregnancy Changes the Body
Why does pregnancy change the body so much? Aside from the obvious, the hormonal fluctuations involved in pregnancy have a great ability to impact every aspect of a woman’s body. Many of the changes associated with pregnancy are concerned with preparing the body for birth, which is why the hips expand to make room for the birth canal. Pregnancy also changes the body to provide energy for the baby, which is why many women gain a moderate amount of weight during pregnancy.
Why Post Pregnancy Changes the Body
A woman’s body continues to change even after pregnancy. The post-pregnancy changes of the body are also concerned with supporting the baby. During pregnancy, many women notice that the size of their breasts increase as their body prepares for milk production; however, the breasts continue to change shape over the course of breast feeding. Post-pregnancy baby weight also helps store fat in the abdomen that can be burned for energy as necessary, which is why many women struggle to shed fat in that area.
3. Mommy Makeovers Are Customizable
These makeovers are incredibly customizable. It is often the case that women who are interested in this treatment do not have every treatment that is included. On the other hand, many women try to include as many treatments as possible at one time to shorten overall recovery time.
Consultation
Because this treatment is so customizable, you will need to have a consultation with Dr. Kadz to tailor your treatment plan. At your consultation, we will discuss your appearance goals as well as examine your areas of concern. We will also need to gather your general medical information, including how long it has been since you gave birth, any cosmetic treatments or surgeries you have had in the past, and any drug allergies you may have. All of this information will help Dr. Kadz determine which treatments are most suitable for you.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Before your treatment, you will be asked to follow a list of instructions to prepare for your procedures. These instructions may include directions to avoid certain medications or supplements. Instructions will also include advice to arrange for transportation on the day of your treatment.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your treatment, we will provide you with a list of instructions to help guide you through recovery. These instructions will include directions to take prescriptions, directions on how to care for treatment sites, and directions to avoid strenuous movement.
Recovery
Recovery from a series of treatments depends on the treatments themselves, but most women are fully recovered within 4 to 8 weeks following procedures. Recovery will include follow-up appointments to assess healing, as well as the possibility of additional treatments if non-surgical treatments were part of your treatment plan.
4. Mommy Makeovers Are Permanent
One huge thing to know about these makeovers is that the results are permanent. This is true of most surgical treatments because cosmetic surgeries permanently remove excess fat and skin from the body. For this kind of makeover, the results can last a lifetime.
How to Maintain Results
Maintaining the results of this makeover is usually no more involved than maintaining a healthy weight. However, it is important to note that maintaining the results of this makeover also means avoiding pregnancy after the makeover, as a new pregnancy will undo most of the work of the makeover.
Why Timing Matters
The timing of this makeover matters for several reasons. Aside from the need to maintain results, many surgeons will advise delaying the makeover until you are no longer breastfeeding and until you are fully recovered from childbirth, which can take up to 6 months or more. Timing a makeover right means that the recovery will not interfere with your life and will help ensure that your recovery is swift.
5. Mommy Makeovers Are for Everyone
These makeovers are right for every woman, whether she is a new mother or has been a mother for several years. As long as you are not currently pregnant, not planning to be pregnant again, and are no longer breastfeeding, you are probably a good candidate for this treatment.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for this treatment include any women who wants to restore the appearance of her body. You may be an ideal candidate if you want to:
- Correct the shape or size of your breasts
- Smooth the shape of your stomach
- Tighten and tone skin
- Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Renew Your Beauty With a Mommy Makeover!
The beautiful journey of motherhood doesn’t have to leave a permanent mark on your body. If you think you might enjoy a Mommy Makeover, contact Dr. Bruce Kadz in Beverly HIlls, CA to schedule your initial consultation today!
