Having children can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. The changes pregnancy and childbirth can have on the body, on the other hand, may not be quite as celebrated. Women who have had children may be interested in a mommy makeover, a customized set of procedures designed just for you.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington, one of the best female plastic surgeons in the region, knows firsthand how physical changes can affect a woman’s self-confidence. During your initial consultation, she’ll discuss your goals for cosmetic surgery with you and map out a plan to help you achieve your goals.
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Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about mommy makeovers, including cost. Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Plymouth has helped men and women from Sartell, Wayzata, Minnetonka, St. Cloud and across the state of Minnesota with cosmetic procedures for the face and body.
Most women who are in good overall health and have completed their families can be excellent candidates for a mommy makeover. Some of the most common reasons to consider getting a mommy makeover include:
Breasts have lost volume or become deflated due to pregnancy or nursing
Abdominal skin stretched during pregnancy
Abdominal muscles have separated, known as diastasis recti
Pregnancy and motherhood have resulted in stubborn bulges of fat that won’t go away
You wish to rejuvenate your figure
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
The procedures included in a mommy makeover depend on your personal appearance goals. Most women opt for a breast enhancement plus body contouring, but Dr. Harrington will work with you to decide the optimum combination of procedures to help you reach your appearance goals.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation increases breast volume with saline or silicone breast implants,* and is one of the most popular procedures to include with a mommy makeover. Breast augmentation incisions are usually either inside the natural crease below the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar) or in the armpit (transaxillary).
Breast Lift
Sagging breasts can be resolved with mastopexy, or a breast lift. This procedure lifts and tightens breast skin and reshapes your natural breast tissue.* Breast lift incisions usually circle the areola and continue downward vertically to the breast crease.* Breast lift surgery is frequently combined with breast augmentation.
Breast Reduction
Women whose breast size increased during and after pregnancy, or who had unwanted breast volume to begin with, may consider breast reduction surgery. Incisions for a breast reduction usually circle the areola, continue down vertically to the breast crease, and travel along the breast crease a short distance in either direction. The exact length of incisions depends on the amount of tissue being removed.
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty is the most common procedure to include in a mommy makeover. Tummy tuck incisions are placed below the bikini line so they can be easily hidden by everyday clothing.* Incisions for abdominoplasty run horizontally just above the pubic bone. The exact length depends on the extent of the procedure.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat.* Dr. Harrington will make several small incisions on and around the treatment area(s) before inserting a surgical instrument called a cannula into each incision, removing excess fat cells with suction.* For some women, CoolSculpting® may offer a non-surgical alternative to traditional liposuction.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty resizes and reshapes the labia to address both aesthetic and functional concerns.* Incisions are discreetly placed, and difficult to detect after healing.*
Your Mommy Makeover Procedure
Most mommy makeovers are same-day procedures performed at our surgery center. Some women, however, may see the best results from staging their procedures.* Mommy makeovers are performed under general anesthesia.
You should arrive at the surgical facility 1 hour prior to your procedure start time and plan to stay for 1 hour after your surgery is finished. A friend or family member will need to drive you home after you are discharged, and an adult should plan to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your mommy makeover.
Because of the customized nature of each mommy makeover, the exact length of the surgery will vary for each woman. Most women are in surgery for around 3 to 4 hours while getting their mommy makeover.* Dr. Harrington can give you a more precise estimate for your procedure length once you have developed a plan for your surgery.
In addition to the procedures listed above, some women choose to include non-surgical treatments such as cellulite treatment or BOTOX®. Dr. Harrington can help you understand each of your options and choose the best approach for your needs.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
The recovery process after a mommy makeover depends on the specific procedures included and how your body responds to surgery. Most women take 2 to 4 weeks away from work and other normal activities as their bodies heal.* Dr. Harrington may ask you to wear special post-surgical compression garments that promote blood circulation and minimize healing, and will also advise you on the best scar care.*
While you should notice a change in your body immediately after your surgery, your final results will take some time to develop.* Most women can see their final results after 6 months to 1 year, although your individual experience may vary.*
It’s important to discuss any possible risks or complications with Dr. Harrington prior to your mommy makeover. If you experience a sudden increase in pain accompanied by swelling, notify our office immediately.
Next Steps
Mommy makeover surgery specifically addresses the breast and tummy, the areas that are typically affected most by pregnancy. If you have questions or would like more information, contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your mommy makeover consultation today.
Mommy Makeover FAQ
Is a mommy makeover the best procedure for me?
A mommy makeover could be the right body contouring option for you if you have multiple trouble spots that you would like to address in a single surgical procedure. Some of the most common procedures to include in a mommy makeover are breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction and labiaplasty. A mommy makeover may not be the best solution for you if you are only looking to address one specific area or prefer a non-surgical alternative.
Is a mommy makeover painful?
You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during your mommy makeover, as this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After your mommy makeover, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort.
However, these symptoms should be fairly easy to manage with cold compresses, compression garments, rest and over-the-counter or prescription medication.
What is recovery like after a mommy makeover?
Your mommy makeover recovery experience will depend a great deal on the specific procedures you’ve chosen to include. Generally speaking, you should be able to return to work within about 2 weeks after your mommy makeover. You will need to limit physical activity for several more weeks as your body continues to heal. Your plastic surgeon will work closely with you as you gradually introduce more strenuous exercises into your daily routine over the next several weeks.
When will I see my mommy makeover results?
While you might notice some slight results directly after your mommy makeover, swelling and bruising during the initial stage of recovery can hide your results. Most women should be able to have a good idea of what their final mommy makeover results will look like around 3 months afterward. Results will continue to develop until around the 6-month mark.
How long does a mommy makeover last?
Mommy makeover results can be very long-lasting, though will, of course, depend to some extent on the procedures you’ve included. Breast implants, for example, may require a revision 10 or more years down the road, while liposuction results may be even longer-lasting when paired with healthy diet and exercise habits.
![When Can You Get Moving After a Mommy Makeover [Infographic]](https://harringtonplasticsurgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Harrington-Infographic-Dec-18-scaled.jpg)
