Mommy Makeover

Women who are unsatisfied with their bodies after having children are seeking a new and exciting procedure known as "mommy makeover surgery." It packages multiple procedures into one or two days of surgery. Mommy makeovers remove excess fat and sagging skin and re-shape and tone body areas impacted by pregnancy: vaginal, abdominal, breast, hip and buttock areas.

Being a mother is the most important and rewarding job in the world! Nevertheless, your body goes through many changes during pregnancy-swelling, weight gain, swollen breasts, stretched skin and changes in body tone. Women describe feeling foreign in their own bodies or as if they have no control over their post-pregnancy bodies. Even with diet and exercise, some women find deflated breasts, stretch marks, bulges and loose skin that leave them feeling less sexy and fit. The mommy makeover includes more than one of the following:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Tummy tuck, mini-tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Lipo body contouring
• Labiaplasty
• Vaginal rejuvenation
• Body lift
• Butt lift

This site focuses on the vaginal rejuvenation, laser vaginal rejuvenation and designer vaginal rejuvenation portion of a mommy makeover.

Vaginal Rejuvenation & Mommy Makeovers After Pregnancy

As the baby grows in the womb, and the cervix dilates, a woman's genital area is stretched and, in some cases, traumatized during pregnancy and delivery. Her vagina and genitalia are subject to lose their elasticity, tightness and tone, just like other parts of her body.

Every mom has a unique outcome after childbirth. Every body responds differently to pregnancy. Mommy makeovers are targeted to the specific needs of each mom. One mother might want a tummy tuck and breast lift, while another mom may desire to have breast implants, liposuction and a body lift. A benefit of including vaginal rejuvenation with a mommy makeover is that it is minimally invasive and requires little to no recovery period, so it can be a convenient addition to a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or other cosmetic procedure.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Mommy Makeover?

A good candidate for a mommy makeover should be in good health, have no history of serious medical conditions, and a desire to improve stubborn areas that do not respond to normal diet and exercise. Wait to have your mommy makeover until you lose most of your baby weight, when you finish nursing your child, and, most importantly, until you finish having children.

Let your surgeon know your medical conditions, all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and concerns at your initial consultation. Your surgeon will likely give you guidelines to follow before and after your makeover. Serious ailments and an unhealthy lifestyle can greatly impact the outcome of your mommy makeover surgery.

Creating Your Mommy Makeover Surgery List

The first step to achieving the desired mommy makeover results is to create a list of the areas of your body that changed after pregnancy and what you dislike about those areas. Remember, the procedure affects your body, so this list is your creation, not anyone else's.

Getting Ready For Your Mommy Makeover

Once you have found a qualified and experienced surgeon and before you schedule the procedure, you'll need to ask yourself the following questions.

Is my diet, health and weight stable?

If your weight has gone up and down like a "yo-yo," your surgeon might suggest waiting until you have reached and maintained a healthy weight for a period of time.

Am I finished breastfeeding?

Some women breastfeed their babies for more than a year after childbirth. Your surgeon will likely want to wait until you finish breastfeeding before a mommy makeover, especially if the surgery includes breast procedures.

Do I plan to have more children?

If you have the procedure and then have more children, you risk separating or tearing the vaginal muscle and tissue that was tightened during a vaginal rejuvenation surgery.

Will I be able to commit to follow my doctor's instructions?

Your doctor will ask you to stop drinking alcohol or using tobacco for several weeks before and after the surgery. This helps ensure healthy healing. He or she might also ask that you temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; these increase the risks of bleeding. Certain homeopathic and herbal supplements might also be restricted.

On the other hand, your surgeon might suggest adding herbal supplements to promote healing, such as vitamin C, bromelain, arnica and rose hips, which reduce bruising and swelling.

Mommy Makeover Procedure

Nearly all mommy makeovers require liposuction, also known as lipolysis. For the vaginal rejuvenation portion, liposuction can also be used if a woman feels there is excess fat in the mons pubis (the hairy area above the vagina). Tumescent liposuction, liposculpture, laser lipo, and laser sculpture accomplish the same results; however, the techniques, equipment and instruments vary depending on the area of the body.

Your mommy makeover surgeon will describe in detail the technique he or she will use, if liposuction is to be part of your surgery.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty corrects the size, shape and/or appearance of the outer and inner "lips," or labia, which can become enlarged, irregular or uneven as a result of the trauma during childbirth. Read more about labiaplasty by clicking here.

Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that makes the vagina itself smaller and tighter. It removes excess vaginal tissue and tightens the tissues and muscles that have loosened as a result of babies passing through the birth canal. Learn more about vaginoplasty by clicking here.

Most mommy makeovers can be accomplished in one surgical setting, but some surgeons might choose to perform a mommy makeover as two separate operations at different times.

Mommy Makeover Recovery

Every surgery is different; therefore, every woman experiences her own healing and recovery process. Your recovery depends on how many procedures you had, what those procedures entailed, whether you had general or local anesthetics, and your overall health.

Follow all pre- and post-surgical guidelines, exactly as the doctor ordered. Arrange for a driver and caretaker to drive you to and from your surgery and to care for you for at least a week, especially if your children are young.

Your doctor will prescribe medications to control nausea and pain. Fill the prescriptions before the surgery so they are ready when you return home and the anesthesia wears off.

Set up a comfortable environment for healing. Arrange your setting, so when you return home, you start the recovery process. In addition to pain medication, you might need ice packs, bandages and other items to minimize bruising, swelling, scarring and bleeding. Your surgeon will instruct you on how long you will need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

Have your surgeon's number close by in case you experience any unusual sensations; pain that is not controlled by medication; excessive swelling, bleeding or fluid loss; persistent nausea; and fever, chills or dizziness. Other red flags include: unusual heartbeat, fainting, chest pain and shortness of breath.

You will be given instruction for changing dressings, wearing compression garments and bathing. The recovery period for vaginal rejuvenation surgery is typically shorter than other procedures; however, your down time will depend on all of the components of your mommy makeover.

You will see your surgeon within a week when he or she will check your healing and incision sites. You'll schedule subsequent follow-ups so your surgeon can follow the outcome of your mommy makeover over the following months.

Learn More About Vaginal Rejuvenation

If your list includes vaginal rejuvenation, use this site to learn more about the procedure. Discuss your desired outcomes with your doctor. Your surgeon will help you create realistic expectations and develop a plan of action for your mommy makeover surgery and recovery. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after having your last baby before scheduling any cosmetic operation. Your body needs time to heal after childbirth!

Mommy Makeover Cost & Benefits

The costs vary depending on how many procedures and the extent of each procedure that will be performed. Having multiple procedures increases surgical, anesthesiology and clinic usage, as well as other fees associated with a mommy makeover.

In general, the cost of mommy makeover surgery includes these fees:

• Surgeon
• Anesthesia
• Breast augmentation or implant devices
• Operating room
• Hospital (if applicable)
• Medication
• Special bandages and compression garments

Risks Of Mommy Makeover Surgery

Any invasive procedure poses risks that are affected by anesthesia, the number of procedures and the patient's overall health. Prolonged and multiple surgeries can increase these risks:

• Adverse reactions to medications and anesthetics
• Infection
• Healing complications
• Bleeding and bruising
• Cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Vascular issues and deep vein thrombosis
• Need for revision surgery
• Unsatisfactory results

Your pre-operative plan will help you optimize your outcomes. After surgery, allow yourself plenty of time to recover. Rest and give your body time to heal.

Locate A Mommy Makeover Surgeon

If you are interested in mommy makeover surgery, locate a surgeon in your area using our directory. Our guide navigates you to surgeons who can help you look and feel your best!