What Is the Mommy Makeover?

Motherhood is hard. Most new moms are juggling childcare, full-time employment, household management and more. With their plates so full already, they shouldn’t have to worry about urinary incontinence during exercise or playing with their child. At Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN, we want you to know that stress urinary incontinence after childbirth is normal. But you don’t have to live with it forever. Today, we’re talking about what a mommy makeover is and how it can improve your quality of life.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a suite of customizable cosmetic procedures to help you take back the body you had before giving birth. Common procedures include Brazilian Buttock Lift with autologous fat transfer, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation (labiaplasty and non-invasive options), abdominoplasty, breast lift, breast augmentation and breast reduction.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is by far one of the most commonly performed procedures during a mommy makeover. Despite your most valiant efforts, chances are good that one of your breasts will end up smaller than the other when you are done nursing. Moreover, many women have had asymmetrical breasts their entire lives.

Because breast augmentation is completely customizable, you can achieve symmetrical fullness, even if your breasts are asymmetrical before your procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tarola will help you determine the best implant type, size and shape based on your aesthetic goals, lifestyle and other factors.

Breast Reduction

Breast reductions are also incredibly common among mothers. Some women find their breasts have become so large and heavy they experience back pain, difficulty exercising and difficulty breathing. Depending on the volume reduction you’re trying to achieve, your health insurance may cover the cost of the procedure.

Breast Lift

Many mothers choose to get a breast lift with implants to address concerns about fullness and lift. However, this procedure is also commonly performed in conjunction with breast reduction. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tarola will help you determine if you need a breast lift, breast lift with implants or breast lift with breast reduction.

The most important thing to understand when considering this procedure is this procedure will enhance the shape and size of the breasts but not accomplish upper pole fullness.

Brazilian Butt Lift

If you’re concerned about the size or shape of your posterior, a Brazilian butt lift can help. While you may receive butt implants similar to breast implants, this procedure is most often performed in conjunction with analogous fat transfer.

The advantage of analogous transfer is two-fold. First, liposuction removes excess fat from trouble areas, such as your hips or lower abdomen. This gives you more aesthetically appealing proportions. Second, using your own body fat is safer, lasts longer and looks more natural than saline or silicone butt implants.

Arm Lift and Thigh Lift

If your upper arms are stopping you from wearing your favorite tank top, consider an upper arm lift. In conjunction with liposuction, this procedure will remove excess fat and skin from your upper arm and underarm regions.

Similarly, if you feel you can’t wear your favorite shorts, consider a thigh lift. While you might be more concerned with the proportions of your breasts, waist and hips, there’s no reason why the contour of your thighs can’t be perfectly sculpted, too.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, corrects excess skin and fat, as well as weak abdominal muscles, after childbirth. Carrying a child can lead to abdominal protrusion or sagging that cannot be fixed with diet and exercise. It can lead to serious medical conditions, such as lordosis, ventral hernias and stress urinary incontinence.

What Type of Tummy Tuck Is Right for Me?

The best type of tummy tuck to achieve your aesthetic goals depends on how much your pregnancy affected you. If only your lower abdomen is protruding, but the skin above your navel is tight, a mini-tuck is right for you. If you have excess fat and skin above your belly button, too, you’ll need a full tummy tuck. If you need to address excess fat and skin around your hips, back and sides, you’ll need an extended tummy tuck.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The best candidate for a tummy tuck is a non-smoker who has not given birth within six to 12 months. Many new mothers are mentally and emotionally ready to improve their body shortly after giving birth. However, it’s important that you give your abdomen time to heal and recover from childbirth. Being a non-smoker is important because the nicotine found in cigarettes elevates your blood pressure and can affect the outcome of your procedure.

Why Should I Get Botox?

Botox is a great complement to a mommy makeover because it reduces hyperactivity in muscles, including the bladder. Two of the most common effects of having a child are stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder syndrome. Per research conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Botox can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms related to these conditions.

Abdominoplasty can be used to treat bladder control disorders. However, if you don’t need a tummy tuck, Botox is your best option. It will save you money, time under anesthesia and time in recovery.