28 Feb Why “Mommy Makeovers” aren’t JUST for Mothers
What exactly is a mommy makeover? There’s no singular answer. Instead, a so-called mommy makeover is a combination of surgeries typically desired by post-partum people to address the vast body changes that occur when bringing new life into this world. At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, we offer all surgeries most often requested in a mommy makeover including liposuction, a tummy tuck, and breast augmentation. However, as you can imagine, it’s not just post-partum people who will benefit from this winning combination. Anyone who has experienced a quick weight loss might also be a good candidate.
Tummy tucks are almost always requested in a mommy makeover and that makes perfect sense. When a person’s belly is stretched quite quickly during gestation, then immediately “deflated” after birth, you can expect plenty of skin laxity. Numerous factors play a role in how much laxity there will be post-partum, including genetics and age. As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, the key ingredients for helping skin to “snap back” after weight fluctuations. Of course, there are other times a person’s belly might experience size swings, such as after rapid weight loss.
What You’re Not Told During Weight-Loss Surgery
Whether you pursue weight loss through a surgical intervention or a dedicated change in diet and exercise, it’s exciting! It’s a great feeling to watch those pounds and inches disappear, but what is often forgotten on a weight loss journey is that fat and muscle aren’t the only factors. When our fat storages shrink, the skin doesn’t have anywhere to go. This can result in laxity and even “draping” or “skirting” in some cases. Understandably, it can be quite frustrating to achieve weight loss or your goal weight and still not feel totally comfortable in your new body.
This is where a tummy tuck can be a life-changer. Tummy tucks remove excess skin from the stomach with an incision that is easily hidden below waistbands. However, a tummy tuck isn’t just skin removal. It also strengthens the abdominal muscles and can even correct diastasis recti (a common occurrence amongst pregnant people). Clearly, a tummy tuck is a desirable surgery post-partum, but as we have seen it can also be a game-changer for those who have lost a large amount of weight in a short period of time.
Breast Augmentation Perks
Breast augmentation is the improvement of the breasts via breast implants. It is another very common request during a mommy makeover—again, for obvious reasons. Many women wait until after they are finished breastfeeding for an augmentation, but this isn’t a requirement. Many patients opt for breast augmentation and go on to have future pregnancies and breastfeeding experiences. As long as you are not actively breastfeeding, you may be a candidate for a post-partum breast augmentation.
The breasts undergo major changes during pregnancy, post-partum, and while breastfeeding. They swell, stretch, and change shape. After pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, this can lead to asymmetry and skin laxity. You might notice that the nipples point downward instead of ahead. A breast augmentation can bring back that perk.
Loving Your Body
However, just like with a tummy tuck, it is not only post-partum patients who might benefit from breast augmentation. Breasts change shape and laxity throughout our lives regardless of pregnancy or breastfeeding. Breasts are also very rarely wholly symmetrical. Breast implants can give you the look and confidence you deserve regardless of motherhood status. Today, breast implants are also highly customizable in terms of type, size, shape, placement of implants, and incision placement.
Finally, there is liposuction, the surgical removal of unwanted fat. Many people consider this very-desired surgery because the results are immediate and those fat cells can never return. Post-partum patients can of course benefit in many cases, but so can a lot of other people. After all, diet and exercise can only do so much. If you want to vanquish stubborn fat for good, liposuction is fast—both in terms of the treatment itself and recovery. Incisions are tiny, nearly invisible to the naked eye. Some minor swelling and bruising may occur, but these dissipate quickly and you can get to know and love your more svelte figure within a month after liposuction.
You don’t need to be a mama to benefit from a mommy makeover. Connect with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today to schedule your consultation for a tummy tuck, liposuction, and/or breast augmentation. Simply call the office or complete the online form.