What's a Mommy Makeover and Why Is This the Time to Get It?

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Donna Stark

Most people don’t have any trouble bouncing back after a grueling marathon. But for women who have entered the marathon of motherhood, getting back to their pre-pregnancy body isn’t as easy as one might think. This is mostly because, unlike a 26.2-mile run, this particular marathon is never-ending. From sleepless nights to insatiable cravings to incredibly low energy, this type of race certainly leaves a mark. And not always in a good way. While those little bundles of joy can bring immeasurable happiness to our lives, they can also bring changes to the body that some women never knew could change.

If you are a mom who is looking for a little bit of help in getting your body back to what it was before you had a screaming child latched onto it, you may want to consider getting a mommy makeover. Many women have. Here’s what it’s all about.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is like hitting a button that takes you back to the days when your body didn’t sag, droop, or carry extra weight. It’s a way to tighten, lift, and sculpt your body back into the shape you used to be in, or into a shape you now want to be in. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor is it always a single procedure. The term “mommy makeover” encompasses a variety of surgical procedures that you and a reputable plastic surgeon will decide on. Some women even choose to incorporate nonsurgical treatments to help achieve their desired results. Here is a sampling of the procedures that are often included in mommy makeovers.

• Breast augmentation - Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause breasts to lose volume and become asymmetrical. A breast augmentation will increase cup size and improve shape.
• Breast lift - Breasts may also start to sag and droop after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A breast lift can help by removing excess skin and lifting the position of the breasts.
• Tummy tuck - Tummy tucks are great for those who can’t seem to lose the dreaded tummy pooch through diet and exercise alone and are looking for some serious skin tightening in that area.
• Liposuction - Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed for fat reduction and body contouring. It targets those stubborn pockets of fat in the tummy area, thighs, buttocks, and arms.

Of course, you can also choose non-invasive procedures for your mommy makeover. Treatments such as Botox, fillers, microneedling, or microdermabrasions can help soften wrinkles, remove deep facial lines, minimize stretch marks, and even out skin tone. Whatever your personalized makeover includes, you will be sure to see dramatic results very quickly.

What Is the Healing and Recovery Process Like?

It’s important to keep in mind that many of these treatments are surgical procedures and will require a good amount of time for your body to fully heal and recover. Although your incisions will be covered with gauze or bandages, you still need to keep an eye on their progress and follow all of your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for them. More than likely, you may also be required to wear some type of compression garment to help manage swelling. If you experience an increase in pain, shortness of breath, or unusual heartbeats, or if you have any other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor’s office. They would prefer to hear from you as soon as possible.

Is Winter the Best Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?

Although you can schedule a consultation for plastic surgery procedures at any time of the year, many women believe that winter is the best time for mommy makeovers. This is because you are more likely to be active and less covered up in the summer. Most mommy makeover procedures require you to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Since the winter is widely known as the time to “hibernate,” very few will question why you are choosing to stay indoors. If you do go out, winter weather calls for plenty of layers, which are great for hiding your bandages and compression garments. Additionally, the cooler temperatures of winter can significantly help with the swelling and bruising associated with your procedures.

Another reason winter is the best time is that if you have been good all year, you may even be able to convince Santa to give you the gift of a mommy makeover!

What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?

While there is no question that motherhood is highly worthwhile, many women are less than thrilled to witness the resulting changes to their bodies. Some women succeed in getting their body back to its pre-pregnancy state on their own, but others may struggle to do so, whether it be health issues or a lack of time and support that blocks them. The reasons for getting a mommy makeover are highly personal, but the benefits are shared by many. Here are just a few.

• Mental health - Most women experience a significant boost in their self-confidence, which can help reduce a lot of stress and anxiety in social situations. They may also develop a mindset that prioritizes self-care.
• Physical health - Mommy makeovers can also improve your overall physical health. They may help minimize low back and neck pain, reduce the risk of health complications from excess weight and other postpartum medical issues, and improve poor posture.

Speaking of posture, it’s always a good idea to visit The Joint Chiropractic when your body is fully recovered. The adjustments you receive will complement the efforts you put into improving your body and will help raise the bar even more when it comes to the new lifestyle you have designed for yourself.

Where to Start?

The marathon of motherhood is only beginning but if you want to look and feel your best throughout it, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified, reputable, and experienced plastic surgeon. This is a life-changing decision, so you need to do your due diligence. It’s the only way you will be able to make all the right choices for both yourself and your family, and you want to be wary of taking any short cuts.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.