What changes after childbirth? Everything. That’s why the much-loved Mommy Makeover is getting a much-needed update, to take a 360-degree approach to restoration that considers every way childbirth and new motherhood impacts us. From the body differences caused by pregnancy to the facial changes we see in those first few exhausting months, motherhood isn’t just one change, it’s a hundred thousand.
And it’s time to approach the Mommy Makeover with that in mind.
A Traditional Mommy Makeover
“We normally think of a Mommy Makeover as a combination of a few procedures,” explains Wichita, KS plastic surgeon Amy Sprole, MD. “Almost always a tummy tuck is involved, and usually a breast procedure.”
Diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles, affects about half of all pregnant women. And while the appearance of this separation can improve in the first few months following childbirth, a surgical restoration is often necessary.
Additionally, changes occur to the breast during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This can result in a different size and/or shape, loss of volume or laxity that can be remedied with a number of procedures. Breast augmentations in a Mommy Makeover can include a lift, fat grafting, implants or even a reduction.
“But these aren’t the only areas that are impacted by childbirth or childrearing,” Dr. Sprole says.
A Total Body Approach
Not every change that occurs during pregnancy and childbirth is obvious.
“Labiaplasty is also a very popular addition to the Mommy Makeover,” Dr. Sprole explains. “For some women, if they have exaggerated hypertrophy of the inner labia, where they are large compared to the outer labia, that can become physically uncomfortable. Clothing or certain activity can cause pain, friction and irritation.”
Dr. Sprole’s technique hides any scarring in the natural folds, creating a completely natural look.
“The technique used by gynecologists will likely always look surgical,” she explains. “Whereas what we can do is virtually scarless.”
The 360 Mommy Makeover
“But not all those changes are the direct impact of having babies, like the tummy and breasts,” Dr. Sprole explains. “In that time, you’re also exhausted and sleep deprived. So, women will notice this facial aging all of a sudden and feel like they’ve suddenly aged by years in just a few months.”
That’s why Dr. Sprole has incorporated a range of facial treatments and procedures into her Mommy Makeover approach.
“Alongside addressing the changes to the face, we’re also taking the time to fully address the body as a whole,” Dr. Sprole explains. “I could give you a tummy tuck and your result could be fantastic, but if it’s not in balance with your thighs or your breast, you may not feel as good about your result. Or worse, you may start to fixate on those other body parts rather than just feeling good about yourself.”
The goal of a makeover is to make you feel your best, which takes a 360-degree approach.
“We tend to be our own worst critics,” Dr. Sprole says. “And I find that this 360-degree method really gives patients freedom from those negative criticisms they have of themselves. It gives them the ability to really see how beautiful they are.”
When Should I Get a Mommy Makeover?
In the first few months following the birth of your child, it’s unlikely you’ll be thinking of anything else.
“Most women after having a baby are very focused on the care of others,” Dr. Sprole says. “And then they wake up one day and realize that everything has changed.”
When that ‘one day’ happens, you may ask yourself if it’s too soon to get started on your 360-degree Mommy Makeover. Dr. Sprole advises allowing your body to return to a stable place before scheduling any procedures.
“You want to be done breastfeeding for at least three months,” she explains. “That allows the breast size to stabilize, ensuring the milk has dried up.”
The same is true of your post-pregnancy weight: it should be stable and as close to your pre-pregnancy as possible. And you want to maintain that weight for about six months to be considered stable.
“Ideally you get back to a pre-pregnancy level of fitness,” Dr. Sprole says. “Of course, many women find that nearly impossible, and they look to surgery to help with the process. But we want patients to do as much as they can with diet, exercise and lifestyle.”
