The term “Mommy Makeover” is used quite a bit, but what does it mean? It refers to the need to reverse or improve changes, typically in the breast and abdominal areas, that have occurred due to pregnancies.
The breast can change shape from the engorgement of the breast gland with milk during and after pregnancy. The milk acts like a temporary implant; the tissue of the breast expands until milk is no longer produced and ultimately changes the resulting shape of the great. Some women like that larger shape from pregnancy and want to recreate that fullness with breast implants. Some women experience volume loss after multiple pregnancies, and use implants to restore their breasts to their original size. The skin of the breast may lose elasticity, causing sagging of the breast and/or nipple position. In this case, a breast lift with or without an implant would be necessary to restore shape and size.
The next part of the makeover is related to the counter of the torso. The abdomen, flanks and back can expand from pregnancy, causing damage to the skin and muscle layers that become irreversible. The “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, will help to correct skin laxity and stretch marks, and depending on the amount of weight gain and loss, may be extended to reduce excess skin in the flanks and back.
The Mommy Makeover varies with each patient, but typically involves both the breast and abdominal areas that are otherwise unchangeable without surgery. Most women will have these areas treated in one procedure to reduce the number of recovery periods, but personal and surgical expectations play a role in determining each personalized treatment plan. Mommy Makeovers are one of the ways that women are able to help restore body confidence after pregnancy.