Mommy Makeover

There are few events in life as rewarding and as gratifying as building a family. For mothers, however, having one or more children can cause significant changes to the body. These changes occur for a number of reasons that are natural side effects of pregnancy and birth. Hormones, weight gain, fluid retention, weight loss, gravity, and breastfeeding can all cause changes to the body. 

Dr. Neil J. Zemmel has been dedicated to helping mothers achieve their pre-pregnancy bodies since 2004. At his practice, Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, he is pleased to offer a number of solutions to these problems. Women may be comforted in knowing that it is now possible to turn back the clock on these physical changes with the mommy makeover.

• What Is a Mommy Makeover?
• Mommy Makeover Candidates
• Mommy Makeover Procedures
• Mommy Makeover Preparation
• Mommy Makeover Recovery
• Mommy Makeover Scars
• Mommy Makeover Cost
• Additional Mommy Makeover FAQs

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover involves a combination of procedures that target areas like the breast, abdomen, flanks, and thighs to bring you back to your youthful, pre-pregnancy state. Dr. Zemmel believes the mommy makeover is part cosmetic surgery and part reconstructive surgery. He strives to provide the most natural and proportional results while avoiding an “overdone” look. This comprehensive treatment plan can include procedures like breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, and more.

Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Most women experience one or more of the following after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding:

• Sagging and deflation of the breasts
• Enlargement of the nipple and areola
• Excess skin and stretch marks of the abdominal wall
• Fatty deposits around the waist, flanks, and thighs
• Muscle laxity of the abdominal wall (rectus diastasis)
• Changes to the belly button
• Facial wrinkling and aging

During your consultation, your surgeon will listen to your concerns and perform a physical exam to determine the areas that can be enhanced with surgery. Based on this information, he will work with you to create a custom mommy makeover plan that can help you achieve your desired results.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Consist Of?

Since every mommy makeover is tailored to the patient’s specific goals and desires, the treatment plan may look different from one mother to the next. Below is a comprehensive overview of the procedures offered at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery that can be part of a mommy makeover treatment plan: 

• Breast Surgery
• Body Surgery
• Facial Surgery
• Skin Treatments

Breast Surgery

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women are sad to lose the fullness achieved during pregnancy. They may be left with breasts that they do not recognize. These changes can include loss of volume and sagging of the breasts, enlargement of the areola, and downward pointing of the nipples. A number of options exist for rejuvenating the breasts: 

Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants may be necessary to restore lost volume of the breast when tissue has atrophied. Oftentimes the breast has simply “deflated.” If there is not too much excess skin and the nipple is located in the proper position on the breast, a breast implant may be all that is needed. Dr. Zemmel offers both silicone and saline implants depending on the patient’s desires and the soft tissue characteristics of the breast and chest wall. For patients preferring silicone, new generations of cohesive gel implants are now approved by the FDA, which patients have praised for their superior natural look and feel. 

Breast Lift

For breasts that are sagging and drooping with excess skin and nipples facing downward, a breast lift may be an effective option for correcting stretched and weakened connective breast tissues and skin, especially for women with smaller breasts. This procedure can be beneficial to reposition the breasts and nipple-areolas higher on the chest wall and to firm the encompassing skin for a more youthful appearance. 

Breast Lift with Implants

When a mother desires breasts with fuller volume or a larger shape and size in addition to repositioning the breasts and eliminating excess skin, a breast lift with implants can enhance the breasts’ size, shape, and position on the chest wall. This can be an ideal treatment to improve the appearance of breasts that have experienced physical changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding for a complete rejuvenation. 

Body Surgery

Tummy Tuck

After pregnancy and childbirth, mothers may notice that their abdomen is fuller and laxer than it used to be. This “pouch” may be a combination of excess skin, fat, stretch marks, and a distorted belly button. Although it is possible for some individuals to achieve aesthetic improvement in the midsection post-labor with a healthy diet and regular exercise, many mothers still struggle to enhance the abdominal area. In particular, excess skin containing stretch marks and stretched/torn abdominal muscles typically do not respond to exercise and must be surgically treated. A tummy tuck procedure is the most common solution for these mothers once they are finished having a family. A tummy tuck removes excess, lax skin from the lower abdomen, tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, and brings the belly button out through a new opening. Dr. Zemmel’s patients typically enjoy a remarkable return of their flat, tight, pre-pregnancy abdomen.

Liposuction

Liposuction can be used to target areas susceptible to pockets of fat accumulated after pregnancy that may be resistant to diet and exercise alone, especially in the abdomen, waist, back, hips, buttocks, upper arms, and neck/chin. By suctioning targeted fat cells through small incisions using a very thin tube called a cannula, this versatile procedure can help create slimmer, smoother contours and a more proportional body shape. Each treatment is customized with the patient’s aesthetic goals in mind and can be performed virtually anywhere on the body.

Facial Surgery 

Years of sleepless nights may hasten signs of aging in the face and cause drooping of the upper eyelids and forehead. Your friends may wonder if you are getting enough sleep even when you feel rested. Fortunately, there are effective procedures that can provide a more youthful, refreshed aesthetic, and they range from minimally invasive to surgical options:

Eyelid Surgery

When patients have hooding of the upper eyelids or bags under their eyes, they are typically good candidates for eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty). Eyelid surgery can address these issues by removing excess skin on the upper lids and diminishing signs of puffy or baggy skin in the lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty requires a 5- to 7-day recovery, but the improvements can be long-lasting and substantial. The scars are minimal and patients may return to work within a few days of surgery. 

Brow Lift

A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is designed to reduce signs of wrinkles, smooth frown lines, and shift eyebrows to a subtly higher, more youthful position for a reinvigorated appearance. Even when not part of a mommy makeover, brow lifts are often combined with eyelid surgery and injectables for an overall refreshed look that can turn back signs of facial aging.

Injectables

Injectables and dermal fillers, such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM^®, are both popular options for restoring a revived and youthful appearance. These non-surgical treatments can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles (such as crow’s feet and lipstick lines), add volume to facial features, and improve facial contours, ultimately serving as a refreshing complement to other rejuvenating procedures in your mommy makeover. 

Skin Treatments

The mommy makeover is not limited to surgical procedures—we are very proud to offer our mommies a full range of the latest in minimally invasive aesthetic treatments from our medical spa, including: 

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments can be very effective in diminishing post-baby C-section scarring, removing noticeable leg veins, regrettable sun damage, and that tattoo that you just don’t want to explain to a three year old. All laser treatments are performed by Dr. Zemmel.

Skin Care Products

To nourish and maintain the results of cosmetic enhancements, professional-grade skin care products can contribute to the long-term success of optimizing your outcome. By establishing a custom-tailored skin care plan with our expert team using only the highest-quality ingredients, your skin can thrive with a healthier glow and more youthful complexion. 

Skin Rejuvenation

Our practice offers a broad range of rejuvenation options for patients to incorporate into their mommy makeover plans, including resurfacing treatments, microneedling, radiofrequency energy, chemical peels, and micropeels. Each of these procedures can address various concerns, such as uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and mild scarring. Many options can provide deep exfoliation, an increase in the production of new collagen and elastin, and other benefits to the health and appearance of the skin.

How Should I Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?

Preparing for mommy makeover surgery can help to ensure a smoother, more comfortable recovery. At least 6 weeks before your scheduled surgery, it is important that you cease smoking and tobacco use, as this can impair healing. You should also avoid any blood-thinning medications or supplements approximately 2 weeks before surgery, such as aspirin or vitamin E. Before the day of surgery, you should fill your prescriptions, stock your pantry with nutritious foods, and ensure your home is set up in a way that will allow you to relax. Arranging for help with childcare for the first couple weeks is also important for helping you not exert yourself too much. More details about how you should prepare for your unique combination of cosmetic surgeries will be discussed with you before your procedure.

What Is Recovery After a Mommy Makeover Like?

Due to the unique nature of the mommy makeover treatment plan, recovery will vary based on the specific procedures involved and the number of operations performed. For most mommy makeovers, patients can expect some degree of soreness, swelling, and bruising at the surgical areas. Your surgeon may recommend special compression garments to promote healing and reduce swelling. In addition to allowing yourself adequate rest, oral pain medication can be taken to help manage any discomfort you experience throughout your recovery.

To help make your recovery as easy as possible, Dr. Zemmel advises that patients arrange for help around the house and with young children as they begin to heal. You should avoid strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects for about six weeks, depending on the procedures you undergo. More personal information about your recovery, including detailed post-operative instructions, will be communicated with you prior to your procedure so you can make the necessary arrangements.

What Will My Mommy Makeover Scars Look Like?

As with any surgical procedure, mommy makeover surgeries will result in some degree of scarring. Dr. Zemmel takes great care to place incisions in natural creases and other areas that are easy to conceal. The location of mommy makeover scars will ultimately depend on the types of procedures being performed and the specific incision techniques used. Patients will be given detailed post-operative care instructions that cover wound care. At first scars may appear red and raised, but they should gradually lighten, soften, and become flatter over time as the body heals. Laser treatments can often be used to further minimize any residual scarring.

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

The mommy makeover procedure can range anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 for most patients. The cost will ultimately depend on which procedures are performed and the complexity of these surgeries. In addition, the expertise of your plastic surgeon, location of the practice, and any related fees will affect the total amount you can expect to pay. When you come in for your consultation, our team can provide you with a cost quote based on your customized treatment plan. Should you be interested in plastic surgery financing, we would be happy to help you navigate your options.

Additional FAQs About the Mommy Makeover

When Is the Best Time for a Mommy Makeover?

Ideal timing for a mommy makeover will depend on multiple factors that vary for each individual. Dr. Zemmel typically recommends patients wait at least six months after giving birth to undergo their procedure(s). Doing so allows the body enough time to recover and return to its natural weight. Mothers can choose to undergo their mommy makeover at this time, or they can wait several years down the road, if they desire. As long as they have recovered from pregnancy and breastfeeding, they can often be considered a good candidate.

Dr. Zemmel also advises patients to wait until they have completed their families before undergoing their mommy makeover. While the different procedures should not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future, having more children can compromise their surgical results, creating the need for a follow-up surgery.

What Age Is Too Old for a Mommy Makeover?

There is no maximum age that a woman needs to be under in order to undergo mommy makeover surgery. Candidacy depends more on their eligibility for the procedure. For instance, your goals and general health will factor into whether you will be recommended mommy makeover procedures. Patients even into their 60s and older can get plastic surgery procedures to address changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth decades prior. The only way to determine if you are a good candidate will be to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.

Will Insurance Cover My Mommy Makeover?

Insurance providers typically do not offer coverage for the mommy makeover. Common procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast lifts are not considered medically necessary and, therefore, are not covered. However, if you have breast reduction surgery, this can sometimes be deemed a necessary solution for chronic medical issues and be eligible for insurance coverage. 

Will My Mommy Makeover Procedures Need to Be Done Separately?

In many cases, patients can undergo their mommy makeover procedures within one operation, which can be more convenient and cost-effective. However, depending on the types of procedures you need and the extent of your surgical plan, it is possible you may need your mommy makeover separated into multiple operations. If this is recommended, it is likely to minimize your risk of unnecessary complications.

When Can I Drive After My Mommy Makeover?

Depending on the specific procedures included in your mommy makeover, you will most likely not be able to drive for several days after surgery. Most patients can typically return to driving after about 7 to 10 days, but it is a good idea to bring someone with you the first time, in case you do not feel well. If you are on narcotic pain medications, you will not be able to drive until you have stopped taking them. Our team will provide you with a more realistic timeline of what you can expect.

How Long Until Swelling is Gone After Mommy Makeover?

Swelling is a normal part of the recovery from a mommy makeover. The most significant swelling you experience should subside after about one week, and most of your remaining swelling should fade over the course of two to three months. Some residual swelling can last six months to a year after surgery. To help control swelling, you may want to sleep in an elevated position, and you should wear the recommended post-operative compression garments.

How Soon Can I Exercise After My Mommy Makeover?

Light exercise can help facilitate healing after your mommy makeover, but you should make sure not to overdo it as your body is recovering. Pay attention to how you feel, and if you think you are ready, start with light walking and gradually incorporate other activities. Patients often feel comfortable enough to briskly walk and ride a stationary bike after one week, and six weeks after surgery, many women start lifting light weights. You should avoid exerting yourself too much with strenuous exercises, like sit-ups and jogging, until you are approximately eight weeks into your recovery.

How Soon Can I Have Sex After Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Resuming sexual activity with your partner after mommy makeover surgery will be different for every patient, but in general, Dr. Zemmel recommends waiting at least 2 to 3 weeks, if not longer. Those who undergo tummy tuck surgery as part of their procedure may need to wait an additional two weeks. These limitations are designed to ensure your body has enough time to heal and minimize your risk of incision problems or other complications. Your surgeon will provide you with more details about your recovery before your surgery, such as when you can resume physical activity and intimacy.

For more information about the mommy makeover process, or if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Zemmel to learn which procedures can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today.