Finding the time to reclaim your pre-pregnancy body may feel impossible amidst all the duties of motherhood. Taking care of children is a full-time job, in addition to all of your other responsibilities. Below, Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Weinrach discusses the factors at play when making the decision to get a mommy makeover.

Time to Recover

You will need to set aside ample time to heal, and this will depend on the procedures you choose to undergo. You and your doctor will develop a recovery plan based on these procedures and your unique needs. In most cases, you will be able to return to your normal schedule after a few weeks. Here are the most common surgeries that can be combined to create a mommy makeover:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – This procedure removes excess skin and fat to firm and flatten the abdomen. It can also tighten abdominal muscles that have weakened after natural childbirth.
• Liposuction – Stubborn pockets of fat can be removed from the back, thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen using liposuction.
• Breast augmentation – Saline or silicone gel implants are used to bring back a full and youthful contour.
• Breast lift – Deflated or sagging breasts are raised to a higher position on the chest.

Weight Stability

One of the primary indicators that you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover is that you have been able to maintain a stable weight for a significant period of time. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can induce a yo-yo effect on your weight, causing you to rapidly pack on then shed the pounds. It can take several months after childbirth before women are able to return to a stable weight. Dramatic weight gain after surgery could reverse the results of the procedure.

Future Pregnancies

Although it is still safe to have children and even breastfeed after a mommy makeover, it is recommended to wait until you are finished having children before you undergo the procedures. While some women may elect to have liposuction between pregnancies, tummy tucks, breast augmentations and breast lifts are especially prone to reversal during the body changes that come along with childbearing.

If you are considering a mommy makeover procedure, discuss your candidacy with a board certified plastic surgeon. Call (480) 634-6014 to schedule a consultation with Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Weinrach.