Having a baby comes with major changes. While childbearing is an amazing experience that many women hope to have, it can come with some unwanted bodily changes. Some of these include stretch marks on the stomach or an abdomen that is distended and refuses to flatten down.
Patients may find that they develop stubborn fat in certain areas that is unresponsive to a healthy diet and exercise. Breasts may lose their volume and start to sag. Hormone changes and fluctuations in weight may also diminish their self-confidence. Thankfully, women can undergo a mommy makeover procedure to address these concerns and restore their physique to its pre-pregnancy state.
While these procedures are incredibly popular, there are certain facts surrounding them that patients may not fully understand. Knowing how long the procedure lasts and how long the results will last gives patients an idea of what to expect going forward.
How long does a mommy makeover procedure last?
All mommy makeover procedures involve multiple treatments that are performed simultaneously. Due to the fact that a mommy makeover can involve several different treatments and no two procedures are ever the same, a general time frame for the length of the procedure is hard to define.
The two procedures most often included in a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck and some form of breast surgery. A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the midsection while also tightening the underlying muscles, which may have been damaged during pregnancy.
There are various breast surgeries that women can choose from. Some women choose to undergo a breast augmentation while others will want a breast lift. In many cases, they will choose both. During the consultation, patients will have the chance to learn about both of these options and determine which one is more suitable for them.
Tummy tucks and breast procedures are just two of the various options that may be included in a mommy makeover. Other potential options include:
- Tummy tuck
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Breast lift with implant
- Breast augmentation
- Buttock augmentation
- Liposuction
- Arm lift
- Thigh lift
- Labiaplasty
The length of time that the procedure takes will ultimately depend on the procedures involved and how long it takes the doctor to perform each one. Generally speaking, mommy makeover procedures last anywhere from three to five hours. That said, they could be shorter or longer than this given the right conditions.
What is the recovery process like after a mommy makeover procedure?
As mommy makeover procedures are customized to the individual needs of every patient, recovery times will also vary depending on what treatments are involved. It is generally advised that patients take about two weeks off from work and stay home. Mothers will need to enlist the aid of a friend or family member to help them out with their children during this period. It is normal for patients to notice side effects such as swelling, tenderness, and slight bruising while the body is healing. After about two to three weeks the swelling will diminish and the final results of the procedure will start becoming visible.
How long do the results of a mommy makeover last?
The final results of a mommy makeover procedure become perceivable over a series of stages as the incisions heal and the swelling goes down. By the three-month mark, patients can start resuming some of the activities that they were unable to partake in during the initial phase of recovery. However, they must still be mindful of their condition as it can take six months to a year to make a full recovery.
Mommy makeover results can often be permanent. However, the longevity of the results can be affected by other factors that are within the patient’s control. Some of these include:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (good diet and exercise)
- Maintaining one’s weight, as weight fluctuations can ruin the results
- Cutting back on alcohol use and smoking
- Making sure not to get too much sun
- Staying in touch with the surgeon to inform them of developments
What is the takeaway?
Mommy makeover procedures enable women to restore themselves to their pre-pregnancy look. For those who are struggling with any adverse effects related to childbearing, this can be a miracle. That said, patients should be aware of what the procedure entails and what steps they must take in order to maintain their results long-term. As with any procedure, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to carry out a mommy makeover procedure is of the utmost importance.