What Can a Mommy Makeover Include?

Plastic surgery to restore a patient’s “pre-baby” contours after childbirth has become a popular choice for patients around the country. Known as a Mommy Makeover, this suite of procedures can include everything from breast contouring to fat reduction to labiaplasty. St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons team knows that there is considerable interest in this approach to body sculpting, which can restore a youthful look and function to various features impacted by growing a baby, the birthing process, and breastfeeding.

Here is a brief look at the most popular elements of Mommy Makeover surgery in the United States today.

Breast Augmentation

Even though breastfeeding doesn’t happen until after a baby is born, changes to the breasts begin in pregnancy and continue after nursing stops. The growth of glandular tissue causes the breasts to become larger, but a reality is that they don’t always go down to the same size once milk production stops. They may become smaller, and they can often change shape as well. Breast augmentation involves the insertion of implants, the transfer of living fat cells, or both to restore volume to the breasts. This can increase their size, as well as improve their shape and symmetry.

Breast Reduction

While some patients watch as their breasts shrink, others find that they are now living with breasts that are much larger than they were before. Overly large breasts can cause clothes to not fit properly, can draw undue attention, and can create straining conditions that lead to back and neck pain. A breast reduction takes away volume so that the breasts are a more “manageable” size once again. This surgery can also help with asymmetry issues.

Breast Lift

In addition to size, breast position can change dramatically after childbirth. This is because stretched-out ligaments and skin are no longer able to hold the breasts high on the chest, which results in drooping and sagging. A breast lift will not make the breasts larger, but it can elevate them so that they appear perky once again. It can also reposition the nipples so that they no longer point directly downward.

Tummy Tuck

There is only so much room in the womb where a baby grows, so as it develops and gets larger, everything around has to move or expand as well. This can damage the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as stretch out the belly skin in a way that can’t be repaired with lifestyle changes alone. A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and lets a plastic surgeon repair the abdominal muscles to give the belly a flatter look. This procedure can also include fat removal, as well as the repositioning of the belly button as necessary.

Liposuction

Stubborn fat deposits can plague anyone, but may be especially frustrating for moms wondering why losing their “baby weight” isn’t changing the look of their belly, thighs, or buttocks. Some fat cells simply don’t want to shrink, even if a person faithfully exercises and sticks with a sensible diet. Liposuction is designed to break apart unwanted fat cells, after which they can be removed via suction.

Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty can surgically alter the labia’s shape so that patients are more comfortable with their vaginal lips. This can be appealing for patients who want to wear tight-fitting or revealing clothes on their lower half, such as yoga pants or a swimsuit. The treatment is often performed in the office with only local anesthetic!

Any and all of these surgeries—and more, including nonsurgical treatments—can be part of a Mommy Makeover. When looking into the procedure, be sure to choose a practice that has extensive experience with all of the specific elements you would want to include.

For more information about any of these elements, contact the team at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University. Call (314) 996-8800 or submit an online contact form to set up a consultation.