We hear plenty of questions related to Mommy Makeovers at our Chicago-area offices. Happily, Dr. John Q. Cook and the Whole Beauty Institute team have plenty of answers!
Read on to learn some of the most frequently asked questions from patients, as well as the explanations that can shed more light on the strategy for restoring pre-baby body contours.
Is a Mommy Makeover a Single Surgery?
Patients who have heard of discrete procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction often wonder what exactly a Mommy Makeover accomplishes. In fact, a Mommy Makeover is not a single procedure, but is a customized combination of surgical strategies custom chosen for each patient.
What Can a Mommy Makeover Include?
The most common elements of a Mommy Makeover focus on addressing the size, shape, and position of the breasts, loose skin on the abdomen, and isolated pockets of excess fat.
Breast augmentation can involve increasing breast size with implants, fat transfer, or both. A breast lift elevates sagging breasts so that they sit higher on the chest, and can reposition the nipples so that they do not point downward. Breast reduction can reduce the size of the breasts if they are out of proportion to the body and will also bring the breast to a better position.
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck focuses on shaping the belly area by excising lax skin, removing stubborn fat cells, and repairing the abdominal muscles as necessary.
Liposuction is surgical fat reduction that can be applied all over the body, from the abdomen to the hips and thighs to the butt. This is ideal for sculpting natural-looking slimmer contours. In some patients, the effects of liposuction can be enhanced with radiofrequency tightening devices.
Childbirth can also negatively impact the vaginal area by stretching tissues and changing the look and feel of the labia and more. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are also available as potential elements of a Mommy Makeover.
Why Do Patients Choose a Mommy Makeover?
Every person is different, but the most commonly cited reasons patients share for deciding on a Mommy Makeover include a desire to improve their self-image and self-esteem by reclaiming pre-pregnancy contours, the appeal of choosing which specific parts of their body they would like to target for contouring, and the fact that results are not temporary, but can be enjoyed long-term—especially with proper diet, regular exercise, and other good habits. Many people find that their renewed sense of confidence after a Mommy Makeover motivates them to continue making positive and healthy changes in their life.
What Sort of Recovery Period Is Needed After a Mommy Makeover?
Since Mommy Makeover surgeries are highly customizable, the healing process and down time after will depend on the procedure’s unique specifics. In general, however, patients should plan for about two to six weeks of recovery time.
How Do I Get Going with a Mommy Makeover of My Own?
Simply put, reach out to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook and the Whole Beauty Institute team for a consultation! Patients can contact the office online, or call the Winnetka office at 847-446-7562 or the Chicago office at 312-751-2112.