While many women dream of growing and nurturing a child, the significant physical changes that accompany pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childbirth can eclipse the bliss you feel when you cuddle your baby. A mommy makeover in Annapolis, MD, can help you restore and enhance your postpartum figure. Still, the most crucial part of any surgery is extensive preparation to ensure satisfaction with your results.
A mommy makeover is an umbrella term for any combination of surgeries that target the areas most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as the breasts and abdominal region. Since every mommy makeover is unique to the patient, you’ll need detailed guidance from a qualified plastic surgeon to prepare for your surgery and take care of yourself during your recovery.
While Dr. Claire S. Duggal and her team will provide you with detailed instructions about your personalized care before and after your mommy makeover, the following information will give you an idea of what to expect during your aesthetic journey.
What Is a Mommy Makeover, and What Does It Involve?
A mommy makeover refers to any combination of surgeries designed for a woman’s body. For example, you may wish to elevate and enhance your breasts, reduce and eliminate unwanted fat, or correct overly large labia.
Childfree women can also benefit from getting a mommy makeover. Any woman with concerns about physical changes due to weight fluctuations and aging can be a good candidate for this surgery.
A mommy makeover can resolve the following aesthetic concerns:
- Sagging, drooping, or deflated breasts
- Downward-pointing nipples that fall below the breast creases
- Stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise
- Excess abdominal flab that creates a wrinkled and pouchy look.
- Stretch marks or cesarean section incision scarring across your abdomen
- Poor posture or back pain that may occur from weakened abdominal muscles
- Enlarged labia
Dr. Duggal recognizes that every patient is different, so she’ll customize your mommy makeover according to your concerns.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
The best mommy makeover candidates are in good overall health, at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, and understand the potential surgical risks.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Duggal will take time to listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that fulfills your aesthetic and functional goals. She will ask detailed questions about your health history and may ask you to stop taking specific medications or supplements, or get a screening such as a mammogram.
How Do You Choose the Right Mommy Makeover Surgeon?
Since a mommy makeover is a combination of surgeries, it is an intensive procedure that requires the expertise and skills of a qualified plastic surgeon. By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring and rejuvenation, you can decrease your risk of complications or dissatisfying results while meeting your aesthetic and functional goals.
Look for the following qualities when searching for a mommy makeover surgeon.
- Board certification
- Experience
- A warm, friendly personality
- References and before-and-after photos from previous patients
- Hospital privileges
- An aesthetic philosophy that aligns with yours
At Sandel Duggal Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Duggal fulfills all these requirements and more. All our patients benefit from having their surgeries performed at our West Annapolis Surgery Center, an AAAASF-accredited facility that meets the highest standards of care and safety.
What Are the Different Procedures Involved in a Mommy Makeover?
You may opt to include the following surgeries in your customized mommy makeover.
Breast Lift
During a breast lift, Dr. Duggal will remove excess skin and tissue from sagging or wrinkled breasts, reposition drooping nipples, and reduce the size of enlarged areolas. The surgery will move your breasts to a higher, more youthful position on your chest wall.
Breast Augmentation
The goal of a breast augmentation is to enhance your breast size and shape with implants. The saline or silicone implants used during surgery are long-lasting and can help you maintain your ideal breast proportions for years to come.
Liposuction
With liposuction, Dr. Duggal removes unwanted fat from targeted areas through a cannula and a specialized suction machine. Then, she sculpts the treatment area to give it a more toned appearance.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin from your abdomen and tightens weakened or separated core muscles to give you a stronger, more contoured abdominal profile. Besides improving your posture and relieving back pain, the procedure can also help revise stretch marks and C-section incision scarring in some cases.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty surgery aims to improve your comfort by making your anatomy more discreet. This procedure can enhance your self-esteem and confidence in your most intimate area.
How Do You Prepare for Your Mommy Makeover Consultation?
The best way to prepare for a confidential plastic surgery consultation is to do your homework about your desired procedures and write down a list of questions to ask your surgeon. Remember, there is no such thing as a frivolous or silly question to ask when you’re considering such a transformative decision.
After your initial consultation, Dr. Duggal may ask you to complete the following steps.
- Get lab tests such as blood work to assess your health.
- Receive a medical evaluation in conjunction with your lab tests.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications or other medicines that may heighten risks during your surgery or recovery.
- Quit smoking at least four weeks before your surgery.
- If necessary, look into financing options to make your dreams more attainable.
While the planning phase for a mommy makeover is straightforward, Dr. Duggal and her team understand it is a unique experience for you. With your primary physician’s guidance, we’ll help you figure out which medications you need to adjust and remain available to answer any questions that may occur to you in the days leading up to your surgery.
What Should You Expect During Your Mommy Makeover Procedure?
On the day of your mommy makeover, our medical team will help you prepare for surgery once you arrive at our state-of-the-art facility. When you are resting comfortably under general anesthesia, Dr. Duggal will make the appropriate incisions and take all the steps laid out in your tailored mommy makeover treatment plan.
To complete your mommy makeover, Dr. Duggal will carefully close and bandage the incisions. You will then move to a comfortable recovery room, where you’ll wake up a short time later.
A mommy makeover is an outpatient procedure, so you won’t have to stay in the surgical center overnight. You can go home the same day and continue your recovery according to the post-op instructions Dr. Duggal and her team provide.
How to Prepare for Recovery After a Mommy Makeover
Take these steps to get ready for a more comfortable mommy makeover recovery.
- Request time off work.
- Ensure a friend or family member can drive you home from the surgical center.
- Arrange for someone to help with household chores and child care for at least the first few days after your surgery.
- If you smoke, quit. Cigarettes, vape pens, and other nicotine-containing products will slow your healing by impeding circulation.
- Ask your surgical team to clarify any uncertainties about your post-operative instructions, including what prescription or OTC medications you need to take, how to care for your incisions, and when to return for follow-up appointments.
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Mommy Makeover?
Everyone heals at a different rate, so be patient; don’t try to rush through your recovery. You may feel fatigued, especially in the early days. Listen to your body and rest when you need it. You might want to set up a comfortable space with plenty of pillows, blankets, and entertainment options. Don’t forget to keep water nearby so you can stay hydrated.
Depending on the surgical procedures you opt to combine in your mommy makeover, you could need to take up to two weeks off work. During this time, follow Dr. Duggal’s instructions for managing pain, swelling, and bruising. While you should avoid strenuous exercise until Dr. Duggal clears you to do so, you can take gentle walks to speed healing and stimulate your circulation.
Typically, swelling and bruising take three to four months to completely disappear. Once you completely heal, you can appreciate the full extent of your mommy makeover results.
How Do You Minimize Scarring After a Mommy Makeover?
To minimize scarring after your mommy makeover, you can follow these practices.
- Take care of your incisions according to Dr. Duggal’s instructions.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Do not smoke for at least four weeks before and after your surgery.
- Don’t lift anything heavy until Dr. Duggal says it’s OK.
- Protect your incisions from direct exposure to sunlight.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities After a Mommy Makeover?
You can look forward to returning to most of your daily schedule about two weeks after your mommy makeover. However, you might need to wait a little bit longer before jumping back into a strenuous workout routine.
Since recovery can look different for everyone, you must follow your plastic surgeon’s personalized advice, as provided during your post-surgical follow-up appointments.
Consult With Dr. Duggal for Your Mommy Makeover in Annapolis, MD
The decision to pursue plastic surgery is profoundly personal, especially with something as comprehensive and transformative as a mommy makeover. Choosing a talented, passionate plastic surgeon is the first step on a journey toward your ideal appearance.
Many people are excited to get their dream physiques, but still apprehensive about the surgery and recovery. Since Dr. Duggal prioritizes patient well-being and outstanding outcomes, you can be confident about receiving qualified advice to prepare for your procedure.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring and rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Duggal has the experience, expertise, and skill to help you reach your mommy makeover goals. With her dedication to patient safety, Dr. Duggal also makes it a point to answer any questions you may have about the procedure before you decide to proceed. To schedule your consultation, contact the Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery of Annapolis online or call us at (410) 266-7120 today.