From Britney to Beyonce, starting a family has never been more celebrated. What could be more beautiful than bringing another life into the world? But having a baby doesn’t only change your life; it changes your body as well.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Over last several years, Mommy Makeovers have become mainstream. This catchall phrase describes a select set of cosmetic procedures, which are specifically designed to restore the appearance of a woman’s body after childbirth.

After having a baby, many women notice changes in their breasts, buttocks and abdomen. Breasts that were once firm can lose their perkiness and sit lower then they did before. And no matter how many planks or crunches you do, your tummy just isn’t as flat as it was before giving birth. In fact, you might even notice that there is a split in your abdominal musculature, which doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.

Typically, a mommy makeover is performed as a single procedure that targets these trouble zones. Depending on the areas of concern, different cosmetic procedures are performed during a mommy makeover, which includes:

• Breast augmentation
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Buttocks lift
• Liposuction

Mommy Makeover Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will take a detailed medical history. He or she will ask which areas you would like to improve, what your expectations are and what type of lifestyle you live.

In addition to a complete physical exam, be prepared to discuss the following:

• Your desired outcome of surgery
• Drug allergies, past surgeries and any medical conditions
• Current medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking

Your surgeon will also examine and measure the areas of proposed surgery including your breasts, abdomen and buttocks. Keep in mind that mommy makeovers aren’t limited to only these three areas. You may find that your arms and thighs aren’t as tone as they were before getting pregnant. Mommy makeovers are individualized, so make sure you address any areas of concern during your initial consultation.

Am I a Suitable Candidate?

Mommy makeovers are highly personalized procedures. You should only do it for yourself and not because you or your significant other has an ideal image. The goal of a mommy makeover is for you to correct laxity that often accompanies childbirth.

The best candidates for the procedure are ones who:

• You live a healthy lifestyle
• You exercise regularly
• You don’t abuse alcohol or smoke
• You are at an ideal weight
• You have a positive outlook and have realistic expectations about the procedures

What is the Recovery Period?

Your recovery time will depend on the number of procedures you have performed during your mommy makeover. If you have breast augmentation, you will wear a support bra and elastic bandage to support your breasts and minimize swelling. If you choose to have a tummy tuck and liposuction, you’ll need to wear a compression bandage to control the swelling in these areas as well.

You will also be given specific instructions on self-care, which may include:

• Proper care of the surgical sites
• Proper application techniques of topical medication and proper dosing of oral pain medication
• Warning signs of an infection
• When to follow up with your surgeon
• When you can return to regular activity

Questions You Should Ask Before the Procedure

After you’ve been deemed a good candidate and decided which procedures are best for you, write a list of questions to ask your surgeon before your surgery, Many times, patients forget to ask basic questions, which can lead to unnecessary stress after their procedure.

Be sure to ask your surgeon specific questions and what to expect while you are recovering, such as:

• How often should I change my dressings?
• What are the signs of infection?
• When is it safe to shower?
• What type of diet should I follow?
• Are there any physical restrictions?
• When can I return to work?

Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover

In preparation for your mommy makeover, your surgeon may recommend some or all of the following:

• Smoking cessation
• Avoid alcohol
• Stop taking aspirin or other types of blood thinners
• Have blood work drawn

Depending on the procedures you choose, your mommy makeover may be performed in an ambulatory setting under general anesthesia or in an outpatient center under local sedation.

It’s important that you understand all the aspects of a mommy makeover. Be sure you ask your surgeon any questions you may have. And even with all your excitement and anticipation about your new look, it’s normal to have some anxiety about the procedure.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your feeling or concerns with your surgeon. Making sure you feel as beautiful and confident on the inside as you are on the outside is what we do best.

If you’re interested in a mommy makeover, contact Doctors Plastic Surgery for a consultation. They have offices in New York and Chicago, and they employ an expert team of doctors, including Dr. Lin, Dr. Everett, Dr. Blaine, Dr. Ghersi, and Dr. Altman.