Mommy Makeover (MMO)

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeover is a set of surgeries designed to restore pre-pregnancy or simply desired body lines and shapes, which are often significantly changed by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Although specific procedures included in mommy makeover may vary depending on the individual situation, surgery is usually directed to those body areas most affected by physiological changes after pregnancy. A plastic and reconstructive surgery physician, having assessed each patient's needs, expectations, and medical possibilities, creates an individual complex surgery plan.

What does Mommy Makeover include?

The most commonly performed procedures during mommy makeover surgery are:

• Breast lift. During pregnancy, breast shape changes – the body prepares to breastfeed the baby and hormones increase breast blood flow and glandular tissue development. Later, significantly enlarged breasts return to their initial state, but this change often results in skin sagging and loss of shape. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to lift and shape sagging breasts.
• Breast augmentation with implants. Breast lift is often combined with breast augmentation. Although breast shape can be corrected with both own fat and implants, implants are most commonly chosen. Especially when breast shape has changed more significantly. Then implants restore the volume of sagging breasts, giving them the desired shape and size.
• Abdominoplasty. During pregnancy, abdomen grows rapidly; due to hormonal changes, abdominal wall pressure, and shifted organs, diastasis occurs. In some cases, it is minor and abdominal muscles recover, and firmness is gradually achieved through exercise. However, in some cases, diastasis remains – loose abdominal protrusion and excess skin (these changes cannot be corrected to the desired level through exercise and nutrition). During abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area; if there is need, separated rectus abdominis muscles are sutured.
• Liposuction. In some cases, the mommy makeover surgery package also includes liposuction. During it, excess fat is removed from various body areas, such as abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and similar. By the way, removed fat is sometimes used for restoration of certain body shape contours – for example, breasts or buttocks.
• Body contouring. Major body weight changes in a relatively short time sometimes affect not only breast and abdominal area. Procedures such as thigh or arm plastic surgery are also relevant – relaxed skin is removed, lines are refined, different body zones are given firmness.

These are just a few main procedures included in mommy makeover surgery, but there can be more. Just the same, this certainly does not mean that all listed corrections are necessary in each case.

When to consider Mommy Makeover surgery?

Plastic surgery physicians emphasize an important aspect: if pregnancy is planned in the future, it would be advisable to postpone mommy makeover surgery. Pregnancy can adjust results achieved during surgery, so this complex rejuvenation and contouring solution is usually selected when family expansion is no longer planned.

Preparation for surgery

Several essential points that are important to know about preparation:

• General health condition. During individual consultation, an examination plan is created, the condition of those considering surgery is reviewed: recently suffered, chronic diseases, or other health disorders. Medications, supplements, medications used are discussed (use of some, for example, contraceptives, may need to be discontinued). It is important to openly share all aspects related to health condition with physicians; physicians may ask questions about family members' health condition as well.
• Harmful habits. Not without reason, harmful habits are discussed before every surgical intervention, especially – smoking, which affects blood circulation. Due to possible risks and complications, quitting smoking is requested several months before surgery. It is important to know that alcohol consumption also increases the likelihood of complications.
• Body weight. MMO is not a weight loss surgery – it is designed for contour correction and shape restoration. Therefore, weight should be stable. Overweight and especially obesity increase complication risk and can be contraindication for surgery. Ideally, healthy nutrition and active lifestyle habits begin to form well before surgery.

After surgery, rest and time to recover will be needed, so it is important to plan help with household and childcare before the procedure. Appropriate emotional state, realistic expectations, and preparation for the postoperative period contribute to smoother healing and better final result.