Motherhood is one of the most celebrated aspects of a woman’s life. There's nothing more rewarding than bearing a child, giving birth, and seeing your little one reaches every milestone. However, it's common for dedicated moms to neglect their physical appearance when they're too busy taking care of their youngsters.

While motherhood is a beautiful phase, it comes with unsightly changes to your body, which can damage your self-esteem. Enter mommy makeover, one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

If it’s your first time to hear the term, you may initially think of moms, getting their hair and makeup done in a salon to look ravishing for a party. But “mommy makeover” is more intense than that.

Mommy makeover is a combination of surgical procedures, whose goal is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after bearing a child. It's specifically designed to address common post-pregnancy concerns, like sagging breasts, weight gain, excess or stretched skin, and restore the body’s shape and size.

If you're interested in undergoing a mommy makeover, here are 7 things you might want to know before scheduling a session.

1. Mommy makeover is a form of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery isn’t just something you do for face aesthetics – it can be used to reshape the body.

A mommy makeover is done to restore the body’s natural curves to closely match your shape prior to pregnancy. Generally, a mommy makeover is a bundle that includes the following procedures: breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, buttock augmentation, vaginal rejuvenation, and botox. You and your surgeon will choose which procedures best suit your goals.

The cosmetic procedure will be performed as an outpatient surgery, which allows you to recover and heal at home. 

2. Mommy makeover is expensive

Mommy makeover isn’t just invasive – it comes with a hefty price tag too. The costs will depend on the chosen procedures to be performed plus the surgeon's experience and geographic location.

The total costs may include surgeon's fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, medication prescriptions, implants, and other medical tests and x-rays. 

3. Recovery takes time and it's painful

Mommy makeover is a sought-after procedure because it’s more cost-effective to have multiple surgeries at once. However, recovery is extremely painful. You’ll need someone to help you 24/7 for at least three days. During this time, you’ll be sore, bruised, and swollen.

Healing also takes time. Pain may take 1-2 weeks to lessen, depending on the specific procedure/s performed. Swelling, on the other hand, can last 6 months or longer. You need to wait until all the swelling has subsided to see the full results of your mommy makeover.

4. No heavy lifting, vigorous workouts, and driving

Mommy makeover isn’t different from other surgical procedures where your doctor advises you to avoid lifting heavy things. That includes babies and children over 10 pounds, dumbbells, and vigorous workouts. These protective measures should be observed for at least 6 weeks.

Additionally, refrain from driving until some pain medications have been stopped. Your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers for a comfortable recovery, and it’s completely unsafe to drive while on medication.

5. You need to establish a no-fail support system

Laurie Casas, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the co-author of a textbook on cosmetic breast augmentation, suggests skipping the procedure if you don’t have someone to take care of the kids while you’re recovering.

Given that your activities are limited, make sure to enlist assistance around the house for at least two weeks. After the procedure, you’ll be tired, fragile, and in pain. Routine chores, including lifting, driving, cleaning, and laundry can be impossible.

6. Mommy makeover is intended for non-smokers

We all know that smoking is dangerous for your health, but the habit is more perilous if you’re getting this cosmetic procedure. Smoking reduces circulation, which then delays wound healing and increases the risks of serious complications.

The best candidates are those who are physically fit and healthy. For your safety, kick the habit for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after your operation. Better yet, stop smoking for good.

7. You should invest in the right surgeon

Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's something you should skimp on– mommy makeover is a combination of invasive methods, which require solid expertise. Don’t risk your health and safety to the cheapest clinic out there, who cares more about their profit than your wellbeing.

Pick a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic surgery, preferably someone who’ll educate you about the pros and cons of the procedure and some non-invasive alternatives. Lastly, it's important that you're comfortable with your surgeon.

8. Mommy makeover isn’t for everyone

Just because you have the budget and pain tolerance for the procedure doesn't mean you're qualified. The best candidates have the following characteristics:

• Good medical health
• Ideal body weight
• Positive outlook and realistic expectations
• Done with childbearing

If you’re currently nursing, taking care of an infant or toddler, and/or planning to have more kids or are currently nursing, then hold off the procedure for now. Pregnancy after a mommy makeover can undo everything. Tummies tightened will again stretch out. Breast implants added by way of an areola incision may also complicate breastfeeding due to excess scar tissue.

9. Surgery will never be a substitute to healthy living

Just because your post-pregnancy body looks sculpted doesn’t mean it’s okay to skip the gym. Sticking to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is necessary to make the results long-lasting results.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Géniale Skin Cancer Clinic, a medical aesthetic and skin cancer institute, providing top of the line services from industry-leading skin cancer treatments to innovative medical aesthetic procedures. She writes articles focusing on cosmetic, medical, and surgical care, and wellness.