Debunking Mommy Makeover Myths

It is probably not surprising that several myths surround the mommy makeover procedure—even the name itself is somewhat misleading. A mommy makeover is often misunderstood as being exclusively for mothers because it addresses the physical changes a woman experiences during and after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

The truth is that many people can benefit from a mommy makeover, including women who have lost significant weight through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes or people who have just seen their bodies change with aging.

In this post, we’ll debunk several other mommy makeover myths that may make you hesitant about scheduling the procedure.

Myth 1: A Mommy Makeover Is a Shortcut for People Who Don’t Lead Healthy Lifestyles.

Truth: No matter how diligently you stick to an exercise regimen and maintain a nutritious diet, some areas of the body won’t respond the way you would like. You can run miles and miles and do countless crunches, and you’ll still have loose abdominal skin and deflated, sagging breasts. The same is true for stubborn fat that the waist can’t shed. A mommy makeover can eliminate pesky fat pockets through liposuction, smoothing and contouring the “problem areas” that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

Additionally, even if you maintain a stable weight, at some point in your life, age and genetics will eventually cause skin laxity in various places on your body. Following a healthy diet and regularly exercising are good habits to minimize the risk of chronic health conditions, but only a mommy makeover can address the physical changes you’ve experienced.

Myth 2: A Mommy Makeover Involves 3 Specific Procedures.

Even though a mommy makeover typically includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement surgery, those aren’t you’re only options. We customize the combination of procedures to address your concerns so you have multiple options. That could include a breast lift, a breast augmentation, or combining implants with a lift. Patients considering a mommy makeover after weight loss may want to address sagging skin on their upper arms with an arm lift.

Myth 3: Mommy Makeover Recovery Is Long and Painful.

Another common misconception is that mommy makeover recovery is longer and more painful than if you undergo a single surgical procedure. In fact, the opposite is true. Getting multiple procedures together saves you from extended recovery time because you only have to recover once. 

Most aesthetic surgery procedures require a couple of weeks off work and daily activities, followed by 4 to 6 more weeks of slowly returning to your normal exercise routine. Recovery after a mommy makeover is around the same as if you had undergone one procedure. Adding a procedure doesn’t add recovery time, so why not get everything done at once and save yourself
those weeks of recovery from multiple individual surgeries? 

Myth 4: Mommy Makeovers Are Only About Vanity.

Many women choose a mommy makeover to feel more confident about their appearance, and of course, they deserve to do so. However, various procedures also include several benefits that extend beyond what you see in the mirror. Pregnancy often causes a woman’s abdominal muscles to separate—a condition called diastasis recti—which weakens the core and may cause chronic back pain. A tummy tuck includes abdominal muscle repair, reattaching and tightening the muscles so you have a stronger abdomen and better lower back support. A breast lift can ease shoulder strain and back issues, as can breast reduction. 

For women who have lost significant weight, skin removal from a breast lift or tummy tuck can significantly improve their quality of life. Excess skin can cause painful chafing, rashes, and even skin infections that make performing daily tasks uncomfortable. Removing that extra skin eliminates those issues, immediately improving your life.

Getting Started

If you’re considering a mommy makeover but are concerned about how much it may cost, we offer financing through companies specializing in elective healthcare payment plans. You can also read about the cost of mommy makeover surgery in a previous blog post.

Since mommy makeover surgery is customized to your specific concerns and goals, the first step is a consultation. Dr. Beckenstein will ask you about your aesthetic goals, assess your treatment areas, and develop a treatment plan for you. He’ll also answer all your questions and give you the facts about your suite of procedures. To begin, request a consultation with Dr. Beckenstein using the online form or call us at (205) 933-9308.