After the joys of pregnancy are over many new moms are opting to go under the knife for a mommy makeover, one of the fastest growing treads in cosmetic surgery. A mommy makeover primarily focuses on the abdomen and the breasts, two of the most common troublesome areas for women after childbirth. Mommy makeovers often include a tummy tuck and breast augmentation.

Unavoidably, pregnancy causes weight gain. Even by maintaining a healthy weight, the belly has to stretch to accommodate the growing baby. As a result, the abdominal skin and muscles are stretched during pregnancy and do not always go back to their pre-pregnancy strength or appearance. The most commonly performed procedure is the tummy tuck , or abdominoplasty, ­­ which tightens the abdominal wall muscles, removes the disproportionate fat and tightens the loose skin. This reverses much of the effects that pregnancy has on the abdominal area. In some less severe cases, a mini tummy tuck or liposuction may be more suitable and can be performed instead of a full abdominoplasty.

​
The breasts enlarge due to hormone changes and in preparation for breast feeding during pregnancy. The breasts often go back to pre-pregnancy volume when lactation ends. However, in many cases breasts can appear smaller and deflated after pregnancy, resulting in the desire for a breast lift or breast augmentation. Breast augmentation fills the loose breast skin and enhances the volume and shape of the breast. The loss of breast volume is normal after childbirth and implants can breast lifthelp replace that lost volume. If loss of volume is not the problem, but sagging skin is more of an issue, then a breast lift, or mastopexy, may be the best option. This option will lift the breast to a more youthful position without a significant change in the breast volume.

In some cases, the breasts increase in volume after pregnancy and remain too large. If this is the case, a breast reduction to reduce excess breast volume and tighten the skin may be the best option. When the breasts are too heavy they can cause pain in the neck, back, and shoulders, all of which can be diminished with a reduction procedure.

The best time for a Mommy Makeover is after your body has had a chance to recover from pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Electing to have the makeover before your body has made the transition from pregnancy to postpartum can cause complications. It is recommended to wait at least six months after delivery, or six months after you have stopped breastfeeding, thus allowing the breasts to return to their natural position. A mommy makeover is an investment in your time, the recovery, and the cost. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you don’t seek to have a mommy makeover until you have finished your childbearing years.

Mommy makeovers should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Erik Miles. Dr. Miles is dual board certified with experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He has served the Charlotte area and the world for many years, following his service in the military. Utilizing his advanced skillset and attention to detail, Dr. Miles has demonstrated his compassion for his patients.

If you are considering a mommy makeover in Charlotte, contact the office of Dr. Erik Miles at North Charlotte Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today for a private consultation. His friendly staff is available to answer questions when you reach us online or by calling (704) 896-5556.