Giving birth to a child is one of the most rewarding, special experiences in a woman’s life. And although many mothers enjoy the pregnancy experience, they often struggle to get their body back to its pre-pregnancy condition. Enter the mommy makeover, a group of surgical cosmetic procedures to remove excess skin and improve the appearance of breasts after pregnancy.

Mommy Makeover Procedures

Women’s bodies can change significantly during and after pregnancy, and the amount of time women should wait after giving birth depends on which procedure or procedures they would like to have done. These procedures may include an abdominoplasty (more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck), liposuction to rid the body of stubborn, excess fat, and breast surgeries such as lifts or augmentations. These body contouring procedures are for cosmetic purposes and should not be used as a weight loss solution, so it is important for women to have already reached their pre-pregnancy weight through diet and exercise.

Timing Is Everything

First, it’s a good idea for women to wait until they’ve had their last child before scheduling a procedure. Otherwise, they may need additional procedures down the road, especially if they gain a substantial amount of weight with those pregnancies.

Most surgeons agree that new moms should wait at least six months after reaching their desired post-pregnancy weight before having their mommy makeover, although this varies by surgeon, patient, and circumstances. Some surgeons even suggest waiting a little longer, like nine months to a year, to be certain that stretched skin has contracted and the uterus has shrunk. Because, after all, pregnancy is hard on the body!

Additionally, breastfeeding moms should wait until at least six months after they’ve stopped breastfeeding before undergoing any type of breast surgery, to give the breasts enough time to return to their natural size.

Mommy Makeovers and C-Sections

Moms who had a C-Section may need to wait a little longer for their mommy makeover. The C-Section can cause side effects like fatigue, blood loss, and elevated estrogen levels, as well a depressed immune system, which can increase the risk of infection. It is still possible to have a mommy makeover six months after pregnancy, but this is a decision that Dr. Franckle and the patient will need to make together based on the mom’s recovery.

The mommy makeover is a great solution for new moms who aren’t happy with their post-pregnancy body, and who have already returned to their pre-pregnancy weight through diet and exercise. Contact William Franckle, MD, FACS at 856-772-6500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your mommy makeover consultation!