Sometimes we have patients interested in a mommy makeover, but they’re not sure what’s involved. They know a mommy makeover is simply a title for a combination of procedures, but which ones make up a mommy makeover. 

In this second sweaty blog of a Houston summer, let’s get into what makes up a mommy makeover with Dr. Barrera. But first, let’s see if this is the right thing for you. 

Is a mommy makeover right for you? 

Despite the fact that you have the aftereffects of pregnancy and childbirth, two things must be completed before you can even consider having a mommy makeover — breastfeeding and childbirth. Breastfeeding makes your breasts larger than their normal size. To be a candidate for a mommy makeover, you need to have finished breastfeeding at least two to three months earlier to allow your breasts to return to their natural size. 

And if you’re even considering having additional children, it’s not time for a mommy makeover. Why? All of the results you gain with the surgeries can be nullified by a new pregnancy and birth. 

Also, good mommy makeover candidates have returned to an exercise routine and have lost their extra weight from pregnancy. This is important because a mommy makeover is not a weight-loss procedure; it’s a body-contouring procedure. Dr. Barrera prefers his patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight before considering a makeover. That’s because if you lose more weight, it will create more loose skin. 

What’s involved in a mommy makeover? 

Dr. Barrera’s mommy makeovers specifically target the areas affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. These are the usual procedures involved: 

•     Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding lead to sagging breasts. A breast lift brings the breasts back up to a younger profile, removing excess sagging skin. Dr. Barrera also usually relocates the nipple/areola complex to a higher position. 

•     Breast Augmentation

Though not all women opt to have augmentation as part of their makeover, most do because breastfeeding and a breast lift usually take volume from the breasts. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breast contour is simply less full. 

•     Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

When the stomach area stretches with pregnancy, in more cases than not the skin never recovers to its previous state of tightness. Known colloquially as a stomach pooch, it’s a common aftereffect of pregnancy and a tummy tuck removes it. Dr. Barrera usually also brings separated stomach muscles back to their former position in the center of the stomach. 

•     Liposuction

No matter how much you exercise and watch what you eat, people are prone to pockets of fat in certain spots like the inner thighs, abdomen, even under the chin. Liposuction removes those pockets permanently. 

Interested in getting your pre-baby body back? Call Dr. Barrera at (713) 468-5200 and set up a consultation for a mommy makeover.