Pregnancy is a miracle that helps create families, but it can also wreak havoc on a woman's body. Not only does pregnancy result in a woman's uterus stretching to the size of a watermelon, but the physical changes that occur cause stretch marks and sagginess of the skin of the abdomen and breasts, too. Although every woman is different, many women are unable to achieve the body they had before they were pregnant. If you have been unhappy with your body after becoming a mother, you may benefit from a mommy makeover. This guide will help you understand the process and if it is the right option for you.

The 411 on Mommy Makeovers

You can go to the mall, pick out new clothes, have your hair styled, and makeup applied, which could be considered a makeover. However, clothes, hair, and makeup will not address some other areas you struggle with physically.

A mommy makeover that centers around a series of cosmetic procedures that are customized to your needs will correct the changes your body experienced during pregnancy. These procedures may include non-surgical treatments, surgical treatments, or combinations of both.

The makeover treatment plan may include removing excess skin left behind on your abdomen or repairing abdominal muscles that have been stretched or even separated. Many mommy makeovers include surgical solutions that lift breasts or removing skin that is now sagging around the breasts due to weight gain or breastfeeding.

Each woman is different, so you may require a completely different set of treatments to improve the shape of your body since your pregnancies. Therefore, it is best to consult a specialist for recommendations on solutions for your mommy makeover.

Signs You're a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover

If you are a mom, it does not mean you are automatically a good candidate for a mommy makeover.

One of the most important factors to consider is your overall health and wellness, so doctors will need to make sure you are suitable for surgery. You should not have any underlying medical conditions that would affect the actual surgery or your recovery from being under anesthesia.

Also, you should have realistic expectations about the surgery. Therefore, the doctors may ask you about your current emotional wellness. For example, if you are dealing with severe depression or you are expecting results that are not realistic, you may not be a good candidate.

Although it is possible to become pregnant and have a child after a mommy makeover, most professionals feel you should wait until you are done bearing children. This is even more important if an abdominoplasty is part of your mommy makeover. A pregnancy after the mommy makeover will only result in more excess skin and sagginess, which would require additional procedures.

Talk with your partner and spend a good amount of time considering whether or not you want to have any more children. Make sure you understand that your results will be altered if you do decide to have another child after the mommy makeover.

It is also important to remember that a mommy makeover is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best suited for women who have reached their goal weight after pregnancy and have maintained the weight for at least 6 months. You should continue eating healthy and exercising even after the mommy makeover to maintain your results.

Finally, candidates for a mommy makeover should no longer be breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise you to wait for the procedure until you have not been breastfeeding for 6 months or longer.

If you want to update your look and how you feel after pregnancy has changed your body, a mommy makeover can help. For more information, talk to your doctor today.