Pregnancy changes a lot of things, especially the appearance of your body. From excess skin to sagging breasts, it can be challenging to bounce back after having a baby. For this reason, many mothers choose to have a mommy makeover, allowing them to regain their pre-baby body and confidence. However, this procedure may not always go as planned or deliver the results expected, leading to sentiments of regret.

It's often forgotten that a mommy makeover is a surgical procedure, which can be invasive and requires time off to recover. Still, this surgery can provide women the opportunity to enjoy their skin once again. If you're considering a mommy makeover, read on to learn more about what it is, the pros and cons, and how to navigate feelings of regret.

What Is A Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is an umbrella term for various cosmetic procedures designed to help women change the appearance of areas affected by pregnancy. The types of plastic surgeries under the mommy makeover category can include:

• Breast augmentation or reduction
• Breast lift
• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck
• Feminine rejuvenation

Mothers deciding to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies with a mommy makeover may opt to receive one or more of the surgical procedures mentioned above, depending on their personal preference.

Mommy Makeover Pros & Cons

The effects of plastic surgery can last a lifetime, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of a mommy makeover carefully. Below, we'll explore the advantages and benefits of getting a mommy makeover.

Mommy Makeover Pros

Customizable: Mommy makeovers can be tailored to target specific problem areas, including sagging breasts, excess fat, and loose skin, with different cosmetic surgeries.

Boost in confidence: From thick stretch marks to extra skin, there are many ways pregnancy can cause one's self-esteem to dip. A mommy makeover can tackle the areas of your body you're no longer proud of, so you can move through life confidently.

Youthful appearance: Plastic surgery can help smooth, tighten, and lift skin affected by a pregnancy, allowing you to boast younger-looking skin.

Mommy Makeover Cons

• Recovery time: All mommy makeovers require you to take some time off to recover. Recovery times will vary, depending on the type of procedure you receive.
• Child care: Plastic surgery can significantly limit your mobility, making it difficult to care for your children properly. You may have to ask loved ones for support during this time or employ someone for their child care services.
• Results can be undone: Certain activities, such as weight gain or having another baby, can undo the results of your mommy makeover.
• Risk: From bruising to infections, risk is a normal part of surgery. To reduce risks, you'll have to carefully follow the post-op instructions outlined by your doctor and ensure you're in good health before surgery.
• Regret: Some individuals may experience temporary or long-term regret, which can be due to several factors.

Mommy Makeover Regret

After a mommy makeover, many women are excited to have firmer and younger-looking skin. However, some patients may experience feelings of regret, which is a possibility that can occur with any surgery. After all, cosmetic procedures are invasive and require you to set time aside from work and your personal life to heal. Before choosing to move forward with a moving makeover, it may be helpful to review some of the most common reasons women regret them:

• Cost: Mommy makeovers aren't cheap. While how much you pay depends on the type of work you get done, it can often cost between $18,000 to $24,000. On average, a mommy makeover with breast augmentation and tummy tuck cost is $21,000. This expense is broken down into different fees that'll cover anesthesia, medical exams, prescription medication, post-surgery garments, and hospital stays.
• Guilt: A mommy makeover may bring your life to a halt since you'll need to take time off from work to recuperate, leaving you with a lot of free time on your hands. While you may have a few weeks off of work, you won't be able to tend to your children as easily until you're done healing. Activities like playing tag or heavy lifting aren't recommended because you risk opening your stitches and prolonging the recovery process. Individuals may also feel guilty about using an extensive amount of money on themselves instead of investing it in their families.
• Results: Patients may have unrealistic expectations about what their body will look like post-surgery, leading to being underwhelmed when results aren't apparent in the first few days or weeks. Plastic surgery can also lead to glaring mommy makeover scars, which only undermine the outcome of the overall procedure.

Minimizing Mommy Makeover Regret & Risk

Although experiencing regret is a common and normal sentiment, there are several steps you can take to minimize the feelings that'll sour your mommy makeover. If you're considering plastic surgery, here are a few considerations to keep in mind that can reduce regret and risk:

• Do your research on procedural specifics and surgeon: It's a good idea to research the procedures you want to get for your mommy makeover. Make sure that you know what to expect before surgery, during the procedure, and post-surgery. You may also want to research different surgeons to get the high-quality results you deserve.
• Elect a board-certified surgeon to perform your surgery: While there are many plastic surgeons, not all of them have the expertise to perform a mommy makeover safely. Electing a qualified, board-certified surgeon can help to ensure your surgery goes as planned and reduce the likelihood of complications.
• Follow post-op instructions: Your doctor should provide post-op instructions to help the incisions heal properly once your surgery is complete. Following the guidelines outlined is essential to minimizing the likelihood of infections and the size and appearance of scars.
• Consider your lifestyle and goals: It's important to take into account your lifestyle since changes, such as weight gain or having a baby, can revert the results of your mommy makeover. Keep in mind that this type of procedure may also not deliver the results you want right away. Be realistic about your surgery goals when discussing what procedure you want with a plastic surgeon so you're not disappointed.
• Have confidence in your decision: Continue learning about the advantages and disadvantages of plastic surgery and ensure no one is pressuring you to change your body with a cosmetic procedure.
• Invest in scar therapy: Scars can be an eyesore and a source of insecurity for many people who go under the knife, which can make regret more tangible. You can use embrace^® Active Scar Defence to reduce the look of scars and enjoy your mommy makeover to the fullest.

If you find that a mommy makeover isn't for you, mothers can also elect less invasive yet effective non-surgical procedures to improve their physical appearance. This includes botox, cellulite reduction, or skin resurfacing. Talk to a cosmetic surgeon to see what's best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing to have a mommy makeover is a significant decision that requires a lot of research and planning. For that reason, we've answered a few frequently asked questions to ensure you have the information necessary to make a knowledgeable decision.

Is it normal to regret cosmetic surgery?

Yes, it's normal to regret having cosmetic surgery due to the physical and emotional toll the procedure takes on your body. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize these feelings of regret. This includes discussing your goals with the plastic surgeon and having realistic expectations. This way, you're less likely to be overwhelmed by the results. Additionally, following the post-op instructions can help you heal quickly and achieve the best outcome.

Do people get depressed after plastic surgery?

As with any surgery, depression can happen. In fact, 75% of people experience depression after cosmetic surgery. This may occur due to medication, a shift in sleeping habits, and physical changes. Fortunately, these feelings are temporary and typically last six months.

Are mommy makeovers worth it?

According to RealSelf's 2020 Most Worth It Ratings, 97% of patients said that a mommy makeover was worth having. If you're debating whether to get a mommy makeover or not, try evaluating your post-surgery goals. A mommy makeover might be a worthy investment if you want to change how you look after having a baby. However, if your end goal is weight loss, this procedure isn't the solution.

Final Notes

For many, a mommy makeover is a lucrative procedure that can drastically change the appearance of a women's body. While going under the knife shouldn't be taken lightly, plastic surgery can provide you with newfound confidence post-pregnancy. Remember, swelling, scars, and bruising will get worse before they begin to look better with any cosmetic procedure you choose. To help reduce the appearance of visible scarring, use the embrace^® Mommy Makeover Kit, which features medical-grade silicone patches. Whether you're planning on getting a breast lift or a tummy tuck, our collection can lighten and flatten scars while hydrating the skin.