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Is a Mommy Makeover Safe?


July 22, 2024 | 6 minute read

a woman and a young girl wearing white dresses and holding hands on the beach.

Many women contemplating Mommy Makeover surgery want to know if the procedure is safe. This blog discusses the procedure’s risks and precautions to take to plan a safe Mommy Makeover.  

Planning to Get a Mommy Makeover

While pregnancy can be an incredible experience that brings joy and a new life into the world, it can also bring unwanted body changes that are difficult—if not impossible—to reverse on your own, no matter how much you diet or exercise. After childbirth and breastfeeding, many women struggle with excess skin and fat in the abdomen and saggy, deflated breasts. A Mommy Makeover can help remove excess skin, eliminate sagging, enhance body contours, and reshape and resize breasts. Many women who are dissatisfied with how their body has changed after pregnancy will choose Mommy Makeover surgery to regain confidence in their appearance. 

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding Mommy Makeover surgery is whether it is safe. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. However, if the proper precautions are taken, Mommy Makeovers can be performed safely and successfully. 

All prospective patients need to understand the surgical risks and what steps must be taken to avoid them to achieve the desired outcome. 

How Dangerous Is a Mommy Makeover? 

Every surgical procedure, whether cosmetic or not, has its risks and potential complications. Yet it’s important to note that this doesn’t make any of these procedures innately dangerous. This is why it is essential to research and choose a reputable surgeon to ensure that you are in safe and capable hands. 

Not everyone is a candidate for Mommy Makeover surgery. Women interested in this surgery must be in good health, close to their ideal weight, and be non-smokers who don’t use tobacco products. These factors are important in determining good candidates for the procedure, as they help ensure the patient is healthy and in good condition for surgery. During a comprehensive Mommy Makeover consultation, a board-certified plastic surgeon will thoroughly review your medical history and assess your selected treatment areas to determine if you can safely undergo Mommy Makeover surgery. 

What Are the Risks of Mommy Makeover Surgery? 

Once you know that you’re a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover, it’ll be up to you whether or not you wish to proceed with the surgery. At the end of the day, every woman must decide for herself whether the potential risks are worth the procedure. In order for patients to make an informed decision, it’s important to be aware of the associated risks. 

Risks of Mommy Makeover surgery may include: 

  • Anesthesia complications 
  • Breast implant complications (i.e., capsular contracture, rupture, implants moving, etc.) 
  • Bleeding 
  • Infection 
  • Incision sites healing poorly, resulting in large or very visible scars 
  • Loss of nipple sensation

Your surgeon will discuss these potential risks during your consultation. Make sure to ask your surgeon any questions about these risks so you clearly understand what to expect. 

Undergoing Multiple Cosmetic Surgeries at the Same Time 

One of the key components of a Mommy Makeover is that it addresses multiple body areas with various techniques, all during one procedure. Most Mommy Makeovers include tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast surgery (breast augmentation, lift, or reduction). Some patients may be apprehensive about having two or more surgeries performed at the same time and may wonder how this will affect how long their procedure takes and how long their recovery period will last. Experienced board-certified plastic surgeons can safely perform combination procedures on healthy patients. Your candidacy for combining procedures will be determined during your Mommy Makeover consultation. 

Many Mommy Makeovers take around four to six hours to perform. This means that the patient will be under anesthesia for less than eight hours, which many surgeons agree is the time limit for safely having patients under anesthesia. Additionally, one of the many benefits of having multiple procedures performed simultaneously is that you will only have one recovery period, as opposed to having three separate recovery times if you have the procedures done individually. This efficient process can provide a sense of relief and comfort to the patient. 

How to Plan a Safe Mommy Makeover Experience 

When preparing for your Mommy Makeover, you must not cut corners. Safety should be a main priority, as this will allow you to enjoy your results.

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon 

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your Mommy Makeover is selecting a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon. This individual will be responsible for safely performing the procedure and bringing your aesthetic vision to life. It’s essential to choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with, as you’ll be placing a significant amount of trust in their hands. 

Be Forthcoming About Medical History and Goals

During your consultation, it’s crucial to be completely honest about your medical history and surgical goals. Your surgeon needs this information to accurately assess your health and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Mommy Makeover surgery. Similarly, discussing your desired results openly and honestly will help determine if they are achievable. 

Follow Aftercare Instructions 

One of the most effective ways to ensure a safe and successful recovery post-surgery is to diligently follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Every woman’s body heals at its own pace, so recovery times will vary. Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions on caring for incision sites, wearing compression garments, attending follow-up appointments, and restrictions on physical activities. It’s crucial to follow these instructions and ask questions if needed. 

Monitor Yourself for Post-Surgery Warning Signs 

Your surgeon will let you know what to expect post-surgery, as well as what warning signs to look out for. Take note of these so you can alert your surgeon right away if any occur. 

Have More Questions About Mommy Makeover Surgery in Houston and Lake Jackson, TX? 

Are you planning on getting a Mommy Makeover? If so, you’ll want to make the process as safe as possible to ensure your comfort and the best possible results. At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Robert Scott Yarish and Dr. Erica Bartlett, are ready to help you safely restore your pre-pregnancy body. Our consultations give patients the opportunity to express their concerns and aesthetic goals, allowing our surgeons to create the perfect customized plan to fit each patient’s vision.

To learn more about Mommy Makeover surgery in Houston and Lake Jackson, Texas, call us at (713) 467-0146 or fill out our online contact form today.