If you find yourself staring in the mirror wondering what happened to your pre-baby body, you're not alone. Many women struggle with their appearance following the birth of their baby. Breasts appear deflated, tummies are a little softer, and try as you might, you just can't seem to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. In addition, you may find your skin appearing dull and your appearance looking tired. After pregnancy and all the demands of being a new mom, this is all normal. A mommy makeover can address these problem areas and make you feel like a whole new woman. There's no time like the present to start focusing on you and making yourself a priority.

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a combination of two or more procedures that many mothers undergo after having a baby. These procedures are performed on areas of the body that are most affected after pregnancy and childbirth and often include the breasts and abdominal area. Aside from the breasts and stomach, other areas of the body can change too. A mommy makeover was named exactly for what it is--for moms. It is a way to enhance, corect, and improve your look and get that glow back you once had.

Some of the mommy makeover procedures may include a combination of:

Breast Augmentation

Breast implants and breast lifts are two of the most commonly selected procedures to be performed during a mommy makeover. Breasts are never the same after giving birth, especially if you also choose to breastfeed. Deflated breasts can be revitalized and look fuller with the help of breast implants or fat injections. Oftentimes women take this opportunity to increase their cup size and get the larger breasts they've always wanted. A breast lift repositions the breasts to make sagging breasts appear more youthful. Depending on the severity of the sagging, a breast lift with implants may be a good option, as this procedure not only raises the breasts, but also adds much needed volume.

Breast Reduction

Weight gain and breast size typically go hand-in-hand. A lot of women gain weight in their breasts following pregnancy and this can lead to neck and shoulder pain. A breast reduction can scale down your breast size and make every day activities easier. It can also help you on your weight loss journey and if the reduction is performed with a lift, it can create the youthful look you desire.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is another popular procedure that is requested during a mommy makeover. Loose skin and excess fat are the main reasons this procedure is commonly requested. Women who have undergone C-sections have a very hard time getting rid of the loose skin on their own and a tummy tuck is an excellent way to remove the pooch once and for all. A tummy tuck will flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles. You'll be rocking a two-piece bikini in no time when you see the results from this procedure.

Liposuction

Liposuction is used to help contour the body and remove localized areas of fat. Many women gain excess weight during pregnancy and have a hard time shedding the pounds afterwards. Fat removal from the hips, thighs, buttock, arms, and love handles are the most common areas that are targeted. Liposuction can help you get the body you've always dreamed of, but didn't think was within reach.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is not generally included in a typical mommy makeover, but it may be a necessary addition for women who gained a great deal of weight with one or multiple pregnancies. A thigh lift, with the help of liposuction, can help smooth, tone, and slim the inner and outer thighs where pockets of fat may have settled during pregnancy. If a significant amount of weight was lost, some loose skin could remain. This procedure removes loose skin from the inner thigh resulting in a more defined look. In some cases, liposuction is also required.

Butt Augmentation

So now you are a mom--but you certainly do not want to be known for having a “mom butt”! There are many options to getting a fuller, more toned appearing buttock. If loose skin is the issue, a butt lift can be performed to remove the extra skin and lift the butt into a higher position. In addition, if the butt has become deflated due to post-pregnancy weight loss, a Brazilian butt lift can be performed to add volume back to the area. This is accomplished by removing fat from one area of the body (using liposuction) and transferring it to the buttocks. Combining this with another body contouring procedure can help create a sexy silhouette and beautiful contour.

Labiaplasty

Childbirth can also cause some trauma and do a number to our feminine “lady” parts. Tearing and ripping of the labia is common during delivery and can leave you feeling like you'll never be the same. Excess skin or tissue can lead to discomfort during exercise, sex, or every day activities. A labiaplasty can repair the size and shape of the labia by removing the extra tissue and making the inner and outer labia appear more symmetrical. This is one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries of today. It can restore the vaginal area and create a natural, normal outcome.

Skin rejuvenation (laser treatments, BOTOX or fillers)

Finally, let's not forget about the face. Having a baby, losing sleep, weight gain and loss, hormone fluctuations--all of these and more can take a toll on your skin. To get that radiant glow back, there are a number of nonsurgical treatment options to rejuvenate the face including medical grade facials, laser treatments, BOTOX, and fillers. Reduce fine lines, smooth your skin, and look awakened as part of your overall transformation.

How to find out more

If any of these procedures spark your interest then give our Reston, VA, office a call to schedule a personalized consultation. You'll get to meet with one of our expert surgeons and discuss your problem areas and desired results. Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination to determine how to move forward. Pricing will also be discussed so you'll have a clear idea of what the procedures will cost, as well as the expected recovery and results.

Oftentimes women are so focused on motherhood that they tend to feel like they've lost their own identities. Life can be incredibly hectic and your goals and desires tend to get pushed down to the bottom of the priority list. If you're looking for a way to jumpstart your self-confidence and get the body and glow you've been dreaming about, call our Northern Virginia cosmetic surgery center to learn more.