As a new mom, one thing is clear: your life has changed for the better, thanks to your little one. But motherhood does come with a few changes that might not be so loved, like the sleepless nights and stubborn fat that won’t go away. If you’re having a hard time getting your pre-baby body back through diet and exercise alone, thinking about getting a tummy tuck or mommy makeover might be the next step.
While these procedures have some similarities, they also have quite a few differences, so take some time to do your research before deciding the verdict on your mommy makeover vs. tummy tuck debate. Here are a few pointers to help you make a well-educated decision that’ll be the perfect fit for your needs.
Define Your Goals
The most important difference between a mommy makeover and a tummy tuck is what they entail and what goals they can help you achieve. On its own, abdominoplasty can remove and tighten loose skin and muscle tissue in your abdominal area to create the flatter, more toned physique you’ve been working so hard for. If you opt for a drain-free tummy tuck, liposuction is typically included.
A mommy makeover, on the other hand, is a combination of multiple procedures and usually includes a tummy tuck. So if your goals extend beyond your tummy, springing for a mommy makeover might make the most sense for you.
Many women also choose to include breast augmentation, a breast lift and liposuction with their mommy makeover. However, you can completely customize yours to meet your specific goals.
The recovery period for a tummy tuck and mommy makeover is similar, but it can depend on which procedures you choose to include in your mommy makeover.
Choose Your Plastic Surgeon Wisely
Even if you’re not absolutely sure which body contouring procedure you’d like to go with, you can start looking for a plastic surgeon. Spend some time on your search so you know you’ll be working with an experienced and qualified professional who can help you figure out if a tummy tuck or mommy makeover is best for you.
When searching for a plastic surgeon, look for qualifications like:
- Board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Memberships to accredited medical associations
- Online reviews
- Before and after photos
Come with Questions to Your Consultation
Once you’ve found a plastic surgeon, go ahead and schedule a consultation, even if you’re still not sure which procedure is the best fit. Bring a list of questions that you’d like to ask your plastic surgeon so you can use this time to figure out whether abdominoplasty or a mommy makeover is right for you and iron out the details of your procedure.
It’s also a good idea to ask some specific questions to help you get a feel for what you can expect, as well as your plastic surgeon’s experience level. These might include:
- How many tummy tucks/mommy makeovers have you performed?
- What surgical technique would you recommend?
- What can I expect during recovery?
- When will I see my results?
Make an Informed Decision
Once you understand your options a little better and the pros and cons of each procedure, you should be equipped to make an informed decision. If your main trouble spot is your tummy region, a tummy tuck could be enough to help you reach your fitness goals. If you’d also like to address drooping or “deflated” breasts and stubborn fat in other areas, a mommy makeover could be the best pick.
Dr. Scot Martin concentrates on breast enhancement and body contouring at his practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. A nationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He looks forward to meeting you and helping you become the best version of yourself possible.
