Plastic surgery is no longer the mysterious entity that it once was. While years ago, it was for the rich and famous, now, most people have multiple friends and family members that have gotten work done and aren’t afraid to talk about it.
However, there are still some holdovers from when plastic surgery was a taboo topic. Most notably, the myths associated with various procedures.
In some cases, these myths are the result of bad procedures or techniques of the past. In other cases, they are just pure urban legends. Whether they are based in a grain of truth or not, all procedures have them, including the mommy makeover.
So, what are the biggest mommy makeover myths you need to avoid falling for? Let’s take a look at the top four.
1. Mommy Makeovers Are Just for Mothers
Yes, we surgeons must admit that we are at least partially at fault for this myth. After all, we are the ones calling them mommy makeovers and including the term in our marketing efforts. However, mommy makeovers can be for anyone.
How can this be? Well, mommy makeovers are really just combination procedures that center heavily on body contouring. While the typical procedures are great at addressing physical changes related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, they also help with things like sagging skin after weight loss, weak abdominal muscles and loss of breast volume that can come with natural aging.
Basically, mommy makeovers are great for anyone interested in getting multiple procedures done at the same time, particularly body contouring surgeries.
2. A Mommy Makeover Is a Set Collection of Procedures
What’s in a mommy makeover? Many people assume that mommy makeovers are all the same; every patient gets a breast lift with augmentation, a tummy tuck and liposuction. While this set of procedures is pretty common, you choose what you want for your mommy makeover.
As a combination procedure, you get to pick and choose what you want done. So if you want a 360-degree tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift with reduction and a neck lift, that’s what you get. Procedures you might want to include in a mommy makeover are:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Tummy tuck
- Upper body lift
- Lower body lift
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty
- Nipple reshaping
However, you are not limited to these surgeries. Your mommy makeover is yours. You decide what it will be.
3. The Scars Are Crazy
All surgeries leave scars. However, in some cases, they are quite small or easily hidden. Since a mommy makeover involves multiple procedures done at the same time, many people assume this means that it leaves a massive amount of scarring behind.
The truth is that plastic surgeons are experts at using small incisions and placing them where they are less noticeable. For most people getting a mommy makeover, their scars will be minimal and easy to hide. There are exceptions to this, such as those getting arm or thigh lifts and certain types of tummy tucks. However, your doctor will go over their technique before your surgery so you know what to expect.
4. Recovery Is Terrible
While you will have a recovery period no matter which set of procedures you get, this should not be worse than if you got your surgeries done separately, save for needing to clean and dress multiple surgical sites. So, if you know you want all the surgeries you’d include in your mommy makeover, recovering from all of them at once won’t be more painful than doing so separately, and it will save you time in the long run.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
