Mommy makeover for well-being after pregnancy

The mommy makeover is a combined surgical procedure aimed at correcting physical changes related to pregnancy. Dr. Vito Toto, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery at the Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, explains how, after one or more pregnancies, the breasts and abdomen are the areas most affected by bodily changes. Therefore, typical mommy makeover treatments involve mastoplasty (augmentation, reduction, mastopexy, and in some cases, mastopexy with implants) and abdominoplasty to correct diastasis of the rectus muscles or the possible presence of umbilical hernias.

«Abdominoplasty may be necessary when there is also a significant amount of excess skin. Mini abdominoplasty if the amount of skin to be removed is smaller – Toto explains -. In addition to these classic procedures in the mommy makeover, there are liposuctions, which we almost routinely perform. In the vast majority of patients, liposuction of the hips is certainly included. Thigh or knee liposuction can be added as well».

Altough procedures like arm reshaping are not part of the mommy makeover, they may still be requested, depending on the patient’s needs.

Tips for an effective post-operative recovery

While the surgical phase is crucial, maintaining results largely depends on the precautions taken in the post-operative period. «The post-op process is always centred around the abdominal surgery. This includes wearing a classic postpartum girdle – explains the doctor -. I generally recommend wearing it for at least three months post-op, with the first two months being 24/7. In the last month, you can start removing it at night but continue wearing it during the day».

For the breasts, patients wea a post-operative bra for two months in cases where implants are used, along with a classic strap for breast augmentation. For thigh or knee liposuctions, compressive garments are also used. «To achieve the best possible result, we put our utmost effort in the operating room, but post-op management is very important. My main recommendation is to avoid significant physical strain».

The ideal candidate for the mommy makeover

One of the most delicate aspects in selecting candidates for the mommy makeover. Body weight is the primary exclusion criterion. The body mass index (BMI) should not exceed 27 or 28. «In addition to the surgical evaluation, it’s important to assess whether there are significant comorbidities, such as heart problems, respiratory issues, or diabetes. However, it’s rare to find conditions that make a patient inoperable. It’s a very small percentage of cases. We don’t expect, especially postpartum, to operate on people at their ideal weight. We aim to avoid operating on patients with excessive body weight», Toto states.

Another important factor is the possibility of future pregnancies. In this case, it is advised to postpone the surgery.

Open dialogue for optimal results

Achieving the desired result is not solely dependent on the surgery itself. There is a protocol to follow in the post-op phase for optimal outcomes, including physiotherapy for post-plastic surgery rehabilitation, nutrition, and healthy physical activity. Open and honest communication with patients is key.

«Expectations are clearly discussed with the patients, though it’s difficult to compare one patients to another. However, I occasionally show clinical cases of similar types to give patients on a rough idea of what to expect. What I always emphasise is that expectations need to be realistic when considering such a procedure», concludes the doctor.