Mommy Makeover vs Tummy Tuck: Which is Right for You?

Pregnancy and childbirth can have a lasting impact on your body. While some moms are able to quickly bounce back to their pre-pregnancy figure, these women are more the exception than the rule. In fact, a majority of moms find that, even with vigorous exercise and careful nutrition, it’s very difficult to lose all of the weight gained during pregnancy.

That’s why many moms come to Charlotte Plastic Surgery in search of an intervention. For women seeking to regain their pre-pregnancy fitness level, there are a couple of options to consider: The mommy makeover and the tummy tuck. The question is, which procedure is right for you?

The best way to determine between a mommy makeover vs tummy tuck is to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with one of our doctors. In the meantime, here is an overview of these two surgical options.

Mommy Makeover vs Tummy Tuck: An Overview

Let’s start with the tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to get rid of excess flab and skin and to reshape the abdomen. It is a popular option among women hoping to regain their pre-pregnancy physique, as well as men and women who have lost significant amounts of weight but still have loose, saggy skin around their belly.

A tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia. During this procedure, your surgeon will eliminate excess skin, tighten loose skin, and strengthen the underlying stomach muscles. The result is a flatter, tauter tummy.

Note that, in some instances, a tummy tuck will be paired with liposuction to optimize the results.

By contrast, a mommy makeover isn’t a specific procedure at all; rather, it’s a combination of surgical procedures that a woman may get to help her regain her pre-pregnancy body. The name may connotate that this procedure is only for moms, but that is not the case. Mommy makeovers are for anyone looking to combine procedures.

The specific procedures encompassed by the mommy makeover can vary from one patient to the next. Often, a tummy tuck is included. The mommy makeover may also include breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction, a butt lift, and more.

The idea of the mommy makeover is that, by getting all of these procedures at the same time, the patient can reduce her cost, her exposure to anesthesia, and her recovery time, as opposed to what she would experience if she had each of these procedures performed individually.

Mommy Makeover vs Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?

As you think about the difference between a mommy makeover vs tummy tuck, then, it’s really all about the scope of the procedure, and the type of results you’re looking for.

A tummy tuck is designed to provide a flatter, firmer tummy, and to help eliminate the excess flab or saggy skin that many women are left with post-childbirth. If you are generally content with the volume and shape of your breasts, and only want to make surgical enhancements to your abdominal area, then simply getting a tummy tuck may be sufficient.

By contrast, a mommy makeover is designed as a more comprehensive restoration. For women who want to enhance several parts of their body, potentially including but not limited to their tummy, then the mommy makeover may be the more robust solution.

Of course, to find out more about either procedure, you can always schedule a consultation with one of our providers here at Charlotte Plastic Surgery.

Choosing Between a Mommy Makeover vs Tummy Tuck

When you join us for a consultation, we’ll help you determine whether you are a good candidate for a safe, successful procedure. In the meantime, here are some guidelines to help you decide whether you’re a good candidate for a mommy makeover vs a tummy tuck.

Candidates for a Mommy Makeover

Generally speaking, you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover if you meet the following criteria:

• You are looking to address a number of the bodily changes you’ve experienced due to pregnancy, including changes to your breasts and tummy, as well as the development of exercise or diet-resistant fat.
• Your youngest child is at least six months old, and you are fairly confident you’re done having biological children.
• Have reached a bodyweight that is fairly stable and maintainable.
• Are in good health overall and do not have any underlying conditions that would complicate your recovery.
• Have a spouse, mom, sister, or friend who can help around the house for a few days as you recover from your surgery.

Mommy Makeover Patient Results

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

By contrast, you’re probably a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you meet the following criteria:

• Are specifically looking to get a firmer, tauter belly; to eliminate loose, sagging skin from your abdomen; and/or to strengthen stomach muscles that were weakened in childbirth.
• Are at or near your goal weight; in other words, you do not have any plans to lose significant amounts of weight.
• Your youngest child is at least six months old, and you are fairly confident you’re done having biological children.
• In good health overall and do not have any underlying conditions that would complicate your recovery.

Tummy Tuck Patient Results

As you seek to make the best decision about your surgical procedure, we welcome you to join us at Charlotte Plastic Surgery. We’ll begin with a private, one-on-one consultation, allowing your doctor a chance to further explain the options, listen to your goals and expectations, and recommend the options that are most closely aligned with your objectives. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here; instead, it’s always best to get an individualized recommendation for how to regain your pre-pregnancy physique.

Schedule a Consultation with Charlotte Plastic Surgery

Having children is profoundly, incomparably rewarding. But the toll it takes on your body can sometimes be demoralizing. If you’re looking for a way to regain your pre-pregnancy form, a good starting point is to think about the merits of a mommy makeover vs tummy tuck. We’d love to tell you more. To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we welcome you to contact Charlotte Plastic Surgery at your convenience.