Mom bobs, also known as mommy makeovers, refer to a combination of cosmetic procedures that women may undergo after pregnancy and breastfeeding to restore their pre-baby bodies. Having children can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, enlarge breasts, and cause other changes that some women seek to reverse through plastic surgery. A mom bob typically includes a tummy tuck, breast lift, breast augmentation, and/or liposuction to slim and enhance specific areas of the body.
What Procedures Make Up a Mom Bob?
The procedures that make up a mom bob may include:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. This can help flatten the stomach and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin after pregnancy. During a full tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen to tighten the muscle fascia and remove excess tissue. A mini-tummy tuck requires a shorter incision and focuses only on the lower abdomen below the navel.
Breast Augmentation
Breast implants can increase breast size and restore fullness lost after breastfeeding. Implants are placed through incisions under the breasts or armpit. The surgeon inserts and positions the implant, then closes the incisions. Recovery takes several weeks as swelling subsides and breasts settle into their new shape.
Breast Lift
A breast lift elevates the breasts and nipples to a more youthful, perky position. The surgeon removes excess skin to tighten the breast tissue and repositions the nipples/areolas upward. Incisions are made around the areola and extend vertically down to the breast crease. Dissolvable sutures close the incisions.
Liposuction
Liposuction slims areas like the hips, thighs, back, arms, neck, and abdomen by suctioning out fat deposits. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through tiny incisions and passed through the fat layer, breaking up and suctioning out the fat cells. Liposuction helps reshape and contour specific body areas.
What Results Can You Expect From a Mom Bob?
The combination of procedures in a mommy makeover aims to restore a pre-baby figure as much as possible. Specific results may include:
- A flatter, firmer, and more toned abdominal area
- More lifted, youthful-looking breasts
- Enhanced breast size and fullness
- Refined body contours through liposuction
- A more proportionate, fit, and contoured physique
The results are long-lasting, although significant weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can impact results over time. Most women are extremely satisfied with their renewed self-confidence and transformed appearance after a mom bob.
Good Candidates for a Mom Bob
Ideal candidates for a mommy makeover include:
- Women who have completed childbearing
- Healthy women without major medical conditions
- Nonsmokers
- Women with realistic expectations for the procedures
- Women in good psychological health
- Those with sagging breasts and excess abdominal skin/fat
- Women who have lost pregnancy weight
- Those bothered by post-pregnancy changes to their bodies
It’s recommended to wait at least 6 months after giving birth before undergoing body contouring procedures. Being finished having children allows the results to last. Having a positive self-image yet being bothered by specific areas of concern is also important.
Recovery After a Mom Bob
Recovering after a mommy makeover takes patience and care. Combining multiple procedures extends the recovery period slightly. Here are some general guidelines:
- Take 2-4 weeks off work
- Avoid strenuous activity and lifting for 6 weeks
- Drainage tubes under incisions collect fluid for 1-2 weeks
- Wear a compression garment to minimize swelling
- Pain medication is prescribed to keep comfortable
- Scars fade over several months
- Temporary numbness around surgical sites and breast/abdomen is common
- Resume exercise gradually after 6 weeks
- All restrictions can be lifted after 6-8 weeks of healing
Having help around the house while recovering is highly recommended. While patience is required during healing, the long-term results make the recovery period worth it for most moms.
Risks and Complications
A mom bob performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is generally safe. However, as with any surgery, some risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Fluid accumulation under wound
- Skin loss along incision
- Asymmetry (breasts or abdomen)
- Fat embolism
- Need for revision surgery
Choosing a qualified surgeon lowers risks. Certain health habits like smoking increase the chance of complications. Following all post-op instructions can promote smooth, uncomplicated healing.
Cost of a Mom Bob
The average cost of a mommy makeover ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. Factors impacting the cost include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Extent of procedures performed
- Geographic location
- Surgical facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans to help offset the cost. The procedures are considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. When selecting a surgeon, be wary of prices that seem too low as quality may be compromised.
Finding a Surgeon
Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for safe, quality results. Consider these tips when researching surgeons:
- Check credentials and hospital privileges
- View before/after photos to assess aesthetic skills
- Read online reviews
- Schedule several consultations before deciding
- Communicate your goals for improvement
- Ask about the surgeon’s experience with mommy makeovers
- Make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon
Reputable surgeons take time to understand your concerns, answer all questions, and design a customized surgical plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Conclusion
A mommy makeover combines various body contouring procedures to help women restore their pre-baby figures. Procedures like tummy tucks, breast lifts/augmentations, and liposuction address concerns like excess skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat deposits. While recovery takes time and patience, a mom bob can provide extremely satisfying, confidence-boosting results. Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is important for minimizing risks and maximizing outcome success. A mom bob enables many women to not only reclaim their pre-baby bodies but also their self-assurance and youthful vitality.