The journey to motherhood through pregnancy and childbirth can be a beautiful experience, but despite the joy many mothers find in carrying their children, pregnancy is tough on the body. According to Dr. Chris Surek of Surek Plastic Surgery, a Division of U.S. Dermatology Partners, “Giving birth and caring for children have lasting impacts on mothers. My patients tell me the positive ones outweigh the negative, but for those women who want to address the physical changes following childbirth, including sagging, stretching, and fatty deposits, a mommy makeover offers a versatile, customizable solution to restore a sense of confidence. It’s not one specific treatment. Instead, a mommy makeover can include a range of treatments brought together in an individualized plan to help women reclaim and strengthen their bodies.” In this blog, Dr. Surek answers common questions like what is a mommy makeover and how do I get started?

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

Many people think that a mommy makeover is one, specific treatment, but a mommy makeover is the general name given to a customized surgical rejuvenation plan provided to women after they are done childbearing. Different surgical procedures are recommended to address the physical changes experienced after pregnancy and childbirth. Some of the concerns addressed by a mommy makeover plan include:

• Sagging or deflated looking breasts.
• Loose skin and weakened musculature in the abdomen.
• Stubborn fatty deposits on the hips, thighs, and stomach.
• Changes in muscle tone and body contour that don’t improve with diet and exercise.

The individualized mommy makeover plan may include one or more of the following plastic surgery solutions:

• Breast augmentation – replaces breast volume with implants to restore a more youthful fullness and symmetrical breast shape.
• Breast lift – boosts sagging tissue, repositioning the breast and nipple for a perkier appearance.
• Tummy tuck – removal of excess skin and fatty tissue as well as tightening abdominal muscles.
• Liposuction – extracts stubborn fat deposits for a more even distribution.

Dr. Chris Surek’s Approach

As a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Overland Park, Kansas, Dr. Chris Surek specializes in plastic surgery for the face and body. Combining surgical skill with an artistic eye, he delivers natural-looking results that restore confidence. Dr. Surek has received training in advanced plastic surgery techniques, but even more importantly, he is committed to a patient-first approach, developing individualized surgery plans that start with him taking time to get to know and understand his patients and their goals during a surgical consultation. Want to see some of Dr. Surek’s plastic surgery success stories? Explore his Instagram for before and after pictures and testimonials from patients.

What to Expect During Consultation and Surgery

Dr. Surek will be your partner and advocate throughout the mommy makeover process. And that all starts with your initial plastic surgery consultation. At this consultation, you’ll discuss concerns and desired results. Dr. Surek will examine the areas you’re concerned about to determine health of skin, abdominal tone, and fat distribution. Together, Dr. Surek will work with you to develop a finalized surgical plan that combines the ideal procedures to achieve your desired results.

Depending on the surgeries you elect, the procedure visit lasts between four and six hours on average. A more extensive plan may require more than one surgery session, but this is rare. After treatment, most patients are able to go home the same day after a short observation. Others may need to stay a bit longer to ensure they can safely heal and make a full recovery.

Recovery and Results

Mommy makeover recovery takes about six weeks with the final results being visible between six months and a year after surgery. During the first week, there will be significant discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You are likely to need support in performing even minor daily activities. Weeks two and three, light activity and non-strenuous work can be resumed. After six weeks, exercise and other more strenuous activities can be resumed with surgeon approval. Dr. Surek provides the following post-operative care recommendations:

• Avoid exercise and other high-impact activities as you heal.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet and drink plenty of water to promote overall health.
• Be realistic about how long it may take to see results. The skin and body need time to heal and settle.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

Dr. Surek says, “The most common question I get from patients is how do I pay for a mommy makeover? Will my insurance cover it? In almost all cases, mommy makeover procedures are considered elective, so they aren’t covered by health insurance. During the consultation, we will discuss pricing and payment options transparently and realistically.” For those who wish to make the investment in a mommy makeover, Dr. Surek recommends taking the below factors that increase cost into consideration as they start planning their treatment:

• The greater number or more advanced procedures performed.
• Your surgeon’s level of expertise and training.
• The surgical facility.
• Anesthesia fees.
• Post-surgery care.

Why Choose Dr. Surek for a Mommy Makeover?

Assessing the right plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover comes down to understanding a few key factors that differentiate experts. If you’re interested in a mommy makeover in Overland Park, Dr. Surek offers:

• Expertise in body and facial plastic surgery – including advanced training that gives him the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver the desired results.
• Experience to deliver natural results – consistently provides enhanced appearance and function that is proportional and natural.
• Commitment to safety – he priorities patient’s health and wellness at all stages, including adjusting procedures, surgical techniques, and safety protocols to individual needs.
• Transparency – he openly shares patient results and recovery journeys, so you will know what to expect.
• Patient trust – in the Overland Park community, Dr. Surek has a reputation of excellence as well as compassion in his patient-centered surgical approach.

Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation

If you’re still unsure whether mommy makeover is the right choice or want to learn more about your plastic surgery options, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the Surek Plastic Surgery team. During your consultation, you’ll discuss potential options, see before and after images of real patients, learn what you can expect from each procedure, and begin to develop a surgical plan that fits your needs. A mommy makeover can be life-changing, restoring confidence and helping you embrace your post-pregnancy body. Get started by requesting a plastic surgery consultation today.