Mommy
Makeover
Mommy Makeover
Motherhood can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman’s lifetime, as well as one of the most challenging. Although being a mom can have a tremendous positive impact on your life in many ways, the physical impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding may unfortunately take an unwelcome toll on your body. A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures that’s specifically designed to help you feel sexy and vibrant again.
Recognized as a body contouring specialist and one of the best cosmetic surgeons in the Mobile-Pensacola metro area, Dr. James Koehler is a board certified cosmetic surgeon serving patients near Gulfport, Gulf Shores and beyond. In addition to mommy makeovers, Dr. Koehler offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures for both men and women, and is known for his caring commitment to a patient-first approach.
Are You a Candidate?
If you’re unhappy about the changes you’ve noticed in your body since having children, you might be a candidate for a mommy makeover. While the specific concerns may vary — one woman may feel self-conscious about her stretched-out tummy muscles or flab near her hips, while another may feel frustrated by the deflated appearance of her breasts — a mommy makeover can address multiple areas at once.
For women looking to augment their breasts, it is important to have discontinued all breast feeding or pumping of milk for 4-6 months prior to surgery. If the breasts are not given adequate time for the milk to dry up, placement of an implant can stimulate milk production and result in a galactocele (milk cyst), infection or increased risk for capsular contracture.
The best candidates for mommy makeovers should be in good general physical and mental health, have already reached and maintained a healthy target weight for several months and have realistic expectations about their procedures. Although there’s no physical reason why you couldn’t enjoy a healthy pregnancy after surgery, the best mommy makeover results are seen in women who have already completed their families.
What to Expect
Because of the uniquely individualized approach that’s taken during a mommy makeover, scheduling a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Koehler is an important first step before surgery. During your initial meeting, he’ll discuss your options with you, as well as explain the limitations of some procedures (for example, liposuction can’t improve skin laxity) and the benefits of others so you can choose the perfect combination for you.
Options for a mommy makeover can include:
- A tummy tuck, to remove loose skin and repair separated abdominal muscles
- Breast implants to boost cup size and eliminate a “deflated” breast appearance
- A breast lift, with or without implants, to restore a firmer, perkier profile
- Liposuction to complement other procedures or address specific problem spots
- Nonsurgical med spa treatments like BOTOX® to help you look younger and more refreshed
Dr. Koehler may recommend some or all of these options, which may be performed at the same time or in stages.
The goal of every mommy makeover is to adopt a combination approach that targets your specific concerns and delivers a beautiful outcome from head to toe. During your consultation, Dr. Koehler will go over the details of each procedure and explain how the effects can complement each other to ensure that you see the best possible results from your mommy makeover.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Risks and Complications
The risks associated with a mommy makeover are generally low, and side effects will vary depending on which procedures are performed. Possible side effects include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection or changes in sensation. Minor complications such as contour irregularities are possible, although these are rare when your surgery is performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Koehler. Part of your consultation time will include going over all the risks and benefits of your mommy makeover in detail so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Your New Look
You should see an immediate difference in your body after your mommy makeover, although you may experience some initial swelling, bruising or discomfort. Separated tummy muscles should feel firmer and flatter, and issues with loose or excess skin and tissue should be resolved. Breasts should look higher, firmer and sexier, with an increase in cup size if breast implants were included. As healing progresses, you can expect to see a curvier, more toned appearance and a gorgeous post-baby body that you can enjoy for years to come.
Mommy Makeover FAQs
How can I find the best mommy makeover cosmetic surgeon near me?
Choose a cosmetic surgeon for your mommy makeover based on their experience, credentials and ability to listen to your goals and create a customized surgical plan for you.
Start by searching online for cosmetic surgeons in your area, looking for medical training, affiliations with accredited medical associations and before and after mommy makeover photos. Schedule an in-person consultation with your top one or two picks before making a decision.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
What are the best procedures to include in a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover can include a variety of cosmetic procedures, and the best ones for your procedure will depend on your needs and goals. Some of the most common procedures to include in a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast enhancement.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
Is a mommy makeover performed all at once?
In many cases, yes, your mommy makeover procedure can be performed during a single surgery. If you’ve chosen to include a large number of cosmetic procedures or if your safety is at risk for any reason, Dr. Koehler may recommend that your mommy makeover be split up into two separate surgeries.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
Will a C-section affect my ability to get a mommy makeover?
No, having had a C-section in the past should not hinder your ability to get a mommy makeover. In fact, many women choose to include a tummy tuck in their mommy makeover to help better camouflage C-section or hysterectomy incisions. Discuss this with Dr. Koehler during your consultation if this is a concern for you.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
How much time should I take off work to recover from my mommy makeover?
Most people take around two weeks off work and other obligations to recover from their mommy makeover. However, recovery times can vary based on which specific procedures you chose to include as well as your body’s healing response. Some women may take more than two weeks off work to recover.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
How much pain will I be in after a mommy makeover?
Some tenderness, swelling, bruising and discomfort are to be expected directly after your mommy makeover. While pain tolerance varies from person to person, most people find that pain after their mommy makeover is well managed with prescription and over-the-counter pain medication. Wearing a compression garment can also help to make you feel more comfortable and reduce swelling while you recover.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
When can I exercise after a mommy makeover?
Generally speaking, you should plan to limit physical activity for the first two weeks after your mommy makeover. Gradually start to add low-intensity exercises back into your routine over the next weeks and months. Around 4 to 6 weeks after your mommy makeover, you should be able to resume your normal workout routine. Dr. Koehler will discuss your recovery guidelines in more detail.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
Will I have scars after a mommy makeover?
Yes — any surgical procedure will leave a scar, including those for cosmetic purposes. However, Dr. Koehler will do his best to place your mommy makeover incisions in such a way that they can be easy to conceal beneath a swimsuit. The specific procedures you include in your mommy makeover will affect the placement of any resulting scars.
Dr. James Koehler,
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051