Mommy Makeover

Maternal Esthetics

Maternal esthetics, also known as "mommy makeover," is an aesthetic surgery performed to correct deformities that occur in the body after childbirth. The pregnancy process leads to various changes in the body, especially in areas such as the breasts, abdomen, and legs. With this operation, the aim is to correct the changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum and to restore the body to its previous form. Maternal esthetics primarily involves correcting sagging breasts due to breastfeeding, excess fat in the abdomen and hips, stretch marks on the legs, and various changes in different parts of the body. After a detailed examination of the patient, a personalized combined treatment plan is designed. This process involves several different operations performed in combination. Procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast lift, stretch mark removal, and removal of excess fat from the body are performed. Since these procedures under maternal esthetics are performed in a single operation, more efficient results are achieved.

**What Operations Does Maternal Esthetics Include and How Are They Performed?**

Maternal esthetics mainly includes procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast aesthetics, liposuction, and labiaplasty. Stretch marks may occur in the abdominal area due to the effects of pregnancy. Abdominoplasty or liposuction is performed to remove excess fat tissue from the abdominal area and tighten the abdomen. This allows patients to have a tighter and more fit appearance. After childbirth and breastfeeding, breasts lose their previous volume and sagging occurs. Breast lift and augmentation surgeries are performed on sagging and deflated breasts. In some patients, breasts may remain larger than before pregnancy. In such cases, breast reduction surgery is performed. Silicone implants may be used to increase breast volume if the breast tissue is insufficient. Vaginal aesthetics or labiaplasty is a surgery performed to rejuvenate sagging vaginal lips after a normal delivery. Vaginal narrowing can be achieved by reducing the inner vaginal lips. All these operations are performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the operation varies depending on the condition of the areas to be treated and the number of areas to be treated.

**Who Can Undergo Maternal Esthetics?**

Especially for breast surgeries, the most suitable time is one year after breastfeeding has stopped. If breast surgery is performed earlier, the milk ducts are still active, making it difficult to fully assess breast volume, and the breast tissue becomes more susceptible to infections. In short, for maternal esthetics surgery to be performed, the body needs to return to normal hormonally after pregnancy.

**Can Pregnancy Occur Again After Maternal Esthetics?**

Pregnancy can be planned approximately one year after maternal esthetics surgery. It is much more appropriate to undergo maternal esthetics surgery one year after completing the pregnancy process.

**Is Weight Loss Necessary Before Maternal Esthetics?**

It carries various risks for overweight individuals to undergo this operation. Therefore, patients need to reach their ideal weight level. Otherwise, waiting may be recommended by the doctor. To maintain the results of maternal esthetics for a long time, it is crucial to establish a suitable exercise program and sports routine after the operation. Implementing a healthy and balanced nutrition program helps maintain the fit body obtained.

**Recovery Process After Maternal Esthetics**

The recovery process after the operation can take approximately 2-3 months. Heavy sports activities should be avoided for about 4 weeks. If abdominoplasty is performed, it is recommended to lie down in a way that protects the abdominal area and prevents it from stretching. If both abdominoplasty and breast aesthetics are performed, dressing changes may be required every few days for a few days. If self-absorbing stitches are used, there is no need to remove the stitches. It is normal to feel some pain for a few days after the operation. Using the medication prescribed by the doctor to relieve this pain ensures a smoother recovery process.