Mommy Makeover in NYC

There are so many changes that occur around being a new mom, with the biggest and most exciting being the arrival of your new child. But throughout the experience of childbearing and in the months postpartum, a woman’s body can go through many changes, experiencing weight loss, weight gain, diastasis (stretched abdominal muscles), loose skin, excess skin, stretch marks, and more. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the areas of the body that are most affected by these transformations include the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, genitalia, and waist, often leading to a different overall body contour than patients had before. Some may feel self-conscious about the stubborn fat deposits, loose skin, or sagging breasts that can develop after pregnancy and are looking for a way to access full-body rejuvenation. Luckily, expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green can provide safe and effective non-surgical treatment options with the Mommy Makeover.

Traditionally, the Mommy Makeover is the combination of several surgery procedures performed by a plastic surgeon. Most often, the combination of procedures includes breast augmentation, mastopexy (breast lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, labiaplasty (surgical vaginal rejuvenation), facelift, and buttocks enhancement (Brazilian Butt Lift). While a surgical plan can create dramatic results, many patients are wary about going under the knife due to the risks associated with the surgery itself, going under general anesthesia, high cost, long recovery time, and possible severe side effects. That is why experienced dermatologist Dr. Michele Green offers a Mommy Makeover treatment plan with a combination of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Thermage for skin tightening, CoolSculpting for body contouring, Kybella for eliminating stubborn fat deposits, VBeam Laser for erasing stretch marks, Botox for reducing dynamic wrinkles, and dermal fillers for a full liquid facelift. To find out how to achieve a full-body lift without the need for plastic surgery, schedule your consultation with Dr. Green today.

Dr. Michele Green was among the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate non-invasive body contouring procedures such as CoolSculpting and Kybella into her private practice, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. As an internationally renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing her patients from around the globe with their ideal body sculpting results. Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best physicians for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to rejuvenation. When you consult with Dr. Green for non-invasive body contouring, she will work with you to determine which unique combination of treatments is best suited to addressing your specific concerns and delivering your optimal aesthetic results.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A woman’s body goes through a lot as a result of childbearing, and after childbirth, many women experience differences in their body shape. Rapid weight gain can lead to the appearance of stretch marks or stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away even with a balanced diet and regular exercise, and weight loss after pregnancy can increase skin laxity, leading to sagging, loose skin. Some patients experience detachment of the abdominal muscles, sagging breasts, and stretching in the vaginal area. For patients looking to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, a Mommy Makeover may be the best treatment option. A Mommy Makeover is a series of cosmetic procedures that help achieve the ideal body contouring. Traditionally a series of surgical procedures, the Mommy Makeover can also consist of non-surgical treatment options, such as radiofrequency skin tightening treatments, CoolSculpting for body contouring, Kybella for reducing unwanted fat deposits, and VBeam laser treatments for erasing stretch marks. Determining the series of cosmetic treatments that will be best for your Mommy Makeover is dependent on your unique aesthetic goals.

What is typically included in a Mommy Makeover procedure?

A Mommy Makeover procedure typically targets the areas of the body that are most affected by childbearing, including the breasts, buttocks, abdomen, genitalia, and waist. The specific treatment plan developed for a Mommy Makeover depends on each patient’s concerns and aesthetic goals. Patients undergoing a surgical Mommy Makeover with a plastic surgeon will find that the most common treatment options offered include breast surgery (such as breast implants for augmentation or breast reduction to reduce the breast volume), buttock augmentation, labiaplasty for vaginal rejuvenation, tummy tuck, and liposuction for fat reduction. For Mommy Makeover patients who do not want to deal with the risks associated with surgery, Dr. Green has many non-surgical body contouring procedures available at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office, including Thermage for skin tightening, Kybella for fat reduction, CoolSculpting for full-body contouring, injectable dermal fillers for a liquid facelift, and VBeam laser for erasing stretch marks. A major advantage of the non-surgical Mommy Makeover is that there is no downtime associated with the treatments, meaning that patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities.

What is a Mommy Makeover surgery?

Patients looking for dramatic body contouring results may turn to plastic surgery performed at a surgery center. A Mommy Makeover surgery generally consists of a combination of procedures, each aimed at addressing a different area of the body. Most often, the surgical procedures involved in a Mommy Makeover are as follows:

Breast Augmentation: Patients who are looking to achieve a higher breast volume, more rounded, or more symmetrical breasts can turn to breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that begins with an incision through which silicone breast implants are placed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. While breast augmentation can increase breast volume, it cannot improve sagging breasts. To lift sagging breasts, patients can turn to a surgical breast lift.

Breast Lift: A surgical breast lift—also known as a mastopexy—helps to lift sagging breasts and can also be used to reduce areola size. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon surgically tightens the skin and reshapes the breast contour for a more uplifted look.

Buttock Augmentation: Patients looking to improve the shape and contour of the buttocks dramatically can turn to a surgical buttock augmentation—also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. During the surgery, the plastic surgeon will place implants or fat grafts in the buttocks to reshape or alter the size. Any loose skin will also be surgically tightened for a smooth, lifted look.

Labiaplasty: Childbirth can also change the size and shape of the vagina. Patients looking to rejuvenate their genitals can turn to a surgical labiaplasty to tighten and reshape the vaginal area.

Tummy Tuck: A surgical Tummy Tuck—also known as an abdominoplasty—is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance and contour of the abdomen by surgically tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. A Tummy Tuck often also includes liposuction, which is a surgical procedure for eliminating stubborn fat deposits around the waist.

What is the Mommy Makeover recovery process like?

Mommy Makeover patients who opt for any surgical procedure as a part of their treatment plan will require a long recovery period following the treatments. The risk for severe adverse effects, such as bleeding, pain, scarring, poor healing of incisions, heart complications, asymmetry, inability to breastfeed, contour deformity, hematoma, seroma, and infection, is high after any surgical procedure, and there is always a possibility of complications when going under general anesthesia. Surgical procedure patients must follow their plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions very carefully, applying the appropriate compression garments and avoiding heavy lifting for as many as 12 weeks.

Patients who do not want to risk the serious side effects of a surgical procedure may turn to non-surgical Mommy Makeover treatment, which can provide excellent results without any recovery time.

Can you get the same Mommy Makeover results without cosmetic surgery?

Many patients feel self-conscious about their body shape but are wary of going under the knife—and for good reason. Surgery procedures can cause serious, lasting side effects, including persistent pain, bleeding, heart complications, scarring, and infections. For patients who are looking for body contouring options but do not want the risks associated with surgery, many non-surgical treatment options are available at expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green’s dermatology office:

CoolSculpting Body Contouring Treatment

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring treatment designed for fat reduction in stubborn problem areas for healthy patients. CoolSculpting reduces the fat cells in any treatment area by 25 percent without any side effects. Repeat treatment of the same area shows even greater results with up to a 40 percent decrease in fat cells. This process of fat freezing was originally designed to treat the abdominal area but has since extended its use to treat multiple areas of the body. Some of the most common areas of treatment are the submental area (double chin), love handles, upper arms, inner thighs, outer thighs, bra fat, flanks, back, and abdominal areas.

CoolSculpting uses patented cooling technology to deliver targeted and controlled cooling to specific areas of your body, affecting only fat cells and ensuring no harm occurs to any surrounding tissue or cells. Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than the surrounding tissue. This process causes the fat bulges to be “frozen,” and the body excretes these fat cells through its natural metabolic process. CoolSculpting causes these fat cells to be slowly metabolized by the lymphatic system, and for this reason, there is no increased skin laxity associated with this treatment. The full results of CoolSculpting can be seen four months after the procedure, but results can be visible within a few weeks.

Kybella for Fat Deposit Reduction

Kybella is the first and only FDA-injectable drug approved for dissolving and contouring submental fat and reducing the appearance of moderate to severe fat under the chin. Still, it can be used on other areas of the body, including the arms, bra-bulge, and thighs. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and aids in the absorption and breakdown of dietary fat. Kybella injections can quickly, safely, and effectively melt the excess fat that is in the double chin in as little as three treatment sessions. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and tiny injections of Kybella are taken into the designated treatment area. After some minimal swelling, the fat cells are permanently treated. Each injectable treatment takes 4 to 6 weeks to see the full cosmetic results.

Thermage Skin Tightening Treatment

Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening treatment is safe and extremely effective for tightening the skin to improve skin tone and texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thermage works via the emission of radiofrequency energy, which causes controlled heat damage to the tissue, triggering the body’s natural healing response and boosting the production of collagen to tighten the skin. Thermage skin tightening treatment can be used anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, decolletage, arms, abdomen, and thighs. Often considered the “gold standard” for skin tightening, one study of Thermage RF treatment found that there was a significant improvement in skin laxity for all patients that received Thermage treatment, and 73% saw a significant improvement in facial contouring. If patients are experiencing high skin laxity in addition to stubborn pockets of fat, Dr. Green will often combine body contouring treatment with Thermage for skin tightening.

VBeam Laser for Eliminating Stretch Marks

The VBeam Laser is considered the gold standard treatment for eliminating the appearance of redness in the skin, whether it be related to broken capillaries, acne scars, rosacea, or stretch marks. The laser device operates on a wavelength of light that exclusively targets the skin cells with red pigment, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. The affected skin cells absorb the energy from the laser beam, which is converted to heat and is destroyed as a result. There is zero downtime involved with the VBeam laser treatment, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities directly after their treatment session. Additionally, the incorporation of the patented Dynamic Cooling Device, DCD, eliminates any potential patient discomfort by releasing a burst of cool air on the surface of the skin before the laser beam is emitted. Most patients require a short series of laser treatment sessions to achieve their ideal cosmetic results. The VBeam can be integrated into a mommy makeover treatment protocol to reduce the appearance of red stretch marks on different areas of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, thighs, waist, and face.

eMatrix Laser for Stretch Marks

The eMatrix sublative rejuvenation is a laser resurfacing treatment that relies on bi-polar radio frequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen in the dermis. Through heat application, eMatrix creates controlled injuries to the dermal layers of the skin, inducing the natural wound-healing process of the skin. In response, the body produces collagen and elastin, leading to an improved skin texture and a smoother, clearer complexion. Dr. Green often utilizes the eMatrix to treat the appearance of white stretch marks on different areas of the body. Stretch marks most commonly occur on the stomach and breasts but can also develop on the thighs, underarms, and buttocks, depending on where pregnancy weight is carried. eMatrix is a safe and effective laser treatment for stretch mark removal on patients of every skin tone and skin type, and the recovery time is just 48 hours. Common side effects of treatment include facial redness and mild swelling, which resolve on their own shortly following the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical Mommy Makeover?

A good candidate for a non-surgical Mommy Makeover is any patient who is looking for body contouring treatment without the risks associated with plastic surgery. Surgical procedures come with inherent risk and a good deal of recovery time, whereas non-surgical treatment options are safe and effective and require little to no downtime. Mommy Makeover patients opting for non-surgical procedures still need to have realistic expectations. While non-surgical body contouring can provide noticeable results, they will not be as dramatic as a surgical procedure. Patients who seek a non-surgical Mommy Makeover should be at a stable weight and done with childbearing.

Mommy Makeover FAQs

What is the ideal weight for a Mommy Makeover?

Whether you are opting for a surgical or a non-surgical Mommy Makeover, patients should be at or near their ideal weight to see the best results. A Mommy Makeover is best for removing stubborn fat deposits that do not go away even with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Even surgical procedures like a Tummy Tuck or liposuction are not meant to be weight loss treatments. There is no one “best weight” to achieve before undergoing treatment. Rather, patients should opt for a Mommy Makeover once they are at their ideal, stable weight.

How many sizes do you go down after a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is not meant to be a weight loss treatment. However, patients looking to eliminate stubborn fat deposits around their waist can turn to Mommy Makeover treatment to help shrink the waistline by a couple of inches. The number of sizes that patients go down can vary based on the type of treatment they receive. Mommy Makeover patients who undergo liposuction cosmetic surgery or a tummy tuck may see a 1 to 3-size reduction. Patients who receive CoolSculpting treatment can see a 25% reduction in fat cells after each treatment session, which can shrink the waistline by several inches.

How many pounds do you lose after a Mommy Makeover?

The number of pounds you lose after a Mommy Makeover depends on what cosmetic procedures are performed as a part of your treatment plan. The Mommy Makeover is not meant to be a weight loss procedure, meaning that patients should not expect to shed any significant pounds following the treatment. Patients who receive liposuction or a tummy tuck may experience some weight loss following treatment (generally around five pounds), while patients receiving a buttocks augmentation or breast augmentation may experience no weight loss at all. For the best results, patients should be at or near their target weight.

What is the best age for a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover can be performed at any age and is a great option for patients looking to achieve their ideal body shape. For the best results, patients should be finished with childbearing before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. Pregnancy can cause additional weight gain and changes to the body shape, possibly undoing much of the work of the Mommy Makeover treatments.

Does a Mommy Makeover include love handles?

Love handles are areas on the hips and waist where stubborn pockets of fat can accumulate, sometimes leading to unwanted bulges. Even with a healthy diet and consistent exercise, love handles can persist, leading patients to feel self-conscious. A non-surgical Mommy Makeover can address love handles with the help of CoolSculpting cryolipolysis, which destroys fat cells with fat-freezing technology. Patients will often see a 20-25% reduction in fat cells in the treatment area after each CoolSculpting session. For the best results, Dr. Green often recommends several treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.

How long does a full Mommy Makeover take?

The amount of time it takes to perform a full Mommy Makeover depends on the types of cosmetic treatments that you choose. Patients opting for a combination of surgical procedures can expect the surgery to last for 3-6 hours with a recovery period of several weeks to several months. Patients receiving implants or augmentations to the breasts or buttocks may not see the full results of the treatment until several months following the procedure, as the implants need time to settle and the scars need time to heal.

Patients opting for a non-surgical Mommy Makeover find that the procedures themselves take a much shorter time, plus there is no downtime required. The total amount of time the Mommy Makeover will take will still depend on the combination of treatments. Altogether, the in-office treatments generally take less than two hours, and patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities. Some treatments will require multiple treatment sessions for the best results, generally spaced four to six weeks apart.

Are you put to sleep for a Mommy Makeover?

Patients receiving a surgical Mommy Makeover are put under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery, which can take anywhere between three and six hours. Anytime patients go under anesthesia, there are inherent risks and side effects. Common mild side effects can include sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, chills, headache, and tiredness. Serious complications can also occur while under anesthesia, including vocal chord damage, nerve damage, and heart attack.

How painful is recovery from a Mommy Makeover?

Recovery from a surgical Mommy Makeover can be significant, requiring patients to rest for several weeks. Any surgical procedure comes with a serious risk of adverse events, including:

• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Loss of nipple sensation
• Asymmetry
• Contour deformity
• Prolonged pain
• Infection
• Fat necrosis
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Cardiac complications
• Poor healing of incisions

With the risk of serious side effects associated with plastic surgery, many patients turn to non-surgical Mommy Makeovers, which include treatments like CoolSculpting, Thermage, Kybella, and dermal fillers. Non-surgical Mommy Makeovers are not associated with pain or serious side effects and require no downtime following the procedures.

How long is bed rest after a Mommy Makeover?

The amount of bed rest required after a surgical Mommy Makeover depends on the cosmetic procedures involved in the treatment. Patients who undergo breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, or a breast lift typically only require two to three days of bed rest followed by six weeks of healing. Patients who receive a surgical Tummy Tuck will require more bed rest—typically two weeks—and a longer recovery time—two to three months. Patients who choose a non-surgical Mommy Makeover will not require any bed rest following the treatment and can return to their regularly scheduled activities immediately.

What is the average cost of a Mommy Makeover?

Patients often wonder, “How much should I save for a Mommy Makeover?” The cost of a Mommy Makeover treatment varies based on the chosen cosmetic treatments, geographic location, and the type of institution at which you receive treatment. A surgical Mommy Makeover is generally much more expensive than any non-surgical treatment due to surgery center costs, plastic surgeon’s fees, the cost of anesthesia, prescription pain medications, and the cost of implants themselves. Non-surgical treatment options are not associated with as many fees, nor do they have any downtime or recovery time. If you are opting for a non-surgical Mommy Makeover, it is best to choose a board-certified expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. While MedSpas may have specials that make treatment even less expensive, receiving treatment from a MedSpa can be associated with less effective results and a higher risk of side effects.

Are Mommy Makeovers worth it?

Non-surgical Mommy Makeover treatment is the ideal option for patients at or near their target weight who are still experiencing unwanted stubborn fat deposits or skin laxity in their abdomen, arms, legs, buttocks, or waist. While plastic surgery can provide dramatic results, many risks are associated with surgical treatment, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and extensive pain. Non-surgical Mommy Makeover treatments, on the other hand, are safe and effective options for those who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure. The first step in determining if a non-surgical Mommy Makeover is best for you is to schedule your consultation appointment with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

How to get started with body contouring treatment today

Childbearing can bring about many changes, including changes to the shape of your body. After pregnancy, many women experience stubborn fat deposits, sagging skin, and stretch marks that can make them feel self-conscious. If you are looking to return to your pre-pregnancy body, non-surgical Mommy Makeover treatments, such as CoolSculpting, Kybella, VelaShape, and Thermage radiofrequency, can be excellent alternatives to plastic surgery. These non-surgical body contouring treatments produce consistently stunning results and are associated with very little if any, recovery time. Every patient presents with their own unique skin concerns and aesthetic goals and thus requires a customized treatment approach for their non-invasive body contouring. It is always recommended that you have your non-surgical body contouring treatments with an expert, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, who can tailor your body sculpting treatments to your needs and help you achieve ideal results that are long-lasting and natural-looking.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out if the non-surgical Mommy Makeover is the right treatment option for you.