Dr. Saber’s Blog
Why Some Smart Moms Wait: Surprising Benefits of Delaying Your Mommy Makeover
For many women, the months immediately after childbirth bring an incredible amount of hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle changes. Many of these create significant differences in their body shape.
Some women choose to tackle these issues immediately. They seek out a mommy makeover procedure as soon as they are physically able.
However, just as many women are happy to let appearance priorities take a back seat until the children are in school, their families have settled into a new rhythm, and they have the space to focus on themselves.
So, when family planning is complete, and the body has reached its final post-pregnancy state, a mommy makeover can deliver lasting, dramatic results that truly reflect the woman you’ve become.
Each motherhood journey is unique. Therefore, so is each mommy makeover surgery
At my clinic, each woman who comes in for a consultation will receive a unique surgical plan tailored to her priorities, current health condition, and lifestyle.
I am Dr. Sepideh Saber, a Stanford-trained board-certified plastic surgeon based in Encino, California. In this article, I’d like to talk with you about why waiting for your mommy makeover might be the better solution for you.
What does a mommy makeover address?
A mommy makeover is a customized combination of surgical procedures designed to address the physical changes that pregnancy and childbirth leave behind.
Typically, this includes a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles, liposuction to eliminate stubborn fat deposits, and breast procedures to restore volume and shape. These body contouring procedures work together to help women reclaim their pre-pregnancy silhouette.
More details about how a mommy makeover can help
Some of the most common issues women are looking to improve are:
- Loose skin around the abdomen and hips, which can be addressed through a skin tuck.
- Diastasis recti, or when abdominal muscles become separated, can be repaired with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
- Sagging breasts can be reshaped through a breast lift or a breast augmentation.
- Changes in body shape and fat distribution may require liposuction or a fat transfer for more thorough reshaping.
Why do moms with older children choose mommy makeovers?
After leaving your baby years behind, your visit to your plastic surgeon’s office is often part of a wider process of reframing your life within a changing role. This timing feels right for several compelling reasons.
First, your body has stabilized after years of fluctuation, and any weight loss goals have been achieved or are well underway. There’s no worry that another pregnancy or any further breastfeeding will undo the results of cosmetic surgery, making this the perfect moment to invest in lasting change to your post-baby body.
Second, in many cases, you have already (or are looking to) return to the workforce. Frankly, dressing for work brings a renewed awareness of all the body changes motherhood brought about.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you are emotionally ready. You’ve lived with stretched abdominal skin, deflated breasts, and stubborn fat deposits long enough to know exactly what bothers you. Whether considering a breast implant to restore lost volume or body contouring to eliminate resistant areas, your goals are clear and realistic.
Why not do your mommy makeover sooner?
I get it. The media and society often celebrate the ability to “bounce back” as quickly as possible. Weight loss after pregnancy is no exception: Los Angeles is full of celebrities praised for returning to their pre-pregnancy bodies within weeks.
However, in many cases, waiting until the children are older is simply easier. Let’s unpack the benefits one by one.
What are the physical benefits of waiting to have a mommy makeover
Early motherhood is a time of upheaval in many ways — including physically.
One aspect is your weight. After childbearing, it usually takes a while for your body weight to stabilize. Breastfeeding can often trigger some weight loss. While some women will be happy with that as their final weight, others may want to lose a few more pounds or regain muscle mass.
The closer you are to your desired weight, the more predictable your plastic surgery results will be, and you will be less likely to need revision surgeries later on. Waiting gives you more time to work on this aspect.
Another area is breast enhancements. Nursing and hormonal changes can cause body fat to redistribute on its own. As a result, stretch marks may be slow to appear, or what seemed like a change in cup size may simply be sagging breasts.
Making sure you have finished nursing will help keep your breast surgery results lasting longer.
So, by waiting until you’re done with all your children, you’ll have a better chance at maintaining your plastic surgery outcomes: there will be no risk of future pregnancies affecting your results. This will lower the need for further procedures.
Practical advantages for moms of older kids
All surgeries require healing times. Not only will you need to rest, but you will also be unable to do certain activities for a period of time. Plastic surgery is no exception.
Let’s look at the everyday practicalities of being a new mom versus having older children who are already going to school. The workload for each stage is undeniably different. While it may vary depending on your circumstances, here are some factors to consider:
- Immediately after an abdominoplasty or a liposuction, crouching, bending, or standing up will be difficult for a few days. This is remarkably easier to deal with if you don’t have to pick up a baby or chase around a toddler.
- As children grow into their tweens and teens, they become more independent. Once they can warm up their own meals or pick up after themselves, you’ll have more breathing room to recover fully.
- School-aged children are occupied for a large part of the day. In addition, school trips or summer camps can provide you with a few days of minimal parenting duties. By scheduling your surgery around these activities, you will get a better chance at uninterrupted rest.
Emotional and psychological considerations
Cosmetic procedures aren’t just about addressing excess fat or “turning back the clock”. For many mommy makeover patients, it’s a deeply personal and transformative experience.
For women with older children, it can bring about some unique emotional advantages:
- A chance to reclaim your identity. After years of being defined primarily as “mom,” this brings about the opportunity to reconnect with your own needs and desires.
- The confidence factor. Whether at 35 or 55 years of age, feeling comfortable in your own skin can affect your intimate relationships, friendships and professional sphere.
- A feeling of closure. After years of uncomfortable changes, a mommy makeover can symbolize your emotional readiness to do something about it.
- Turning self-care into a priority. A mommy makeover requires pausing and delegating obligations, at least temporarily. After dedicating years to raising children, doing this can feel empowering.
As a result, the psychological benefits of finally addressing long-held concerns can be just as impactful as the physical transformation itself.
CALL (818) 770-7050 OR CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE ONLINE
Looking for plastic surgery procedures in Los Angeles? Talk to Dr. Saber
Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, brings a uniquely sensitive and compassionate perspective to her practice, understanding the intricate relationship women have with their bodies at every life stage.
Whether performing rhinoplasties, facelift procedures, or designing a complex combination procedure, she offers a thoughtful, personalized approach that resonates with patients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Dr. Saber trained at Stanford University’s prestigious medical school, followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). Then, she completed a rigorous fellowship at New York University (NYU) in hand surgery and microsurgery.
To request an in-person or virtual consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.
Saber Plastic Surgery and The Valley Institute of Hand & Reconstructive Surgery are located in Encino, CA, serving patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Westwood (by UCLA), Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, Echo Park and more.
The plastic surgery practice of Dr. Saber in Encino, CA, is a cosmetic surgery practice that specializes in numerous procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, liposuction, mommy makeovers, rhinoplasty, body contouring, and facelifts, to name a few.
FAQs about recovering from a mommy makeover as an older mom
Whenever I see women come in for a consultation, I strive to give them as much information as possible. This helps ensure our goals and expectations are aligned and improves the chances of satisfactory mommy makeover results.
Here are some of the most common questions that pop up during this conversation.
Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
Generally speaking, mommy makeovers yield the best results among women who:
- Are already close to their desired weight.
- Have stabilized their weight, and have managed to maintain any weight loss for several months.
- Are certain they do not plan to become pregnant again.
- Are in general good health and do not smoke.
- Have developed realistic expectations about their body and how it will look as they age.
Is there an age limit for this procedure?
There is no clear-cut limit for mommy makeover surgery. Instead, we will look at your medical history and goals and tweak your treatment plan accordingly.
For example, procedures such as a fat transfer or liposuctions are riskier among women with cardiovascular conditions than a skin tuck or breast reduction. In many cases, we can address or improve your general health before the procedure, or we find less risky alternatives that also address your goals.
How extensive can this surgery be?
Typically, mommy makeovers combine procedures in both the abdominal and chest areas. In addition, some women may choose to make small tweaks in other areas, such as an arm lift or injectables like Botox.
But trying to do too much can make the early recovery harder and more intense: you’ll be dealing with incisions in many places, which will put more stress on the body. Any good board-certified plastic surgeon will develop a treatment plan that combines patient safety with a comfortable recovery and minimizes the chances of needing more surgeries later on.
With that said, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends keeping the total surgery time under six hours.
How long will it take to recover from a mommy makeover?
Healing times for a mommy makeover will vary depending on each patient and the specific procedures done.
On average, most women will need:
- At least 2 or 3 days of near-total bed rest.
- Approximately 10 to 14 days of heavy restrictions, in which they will need help when moving around or for most household chores.
- Up to 6 more weeks of moderate restrictions, where they can return to most activities if they don’t involve lifting or strenuous exercise.
Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS
👩🏻⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
🏥 Encino, CA
☎️ (833) 215-0500
💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com
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What patients say about Dr. Saber …
I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.
I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.
I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!
I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3
Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.
Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.
Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!
Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!
Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.
Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.
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