What are my body makeover options?

You wouldn’t trade your children for the world. But the changes that happen to our bodies through child-bearing can be surprising. Luckily, there are a host of options available to you and Dr. Ashley Robey, quadruple-board certified plastic surgeon, offers The Indy Mommy Makeover. This can be any combination of cosmetic procedures which restore your pre-pregnancy appearance, typically focusing on the breasts and abdomen. A typical makeover might include a tummy tuck, pelvic floor tightening, a breast procedure such as an augmentation, lift or reduction, and liposuction of the legs, arms or abdomen and flanks.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), 20.7% of the 13.5 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2020 were on women between the ages of 20 and 39. New moms are choosing more and more to consider plastic surgery after having children.

Women’s breasts are greatly affected, due to milk production and weight gained during pregnancy. Plastic surgeons report the breasts of one-third of mothers return to normal after pregnancy -- if their weight does. Another third experienced stretched skin and less breast tissue. The final third, which often includes those who do not lose the baby weight, have larger breasts after their deliveries. Becoming a mom can result in larger, smaller or less-firm breasts, which can leave women feeling uncomfortable in their new body. Dr. Robey will consult with you to determine if the size and shape of your postpartum breasts fits your lifestyle and desired body image.

As pregnancy continues, our stomach grows along with baby. After pregnancy, it can be common for the excess skin in your abdomen to stick around and be unresponsive to diet or exercise. In this case, you may be considering a "tummy tuck," which doctors call "abdominoplasty,” a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fibrous tissue of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck. And while a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin which will be excised. Along with a breast procedure, the Tummy Tuck is a very popular part of the mommy makeover.

Most women gain weight during pregnancy, and often find it difficult to lose when done having children. Dr. Robey offers both surgical and non-surgical fat reduction options for all areas of the body. However, the majority of new moms typically choose to have excess fat removed from their buttocks, thighs, arms, neck, and more. Combined with a tummy tuck and breast enhancement, fat reduction can be the final piece of the puzzle to help you regain the body you want.

No matter which procedures you include in your mommy makeover, Dr. Robey will spend time discussing all your options, including preparation, day of surgery, postoperative recovery, cost and future considerations. Dr. Robey is a specialist and as such, is experienced using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. She will tailor your treatment plan to reach your individual goals while focusing on minimizing scars for an ideal cosmetic appearance.