Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause a host of changes that impact the breasts, abdomen and the overall shape of the body—and some have a long-lasting impact that extends well after baby arrives. Dr. S. Alexander Earle of Miami’s Pure Plastic Surgery explains the details of the Mommy Makeover procedure and how it helps restore your pre-baby body.

Many women tend to focus on getting their bodies to “bounce back” after having a baby, and diet and exercise are usually effective for losing some of the extra fat that accumulates during pregnancy. But in most cases, these lifestyle changes aren’t enough to improve sagging breasts or excess skin, and many new moms struggle to restore their bodies to their pre-baby state. That’s when the “Mommy Makeover” may be the ideal solution.

A mommy makeover usually includes breast augmentation and/or lift, liposuction and a tummy tuck. This combination of procedures helps improve the appearance of the breasts and the abdomen, the main problem spots women are concerned about after having children. Yet, everybody and pregnancy is unique, so mommy makeover surgery should be customized to treat each patient’s primary concerns, as well as their goals.

New moms often experience a loss of breast fullness and sagging, which is caused primarily by the dramatic and rapid increase in breast size (and subsequent decrease) associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding. A mommy makeover can utilize breast augmentation with implants to replenish volume, a breast lift to restore a perkier position, or both.

Pregnancy stretches the skin and muscles of the abdomen as well, often to the point that they are unable to return to their pre-baby state after giving birth, even with intense exercise. Abdominoplasty options include the “mini” tummy tuck for women who only need minor improvement, as well as more extensive tummy tuck procedures that tighten muscles and remove excess skin on the sides of the abdomen and flanks.

Liposuction can be incorporated into a mommy makeover as well to remove stubborn fat and enhance the contours of the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, hips, thighs and beyond at the same time as the breast procedure and tummy tuck.

Those interested in a mommy makeover must understand that timing plays a major role, and Pure Plastic Surgery recommends waiting at least one year after giving birth. Patients should also be sure that they do not want more children and be committed to maintaining a stable weight and overall healthy lifestyle for the longest-lasting results.

Patients also need to know that recovery after a mommy makeover involves a significant period of restricted activity, which includes picking up and carrying children. It’s essential to have extra help on hand for the first few weeks after surgery to give the body a chance to heal properly.

An overwhelming majority of women who undergo mommy makeover surgery are thrilled with the results—and say the recovery is well worth the final outcomes. When other efforts fail to restore the body to its pre-baby appearance, a mommy makeover can provide the results that diet and exercise alone cannot.