After having a baby, you might struggle to feel like yourself again, but there are options. Haute Beauty talked to renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Sachin Shridharani of Luxurgery in New York City to help you decide if a mommy makeover is something you need to get your confidence back.

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Haute Beauty: What is a Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Sachin Shridharani: A Mommy Makeover operation is a combination of procedures that can be performed at the same time provided you are a good candidate. The procedures address the breasts, abdomen and flanks/sides of the tummy, which are the areas most commonly affected after childbirth.

HB: Do I need a breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation, or combination?

SS: You may be a candidate for any of those procedures depending on what your goals are! There are multiple factors that come into play when deciding what the right procedure for you to have is when deciding what to do with the changes that occur in your breasts after having children. Coming in for a consultation and sharing your goals will help guide me as to how we can work together to ensure you have the right operation.

HB: What can you do with my tummy during a Mommy Makeover?

SS: The effects of pregnancy can leave your abdomen with stretch marks and the appearance of extra skin. Depending on your goals, you may be a candidate for an abdominoplasty aka “tummy-tuck” or a mini-abdominoplasty aka “mini tummy tuck.”

HB: Is liposuction a part of the Mommy Makeover?

SS: It certainly can be. If there are areas in the abdomen or sides/flanks that feel full and do not have stretch marks, there is a definite possibility to improve abdominal contouring by performing liposuction.

HB: How do multiple pregnancies affect my abdomen?

SS: Multiple pregnancies can affect your abdomen in several ways. In addition to stretching out the skin on your abdomen, multiple pregnancies can also increase the distance between your abdominal muscles “abs.” When you are having a tummy tuck, I will place the muscles back in their original position, which can contribute to improving your overall contour.

HB: When is the best time for me to have the procedure? Can I have children after the surgery?

SS: It is always a good idea to get into the best shape you can before undergoing any surgery. Feeling good and being at a healthy weight before your surgery will only improve your overall recovery and experience. The best time to have the surgery is at least 6 weeks after having your baby and when you feel you have returned close to your pre-pregnancy weight.

HB: Is removing stretch marks a part of the Mommy Makeover?

SS: Stretch marks on the abdomen can be surgically removed depending on the location of the stretch marks. This will lead to a much better overall appearance of your stomach.

HB: How do you know if a surgeon is qualified to take on this package procedure?

SS: Working with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (not a “cosmetic surgeon”) certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures that you at least have the highest qualifications in your surgeon. Looking for advanced Fellowship training in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery means that your Plastic Surgeon spent an additional year of training in only cosmetic surgery. Ultimately, do your homework and see what your surgeon is known for and enjoy talking about in the media.

HB: Do you have any plans for Labor Day?

SS: Look for me at Arthur Ashe Stadium. US Open bound and cheering for Federer!

HB: What was your favorite trip this summer?

SS: My favorite trip this summer was to Ireland. Though the purpose was for work (advising for Allergan – makers of Botox, Juvederm, Kybella and CoolSculpting), the trip was amazing and the culture one comprised of great people and optimistic outlook on all matters.