Similar to a “mommy makeover,” the term “daddy do over” refers to a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures performed at the same time. New dads may experience changes in diet, exercise and sleep after becoming a parent which have a physical effect on their bodies. Combined with the effects of aging, these changes may inspire new fathers to undergo a variety of cosmetic surgical procedures, collectively called the “daddy do over.” A daddy do over often includes body contouring procedures such as liposuction and/or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). It may also include surgery to address gynecomastia. At the time of a daddy do over, procedures such as a face lift or brow lift can also be done to address signs of facial aging.
In 2020, men received 13% of all cosmetic surgical procedures. The most popular cosmetic surgical procedures among men were nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, cheek implants, liposuction, and ear surgery. All of these procedures are options to include as part of a daddy do over. While national plastic surgery statistics do not suggest that more men are interested in having these types of procedures, increased conversation and awareness may be causing more men to become interested in having daddy do overs.
A good candidate for a daddy do over is a patient whose primary goals are an improvement in the contour of their physique. The procedures involved in a daddy do over, such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, and surgery to address gynecomastia are not weight loss procedures. Before a daddy do over, it is important that patients are at a stable weight which is close to ideal for them. Patients must also be in good health to undergo elective cosmetic surgery in order to have a daddy do over.
Patients interested in a daddy do over should prepare for surgery by first consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon. Patients looking to have a daddy do over should also consider the financial and time commitment needed to have and recover from surgery. For patients who smoke, quitting smoking several weeks before surgery is important for optimal healing. Additionally, understanding the risks and recovery associated with a daddy do over is an important step.
The potential risks and complications from a daddy do over vary depending on the specific procedures involved. A daddy do over is major surgery that will require the patient to undergo general anesthesia. Potential risks of a daddy do over include scarring, bleeding, bruising, infection, and dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result.
A benefit of the daddy do over is that it combines multiple surgical procedures into one trip to the operating room and one recovery period. This recovery period takes about six weeks in total, but patients will be “restaurant ready” in about 1-2 weeks. The time needed off from work depends on the specific procedures performed and how physical the patient’s occupation is, but also requires about 1-2 weeks. Lifting, bending, and other strenuous activity is limited for the first four to six weeks after surgery.
A daddy do over may be a great option for new fathers who seek an improvement in their physique that they have been unable to obtain without surgery. Any patient interested in a daddy do over should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about the process and their options. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a sign that the surgeon has undergone extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, so patients can feel confident they are choosing an experienced, safe surgeon.
References:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 2020 National Plastic Surgery Statistics. Accessed November 18, 2021. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf
- More Men Undergo Plastic Surgery as the Daddy-Do-Over Trend Rises in Popularity | ASPS. Accessed November 27, 2021. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/more-men-undergo-plastic-surgery-as-the-daddy-do-over-trend-rises-in-popularity
