Mommy Makeover

Pregnancy and childbirth can be monumental events. They can also produce significant physical effects, putting the body through dramatic changes.

A “Mommy Makeover” involves a customized combination of procedures with outcomes designed to help you feel more comfortable and confident with your post-pregnancy body. The goal of this personalized treatment plan is to improve areas such as the breasts and abdomen, as well as your body contours, ultimately restoring a more youthful, pre-pregnancy appearance.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, a commonly performed combination of procedures includes a breast lift (mastopexy) or augmentation, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and liposuction targeting the sides, flanks, and back. However, depending on your anatomy and concerns, a Mommy Makeover may also incorporate a breast reduction, Brazilian butt lift (gluteal lift), labiaplasty, body lift, or other surgical procedures designed to produce a comprehensive transformation.

The ideal time to get a Mommy Makeover, if at all, is a personal decision based on factors such as your family planning, household situation and work schedule. Here are three important considerations that can help you navigate the decision-making process.

• If you are still planning to have more children, consider delaying surgery for maximal durable results.
• Wait until your weight has stabilized. If you are still experiencing significant changes post-pregnancy, this might not be the right time.
• Make sure you are done breastfeeding and have been for a few months, as breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts.

If you decide that now is the right time, the best way to determine which procedures are right for you is by clearly defining your top aesthetic concerns with your surgeon. Depending on your overall health, weight, and body type, they can then develop a care plan that helps you achieve your goals. Be sure to discuss all possible benefits and risks.

A Mommy Makeover typically involves a combination of surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and sometimes labiaplasty or a Brazilian butt lift.

These procedures require a highly skilled and trained plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in using these techniques safely and effectively. While there are alternatives like non-invasive body contouring treatments and laser therapies that can provide some improvements, they often yield less dramatic results compared to surgical interventions.

It is crucial for you to prioritize safety when considering a Mommy Makeover, thoroughly researching your surgeon’s qualifications, discussing the risks and benefits of each procedure, and ensuring that the surgery is performed in an accredited facility with proper pre- and post-operative care to minimize complications and promote optimal healing.

It is also crucial to maintain realistic expectations about outcomes. Although most women experience remarkable effects and express high satisfaction with their results, it’s important to understand that no surgeon can perfectly restore your pre-pregnancy body.

Though incisions typically heal in a subtle way, it’s also important to know that there is a risk of scarring with any surgical procedure, including a Mommy Makeover. The risk of prominent scarring can be minimized by following post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the incision sites clean, avoiding sun exposure, and using scar treatments recommended by your surgeon. Additionally, choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon can help ensure that incisions are made in less visible locations and that scars heal as inconspicuously as possible.

Before you go

During your consultation, you and your surgeon will work together to determine which Mommy Makeover procedures are most appropriate for you, ensuring the best possible results. Make sure you ask to view before-and-after photos, as well as ask any questions you have about the process. This includes what results you can expect and what scarring might look like.

To prioritize your safety during a Mommy Makeover, which typically involves multiple surgical procedures and may require lengthy operating times, your surgeon will advise you to obtain comprehensive medical clearance from your primary care physician before proceeding. Your surgeon will also recommend you stop certain medications such as blood thinners, aspirin and non-steroidal medications like ibuprofen.

Finally, achieving a stable weight prior to your mommy makeover is essential, as significant weight fluctuations after surgery can negatively impact the results. It is generally recommended to postpone the procedure until a maintainable, healthy weight is reached to ensure optimal and long-lasting outcomes.

During the procedure

A Mommy Makeover is performed under general anesthesia so you will be comfortable and pain-free. During the surgery, your physician will treat each area step by step. The order will be determined by your surgeon during the operation and depends on the areas being treated, as well as your particular anatomy and care plan.

A typical sequence will include liposuction to remove excess fat from the flanks and the sides of your torso, next to your breasts, if needed. The surgeon will then typically reshape and lift the breasts through a discrete incision pattern that they have discussed with you in advance. They could also place breast implants at this time, if this is something that is part of your care plan and can be done safely.

The surgeon will then typically work on removing excess fat and skin from the lower part of your belly. The incision will be hidden beneath your bikini line or inside the belly button, depending on your anatomy.

Mommy Makeover Aftercare 

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will usually have to wear an abdominal binder over your belly to help control swelling and bruising. You will likely also be given a special bra or surgical vest to help reduce swelling and bruising in the recovery period.  Most Mommy Makeover procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at ambulatory surgery centers. However, some physicians may recommend recovery at an aftercare facility, overnight facility, or hospital.

Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter and prescription medications, if needed. You will gradually be able to increase your activity as you recover, with walking as your primary form of physical activity. It is advised to avoid any heavy lifting, including children, for the first four to six weeks after your surgery or until cleared by your surgeon.