What Is a Mommy Makeover: Everything You Need to Know

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are beautiful experiences that can change a woman’s life, but they can also leave lasting effects on your body. If you’re looking to restore your pre-pregnancy body, a Mommy Makeover may be just what you need. This personalized procedure can help you regain your confidence and feel more like yourself again. Here’s everything you need to know about Mommy Makeovers and how they can help.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is a customized combination of procedures designed to address the physical changes that occur after pregnancy and childbirth. Every woman’s body is different, so your Mommy Makeover will be tailored to your specific needs. Common treatments include:

• Breast Enhancements (augmentation, lift, or reduction)

• Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) to address loose skin and muscle separation

• Fat Reduction

• Skin Tightening

• Vaginal Rejuvenation (labiaplasty)

This combination of treatments helps restore your body to its pre-pregnancy shape, making you feel more youthful and rejuvenated.

What Issues Does a Mommy Makeover Address?

A Mommy Makeover is designed to help women address the physical changes that come with pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Common concerns include:

• Stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin: A tummy tuck can repair diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) and remove excess skin.

• Sagging breasts: Breast lifts or augmentations can restore volume and shape to your breasts.

• Stubborn fat pockets: Liposuction, BodyFX, and Ultrashapes target fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.

• Changes in the vaginal area: Labiaplasty addresses issues related to excess skin or discomfort in the vaginal area after childbirth.

A Mommy Makeover can restore your body’s appearance and your confidence, helping you feel like yourself again.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?

Each Mommy Makeover is unique, depending on what you need. Here are the main procedures that can be included:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck is a great option for moms who have loose skin, stretch marks, or muscle separation after pregnancy. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. For some women, it can also address diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, often caused by pregnancy.

Breast Enhancements

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose volume and shape. A breast enhancement may include:

• Breast Augmentation: Implants are used to restore lost volume and shape.

• Breast Lift: A lift removes excess skin and repositions the nipples to restore a more youthful breast shape.

• Breast Reduction: For moms who experience discomfort from large breasts, a reduction can remove excess tissue and create a more balanced shape.

Fat Reduction

Fat that stubbornly remains after pregnancy can be challenging to address with diet and exercise. Here are some options to consider:

• Liposuction: The most effective method for fat removal, especially for those with thicker fat pads.

• BodyFX and Ultrashapes: These non-invasive options use radiofrequency and ultrasound technology to target and break down fat cells. Multiple sessions are often required, but results are gradual and long-lasting.

Skin Tightening

After pregnancy, the skin in the abdomen and other areas can lose elasticity. If you’re not ready for a full tummy tuck, BodyTite can be a great option. This minimally invasive treatment uses radiofrequency to tighten skin and improve tone. The procedure combines liposuction with bipolar radiofrequency soft tissue tightening to help restore a firmer appearance.

Vaginal Rejuvenation (Labiaplasty)

Many women experience changes in the vaginal area after childbirth, such as excess skin or discomfort. Labiaplasty is a procedure that reshapes the labia to restore comfort and appearance. The results are long-lasting, and the procedure is minimally invasive with little to no scarring.

How Much Does It Cost for a Mommy Makeover?

The cost of a Mommy Makeover can vary greatly, depending on the specific procedures involved. On average, the cost can range from $10,000 to $20,000. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgical Associates, where we can assess your needs and provide a personalized treatment plan.

How Long Does a Mommy Makeover Surgery Take?

The length of your surgery will depend on the procedures you choose to include in your Mommy Makeover. Here are the typical durations for each procedure:

• Tummy Tuck: 2–5 hours

• Liposuction: 1–2 hours

• Breast Lift: 1–2 hours

• Breast Augmentation: 1–2 hours

• Labiaplasty: 1 hour

• Breast Reduction: 3–5 hours

• Breast Lift with Augmentation: 1–3 hours

Your surgeon will discuss the details of your surgery during your consultation.

Recovery Process: What You Can Expect

While the results of your Mommy Makeover will be life-changing, the recovery process does require some downtime. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for each procedure:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery:

• First 2 Weeks: You’ll need to rest, avoid lifting anything heavy (including children), and limit movement. Most patients take 1-2 weeks off work.

• 3-6 Weeks: You can gradually return to light activities, but avoid strenuous exercise. Full results take up to 6 months to fully emerge.

• 6 Months: By this time, swelling should be minimal, and you can resume normal activities.

Before Tummy Tuck (36 year old mom with Diastasis Recti before surgery)

50 year old, same patient, 14 years after tummy tuck with Dr. Duncan

Breast Augmentation/Reduction/Lift Recovery:

• First Week: You’ll experience swelling and discomfort. A surgical bra will help support your breasts.

• 2-3 Weeks: You’ll need to avoid lifting heavy items. You can likely return to work within 2 weeks if it’s a desk job.

• 4-6 Weeks: By this time, swelling will decrease, and you can return to light exercise.

Liposuction Recovery:

• First 2 Days: You’ll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and bruising.

• 2-4 Weeks: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Most patients return to work within a week.

• 6 Weeks: Full recovery occurs, and final results begin to show.

Patient before treatment

6 weeks after liposuction plus radiofrequency assisted skin tightening.

BodyTite (Skin Tightening) Recovery:

• First Week: Compression garments are worn, and swelling is mild. Most people can return to work in 1-2 days.

• 2-3 Weeks: Swelling will continue to subside, and you’ll see gradual improvements.

• 1-3 Months: Final results will continue to improve.

Labiaplasty Recovery:

• First 2 Weeks: Expect swelling and discomfort. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity.

• 2-4 Weeks: You can return to work after 1-2 weeks, but avoid sexual activity.

• 6 Months: Full recovery will take about 6 months, with little to no scarring.

When Will I See Results?

• Breast Augmentation: Full results take 6-8 weeks as swelling resolves.

• Tummy Tuck: Initial results are visible immediately, but full results take 6 months to 1 year.

• Fat Reduction: Results from BodyFX and Ultrashapes typically appear after 2-4 weeks, with full results taking up to 12 weeks.

• Skin Tightening: The final results from BodyTite emerge in 3-6 months.

• Labiaplasty: Swelling reduces in 6 weeks, with full healing taking 6 months.

Interested in seeing Mommy Makeovers – before and after? Check out our gallery.

Schedule a Consultation Today

A Mommy Makeover is a great way to restore your pre-pregnancy body and regain your confidence. With personalized treatment plans and a tailored recovery schedule, you’ll be on your way to feeling like yourself again. To get started, schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgical Associates today, and let us help you create the makeover that’s right for you.