Mommy Makeover: Complete Guide to Procedures, Recovery & Costs

Introduction

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic surgeries designed to restore a woman's pre-pregnancy body, typically including breast and abdominal procedures performed in a single operation.

Pregnancy changes your body in ways that exercise alone can't fix. Loose skin, separated muscles, and sagging breasts leave many moms feeling unhappy with their bodies. A mommy makeover can help you get your pre-baby body back through surgery.

This guide will help you understand what's included in a mommy makeover, what to expect during recovery, costs, and how to choose the right surgeon.

Key Takeaways

• Combines multiple procedures (typically breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction) in one session
• Recovery takes 6-8 weeks with the most significant improvements visible after 3 months
• Costs range from $10,000-$20,000 depending on procedures and location
• Best candidates are those who have completed their families and are near their goal weight
• 95% of patients rate their mommy makeover as "worth it"

Table of Contents

• What Is a Mommy Makeover?
• Core Procedures Included
• Recovery Timeline
• Costs & Financing
• Choosing Your Surgeon
• Patient Results & Experiences
• Common Questions
• Pre-Surgery Preparation
• Post-Surgery Scar Care

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover combines several cosmetic surgeries in one session. Instead of having multiple surgeries with separate recovery times, you get everything done at once.

The term became popular in the early 2000s when plastic surgeons started offering these combined procedures to moms. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, mommy makeovers help busy moms by requiring only one recovery period (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/mommy-makeover).

Most mommy makeovers include:

• Some type of breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction)
• Abdominal surgery (usually a tummy tuck)
• Liposuction to shape the waist and other areas

Each mommy makeover is different because every woman's body and goals are unique.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover:

• Is in good overall health
• Has reached a stable weight (within 10-15 pounds of goal weight)
• Is finished having children
• Has specific concerns that can be addressed surgically
• Has realistic expectations about results
• Can take adequate time off for recovery

Core Procedures Included

Breast Procedures

Pregnancy and breastfeeding often leave breasts deflated or sagging. Your options include:

Breast Augmentation

• Adds volume using implants or fat transfer
• Increases cup size
• Doesn't fix significant sagging
• Creates small scars, usually hidden under the breast

Implant options include saline (salt water filled) or silicone gel in various sizes and shapes to match your frame.

Breast Lift

• Removes excess skin
• Raises nipples to a more youthful position
• Doesn't add size on its own
• Can be combined with implants for both lift and size

Quick test: If your nipples point down or sit below your breast crease, you likely need a lift, not just implants (https://www.realself.com/question/implants-and-lift-same-time).

Different lift techniques (from minimal to more extensive) include periareolar ("donut"), vertical ("lollipop"), and anchor lifts.

Breast Reduction

• Removes excess breast tissue
• Creates smaller, more proportionate breasts
• Reduces back and shoulder pain
• Also lifts the breasts to a higher position

Abdominal Procedures

The belly usually shows the most dramatic changes after pregnancy.

Full Tummy Tuck

• Removes loose skin and stretch marks
• Repairs separated abdominal muscles
• Creates a horizontal scar from hip to hip (below bikini line)
• Repositions your belly button

Many women develop separated muscles during pregnancy that exercise can't fix. A tummy tuck surgically repairs this separation (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/tummy-tuck-and-breast-augmentation-what-you-need-to-know).

Mini Tummy Tuck

• Addresses only the area below your belly button
• Creates a shorter scar
• Faster recovery than a full tummy tuck
• Not right for women with loose skin or muscle separation above the navel

Liposuction

• Removes stubborn fat pockets
• Shapes the waist, hips, and thighs
• Creates tiny scars
• Won't tighten loose skin or fix muscle separation

Additional Options

You might also consider:

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Childbirth can lead to changes in the vaginal area. Options include labiaplasty (reshaping external tissues), vaginoplasty (tightening the vaginal canal), or non-surgical treatments using laser or radiofrequency (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation).

Brazilian Butt Lift

Uses fat from your own body (usually abdomen or thighs) to enhance buttock shape and size. Choose a surgeon experienced in this procedure for safety (https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/procedures/body/brazilian-butt-lift).

Other Options

• Arm lift (brachioplasty) for sagging upper arms
• Thigh lift for loose thigh skin
• Non-surgical treatments for stretch marks

Recovery Timeline

Recovery takes time but follows a predictable path. Here's what to expect:

First Week

• Significant pain managed with medication
• Limited movement
• Need help with basic activities
• Wear compression garments all the time
• Possible drains that need emptying
• Take short walks to improve circulation

First 48 hours are usually the most uncomfortable. If you had a tummy tuck, you'll probably walk slightly bent over for several days.

Week 2

• Less pain
• Better mobility
• Removal of drains
• No lifting over 5-10 pounds
• Still need help with children and housework

Most people report turning a corner around days 5-7.

Weeks 3-4

• Return to light daily activities
• Possible return to desk work
• No heavy lifting or exercise yet
• Less swelling
• Follow-up appointments

Weeks 5-6

• Gradually return to normal activities
• Begin light exercise with doctor's approval
• Much less swelling
• Better idea of your final results

After 3+ Months

• Final results as all swelling goes away
• Scars fade (continues up to 18 months)
• Return to all normal activities

Patients who follow their doctor's recovery instructions get better results (https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2020/01000/advancements_in_abdominoplasty).

Recovery Tips

Before surgery:

• Set up a recovery area with everything you need
• Stock up on easy meals
• Get loose, front-opening clothes
• Arrange for help with children and housework
• Fill prescriptions in advance
• Prepare your bed with extra pillows for elevation

After surgery:

• Take medications as prescribed
• Wear compression garments as directed
• Walk a little each day to prevent blood clots
• Don't push yourself too soon
• Stay hydrated and eat healthy, protein-rich foods
• Don't smoke (smoking severely impairs healing)

Latest Innovations That Improve Recovery

Several advancements have made recovery easier:

• Drainless Tummy Tuck: Some surgeons use special suturing techniques to eliminate the need for drains, making recovery more comfortable (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-a-drainless-tummy-tuck).
• Long-Acting Pain Control: Medications like EXPAREL® can provide pain relief for up to 72 hours, reducing reliance on narcotics.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Proper preparation in the weeks before your mommy makeover can significantly improve your recovery experience:

• Complete all required medical tests and clearances
• Stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (including aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil)
• Prepare a recovery area in your home with essentials within reach
• Arrange for childcare and household help for at least two weeks
• Schedule time off work (typically 2-3 weeks minimum)
• Stock your kitchen with healthy, easy-to-prepare meals
• Fill all prescriptions before surgery day
• Purchase recommended compression garments
• Set up a comfortable sleeping arrangement with extra pillows

Costs & Financing

A mommy makeover typically costs between $10,000-$20,000 in the United States. The price depends on:

• Where you live (big cities cost more)
• Your surgeon's experience
• Which procedures you choose
• Facility and anesthesia fees
• Implant costs (if used)

According to RealSelf, the national average cost for a mommy makeover with a tummy tuck and breast procedure is about $14,000-$16,000 (https://www.realself.com/mommy-makeover/reviews).

Cost Breakdown

A typical mommy makeover cost might break down like this:

• Surgeon's fee: $5,000-$10,000
• Anesthesia: $1,000-$2,000
• Facility fee: $2,000-$5,000
• Implants (if used): $1,000-$2,000
• Post-surgical garments and medications: $200-$800

Financing Options

Insurance doesn't usually cover mommy makeovers since they're considered cosmetic. However, many women use these options to make the cost more manageable:

• Medical credit cards like CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit
• Payment plans through the surgeon's office
• Personal loans from banks or credit unions

Remember: Don't choose a surgeon based on price alone. Your safety and results are more important than saving money.

Choosing Your Surgeon

Your results depend largely on your surgeon's skill. Look for:

• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Experience with mommy makeovers
• Before and after photos of patients similar to you
• Surgery performed in an accredited facility
• Good communication and answers to your questions

Check certification at https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/find-a-board-certified-plastic-surgeon/

Questions to Ask

• How many mommy makeovers do you perform each year?
• Can I see photos of your patients with bodies like mine?
• What complications have you encountered?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• How do you handle revisions if needed?

Warning Signs

• Non-board-certified "cosmetic surgeons"
• Surgery in non-accredited facilities
• Prices much lower than average
• Pressure to decide quickly
• Promises of perfect results
• Limited or no before/after photos

Patient Results & Experiences

About 95% of mommy makeover patients say their surgery was "worth it" on RealSelf (https://www.realself.com/mommy-makeover/reviews). Most women are very happy with their results.

Common feedback includes:

• "I wish I'd done it sooner"
• "I feel like myself again"
• "The recovery was tough but worth it"
• "I can wear clothes I couldn't wear before"
• "My confidence has skyrocketed"

What to Expect

Breasts: Firmer, more youthful position with better shape. Scars fade over time but don't disappear completely.

Abdomen: Flat tummy with repaired muscles, less loose skin, and fewer stretch marks. A horizontal scar remains but is usually hidden by underwear.

Overall: Better-defined waist, more proportionate figure, and improved fit in clothes. Most women feel more confident in swimwear and fitted clothing.

Remember that results vary based on your starting point. A mommy makeover creates big improvements but not perfection.

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Post-Surgery Scar Care

All surgeries leave scars, but proper care can minimize their appearance:

• Follow your surgeon's specific wound care instructions
• Keep incisions clean and protected
• Avoid sun exposure on scars for at least 12 months
• Use silicone sheets or gel once incisions are fully healed
• Consider scar massage techniques recommended by your surgeon
• Be patient—scars continue to improve for up to 18 months

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Common Questions

How long should I wait after pregnancy?

Wait at least 6-12 months after childbirth or finishing breastfeeding. Your body needs time to recover, and your weight should be stable.

When can I pick up my children?

Don't lift anything over 5-10 pounds (including children) for 4-6 weeks. This is really important to prevent complications.

Will a mommy makeover help me lose weight?

No. This isn't a weight-loss surgery. It's best to be at or near your goal weight before surgery.

What if I get pregnant later?

It's safe to get pregnant after a mommy makeover, but it may undo many of your results. Most surgeons recommend waiting until you're done having children.

Will insurance cover my surgery?

Probably not. These procedures are considered cosmetic. In rare cases, if you have a medical issue like severe back pain from large breasts, insurance might cover that specific part.

How painful is recovery?

Most women rate the pain as moderate to severe in the first few days, especially if they had muscle repair. Pain medication helps significantly. After the first week, discomfort improves considerably.

Will I have visible scars?

Yes. All surgeries leave scars. However, surgeons place incisions where they can be hidden by underwear or swimwear when possible. Scars fade significantly over time with proper care.

Are there non-surgical alternatives?

For mild concerns, options include non-surgical fat reduction (CoolSculpting, SculpSure), skin tightening treatments, and injectable fillers. These provide more subtle results but require less downtime.

Conclusion

A mommy makeover can help you reclaim your pre-pregnancy body through a combination of breast and abdominal surgeries. With one recovery period, you can address multiple concerns at once.

Success depends on choosing a qualified surgeon, understanding the recovery process, and having realistic expectations. While recovery takes several weeks, most patients feel the results are well worth it.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in mommy makeovers to discuss your specific goals and create a personalized treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your specific situation.

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