What is a Mommy Makeover? Here is Everything You Should Know

By Beauty Adams
February 25, 2024

If you are a mother who has experienced changes in your body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, you may have heard of the term “mommy makeover”. A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that aim to restore your pre-baby body and enhance your appearance. But what exactly does a mommy makeover involve, and is it worth it? In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about mommy makeovers and help you decide if this is the right option for you.

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is not a specific procedure, but rather a customized plan that addresses your individual needs and goals. Depending on your preferences, a mommy makeover may include one or more of the following procedures:

Breast augmentation: This procedure increases the size and fullness of your breasts using implants or fat transfer. It can also correct asymmetry or restore volume loss after breastfeeding.
Breast lift: This procedure lifts and reshapes your breasts by removing excess skin and tissue and repositioning the nipples. It can also reduce the size of enlarged areolas and improve sagging or drooping breasts.
Buttock augmentation: This procedure enhances the shape and size of your buttocks using implants or fat transfer. It can also correct flatness or asymmetry and create a more balanced and curvy silhouette.
Labiaplasty: This procedure reduces the size and length of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina) or the labia majora (the outer lips of the vagina). It can also correct discomfort, irritation, or hygiene issues caused by enlarged or stretched labia.
Liposuction: This procedure removes stubborn fat deposits from various areas of your body using a thin tube called a cannula. It can also sculpt and contour your body and improve your proportions.
Tummy tuck: This procedure flattens and tightens your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and repairing separated or weakened muscles. It can also eliminate stretch marks and improve the appearance of scars from previous surgeries or C-sections.

Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is suitable for women who are in good health and have realistic expectations. You should also be at or near your ideal weight and have completed your family, as future pregnancies or weight fluctuations can affect your results. Additionally, you should be able to take time off from work and other responsibilities to recover from your surgery, as a mommy makeover can involve multiple procedures and a longer healing period.

What are the benefits of a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover can offer many benefits, such as:

Improving your self-confidence and self-esteem by enhancing your appearance and restoring your femininity.
Reversing some of the unwanted changes in your body caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, such as sagging breasts, loose abdominal skin, separated muscles, and fat accumulation.
Achieving multiple goals with one surgery and one recovery, saving you time and money compared to having separate procedures.
Customizing your treatment plan according to your specific needs and desires, giving you more control and satisfaction over your results.

What are the risks and complications of a mommy makeover?

As with any surgery, a mommy makeover carries some risks and complications, such as:

Bleeding, infection, hematoma, seroma, wound healing problems, scarring, nerve damage, numbness, pain, swelling, bruising, and inflammation.
Anesthesia-related risks, such as allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, and blood clots.
Implant-related risks, such as rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, malposition, rippling, and infection.
Fat transfer-related risks, such as fat necrosis, cysts, calcification, and unevenness.
Unsatisfactory results, such as asymmetry, poor shape, size, or contour, and need for revision surgery.

To minimize these risks and complications, you should choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the equivalent in your country. You should also follow your surgeon’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully and report any signs of problems or complications to your surgeon as soon as possible.

How much does a mommy makeover cost?

The cost of a mommy makeover varies depending on several factors, such as:

The number and type of procedures you choose to have.
The complexity and extent of your surgery.
The surgeon’s fees, which may depend on their skill, reputation, and location.
The anesthesia fees, which may depend on the type and duration of anesthesia used.
The facility fees, which may depend on the type and quality of the facility where your surgery is performed.
The medication fees, which may include painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The garment fees, which may include compression garments, bras, and bandages.
The additional fees, which may include lab tests, imaging studies, and follow-up visits.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a mommy makeover in the United States in 2020 was $12,850, not including anesthesia, facility, and other fees. However, this is only an estimate and the actual cost may vary significantly depending on your individual situation. Therefore, it is important to consult with your surgeon and get a detailed quote before you decide to have a mommy makeover.

How long does it take to recover from a mommy makeover?

The recovery time from a mommy makeover depends on the number and type of procedures you have, as well as your personal healing rate and pain tolerance. In general, you can expect to:

Stay in the hospital or surgical center for one or two nights after your surgery, depending on your surgeon’s recommendation and your condition.
Wear compression garments, bras, and bandages for several weeks to support your tissues and reduce swelling and bleeding.
Take painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your surgeon to manage your pain and prevent infection and inflammation.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting, bending, twisting, and exercising, for at least six weeks or until your surgeon clears you to resume them.
Return to work and daily activities after two to four weeks, depending on the nature and extent of your surgery and your occupation.
See your final results after six to 12 months, when the swelling and bruising subside and the scars fade and mature.

During your recovery, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and keep your incisions clean and dry. You should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking blood-thinning medications, as these can impair your healing and increase your risk of complications. You should also attend your follow-up visits regularly and report any signs of problems or complications to your surgeon as soon as possible.

How long do the results of a mommy makeover last?

The results of a mommy makeover are long-lasting, but not permanent. Over time, your body may change due to aging, gravity, hormonal fluctuations, and weight fluctuations. These changes may affect the shape, size, and position of your breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and labia. To maintain your results, you should:

Follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to keep your weight stable and your muscles toned.
Protect your skin from sun damage, which can cause premature aging and discoloration, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and clothing.
Use moisturizers, creams, and oils to keep your skin hydrated and elastic, especially on your scars, which can become dry and itchy.
Consider having touch-up or revision procedures, such as breast implant replacement, fat transfer, or scar revision, if you are unhappy with your results or if they deteriorate over time.

Conclusion

A mommy makeover is a popular option for women who want to restore their pre-baby body and enhance their appearance. It can offer many benefits, such as improving your self-confidence, reversing some of the unwanted changes in your body, achieving multiple goals with one surgery, and customizing your treatment plan. However, it also involves some risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, implant problems, fat transfer problems, unsatisfactory results, and need for revision surgery. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon before you decide to have a mommy makeover. You should also be prepared to follow your surgeon’s instructions and take good care of yourself during and after your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome and enjoy your results for a long time.