What is a Mommy Makeover?

The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. Areas of the body that can be addressed include the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks.

A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single-stage procedure. Techniques vary based on factors like the desired amount of restoration, placement of incisions, and type of implant used.

Possible procedures in a mommy makeover:

Cost of a Mommy Makeover:

The average cost varies depending on the surgeries chosen, surgeon’s experience, and location. Costs may include:

Who is a good candidate?

Mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You may be a candidate if:

What to Expect During a Consultation

During your mommy makeover consultation be prepared to discuss:

Your plastic surgeon will also:

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Use this checklist as a guide during your mommy makeover consultation:

Risks of a Mommy Makeover

The decision to have a mommy makeover surgery is extremely personal. You need to weigh the benefits against the risks and complications. Your plastic surgeon will explain the risks associated with the surgery, and you will sign consent forms acknowledging your understanding.

Possible risks include:

For more detailed information on risks, refer to pages related to individual procedures like:

Preparation for a Mommy Makeover

To prepare for mommy makeover surgery, you may need to:

The surgery is typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery setting with general anesthesia. Some follow-up procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia and sedation if needed. These decisions will be made based on your specific procedure and preferences.

Steps of a Mommy Makeover Procedure:

Recovery Expectations

Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist, and buttocks.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and the shape of the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks improves. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Expected Results

The final results of mommy makeover surgery may not be apparent for several months after surgery. Over time, the implants will settle, and the scar lines will improve, although they'll never disappear completely. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats upon returning home, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

Key Terms for Mommy Makeover Procedures

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

A mommy makeover involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). ISAPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards:

What to Expect During Your Mommy Makeover Recovery

Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist, and buttocks.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and the shape of the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks improves. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Results After a Mommy Makeover

The final results of mommy makeover surgery may not be apparent for several months after surgery. Over time, the implants will settle and the scar lines will improve, although they'll never disappear completely. Most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

While good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another surgery may be necessary. Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery.

Key Terms Related to Mommy Makeover Procedures

Abdominoplasty
A surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.
Areola
Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
Capsular contracture
The development of scar tissue around the breast implant which may distort the shape of the breast.
Diastasis
Condition in which abdominal muscles have separated.
General anesthesia
Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
Hematoma
Blood pooling beneath the skin.
Implant
A medical device containing either saline or silicone which is used to augment the size of the breast.
Intravenous sedation
Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
Liposuction
Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin's surface to reduce fullness.
Local anesthesia
A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
Mastopexy
Surgery to lift the breasts.
Saline implants
Breast implants filled with sterile salt water.
Silicone implants
Breast implants filled with an elastic gel.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for a Mommy Makeover

Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is crucial. ISAPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards: