What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a customized set of plastic surgery procedures aimed at restoring the body’s appearance after pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. It primarily focuses on addressing bodily changes such as sagging or deflated breasts, loose or stretched abdominal skin, weakened or separated abdominal muscles, stubborn fat deposits and vaginal or vulvar stretching. This approach often includes upper or lower body lifts depending on individual needs with the aim to restore a woman's body to a shape she finds more desirable or to the shape she had prior to becoming a mother.

In recent years, a similar concept known as the daddy makeover, sometimes referred to as a daddy do-over, has also become increasingly popular. This version of the surgery combines procedures to also address loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area as well as the pectoral region. Liposuction and fat transfer procedures can be incorporated to create a more masculine shape.

What is the cost of a mommy makeover?

The global cost of a mommy makeover surgery varies significantly. In the USA, it can range from $9,000USD to $20,000USD or more, depending on the specific procedures involved. Countries like Mexico and Turkey offer more affordable options, with prices ranging from $2,500USD to $12,000USD. The cost of a mommy makeover surgery in Australia can range from $25,000AUD to $35,000AUD. Several factors can contribute to a higher price of this surgery including the skill, reputation and expertise of the surgeon, the hospital or clinic the procedure is being performed and also what procedures are going to be involved in the operation. As mommy makeover is a combination of several procedures, depending on how involved the surgeries are and of course how many surgeries are being performed there are will greatly affect the price.

How is a mommy makeover performed?

As a mommy makeover is really a combination of a number of surgeries, how this surgery is performed will depend greatly on which procedures your surgeon is using to achieve your goal. The most common procedures included are a tummy tuck and breast surgery (lift, augmentation, or reduction) but it can also include other procedures like liposuction, buttock augmentation and labiaplasty.

In any case, as the procedures involved are quite extensive, a mommy makeover is almost always performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the operation. The surgeon will begin by carefully making incisions according to the specific surgical plan, targeting the areas that require enhancement. Each step of the operation is performed with precision to achieve the desired aesthetic goals. Depending on the complexity of the procedures included, the surgery can take anywhere from three to five hours or even longer.

Different surgeries involved in a mommy makeover:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen particularly in the lower area. Tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles may be included as well depending on the patient's situation and desired goals.

Breast Surgery (Lift, Augmentation, Reduction): Surgeries designed to enhance the breast, addressing issues like sagging, volume loss or asymmetry. If augmentation is required, a surgeon can typically use fat removed from the abdomen and transfer it to the breast area.

Liposuction: Uses a canular to remove stubborn pockets of fat from various parts of the body to sculpt the desired area.

Buttock Augmentation: Surgery to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. This surgery can be performed to adjust a patient's bodily proportions or provide more projection in the buttocks area.

Labiaplasty: Surgery which addresses concerns about the labia minora, often after childbirth.

How to prepare for a mommy makeover?

Preparing for a mommy makeover requires careful planning to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Achieving a stable weight beforehand is essential, as the surgery is not intended for weight loss but rather for body contouring. Being close to your goal weight helps optimize results and minimize potential complications. Smoking should be stopped at least a month before surgery, as it can significantly interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications. Managing medications is also crucial, and your surgeon should be informed about any prescriptions, supplements, or herbal remedies that you are taking. This is important as certain substances may impact the surgery or recovery process. Limiting alcohol consumption in the days leading up to the procedure can further improve outcomes by reducing its effects on anesthesia and healing. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet, particularly one rich in protein, supports skin repair and aids in recovery. In addition to these health-related steps, ensuring your home is properly prepared and having essential supplies readily available will help create a more comfortable and manageable recovery experience. Understanding what to expect post-surgery and arranging for support from family or friends will further ease the transition into the healing phase.

What are the risks and possible side effects for a mommy makeover procedure?

Mommy makeover surgery, while generally considered safe, carries potential risks and side effects that it's important to be aware of and to possibly prepare for. These potential risks include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, scarring, and pain. Serious complications are rarer but can occur during this surgery, these include blood clots, pulmonary embolisms and fat embolisms are rare. Short-term side effects may include bruising, swelling, numbness, and sensitivity however these usually resolve on their own throughout the healing process. Long-term effects can include persistent pain, skin changes, and recurrence of skin looseness which may require a secondary procedure.

Common Risks and Side Effects:

Infection: Bacteria can enter the surgical site, causing redness, swelling, pain, and pus. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to try and minimize the risk of this occurring.

Bleeding: Excessive blood loss can occur, particularly after infection or sutures coming undone at the site of surgery. This could potentially require further intervention and so it's crucial to communicate this with your surgeon.

Scarring: While your surgeon will do their best to minimize scarring, many procedures involved in a mommy makeover will incur visible scars. Incisions, particularly those involved with tummy tucks may leave noticeable scars and in some cases scars may be unfavorable in appearance or healing. A good consultation with an experienced surgeon should include what you can expect in regards to scarring.

Hematoma/Seroma: These are collections of blood or fluid under the skin, which may need to be drained. Your surgeon may include drainage pipes in your recovery process.

Pain and Discomfort: Post-operative pain and localized soreness is expected after most surgeries, especially around incision sites. Certain procedures such a tummy tuck may be more painful than others such as liposuction alone. Your surgeon may prescribe you pain killers to cope with this during the healing process.

Bruising and Swelling: These are typical responses to surgery and can persist for several weeks after the procedure. Your surgeon may provide compression garments or over the counter topicals or pills to reduce swelling. It's important to follow your trusted surgeons advise strictly however and not to seek out remedies of your own.

Numbness and Sensitivity: Changes in sensation, including numbness or tingling in the area operated on can occur and usually should resolve throughout the healing process.

Implant Complications: If breast implants are used, complications like leakage, capsular contracture, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma are potential risks.

Recurrent Skin Looseness: The skin may not tighten as expected, or it may loosen again over time requiring a secondary procedure.

Serious (Rare) Complications:

Blood Clots: Formation of blood clots that can in worst case scenarios travel to the lungs or other vital organs, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the pulmonary arteries this is a very serious situation and can be a life-threatening condition.

Fat Embolism: Fat globules released during surgery can lodge in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow.

Skin Necrosis: Tissue death, potentially requiring further surgery.

How long does a mommy makeover last?

A Mommy Makeover provides significant and lasting changes, but it is not entirely immune to future alterations. While the results can endure for a long time, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and additional pregnancies may impact the outcome over time.

Some aspects of the procedure offer permanent changes, including liposuction and the removal of excess skin during a tummy tuck, as these eliminate fat cells and skin that will not regenerate. Breast augmentation implants are also designed to be long-lasting. However, natural aging can affect skin elasticity and muscle tone, potentially influencing the appearance of the surgical results. Significant weight gain or loss may alter the effects of a tummy tuck and other contouring procedures, while future pregnancies can further impact the abdomen and breasts, potentially diminishing some of the initial improvements.

To maintain the best possible results, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can help preserve and extend the benefits of the procedure.

How long is recovery from a mommy makeover?

The recovery period for a mommy makeover typically spans 4-6 weeks, with most patients returning to their daily routines within that timeframe. However, full results can take several months to a year to become apparent. Initial recovery, including returning to work, generally takes around 2 weeks.

Here's what to expect during your phases of recovery

First 2 weeks: This is the most intense period of recovery, with patients needing to rest and avoid heavy lifting. Swelling will usually peek with most procedures in this phase and pain will also be at its worst. The level of swelling and pain will of course depend on what procedures were involved in the mommy makeover.

Weeks 2-6: Most patients can gradually resume normal activities at this stage but should still avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Again, this stage will depend on what procedures were involved in the mommy makeover

Months 3-12: Swelling and bruising will greatly subside during this last phase and the final results of the surgery will begin to become more apparent.