A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures designed to help restore a woman’s pre-baby body after pregnancy. It has become an increasingly popular option for new mothers who are unhappy with changes to their figure following childbirth. This guide will examine mommy makeover before and after photos, typical procedures involved, recovery time, costs, and finding the right plastic surgeon.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is not a single procedure but rather a combination of surgeries customized to meet the specific needs of each patient. The most common mommy makeover procedures include:
- Breast lift – Reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple higher on the breast.
- Breast augmentation – Enlarges small, underdeveloped breasts with saline or silicone breast implants.
- Tummy tuck – Flattens the stomach by removing excess skin and fat and tightening abdominal muscles.
- Liposuction – Removes stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise fail to eliminate. Common areas treated include the stomach, hips, thighs, and arms.
The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore a woman’s body to its pre-pregnancy shape. The ideal candidates are women who are finished having children and are in overall good health but want to improve physical changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures
To understand the dramatic transformations achieved by a mommy makeover, it helps to look at before and after photos of real patients. These images showcase the impressive improvements to the breasts, stomach, waistline, hips, and overall contour.
This patient wanted to regain her pre-baby shape after having twins. Her mommy makeover included a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction. The after photo shows a remarkably flat and firm stomach, larger breasts, and slimmer hips.
Another patient was troubled by sagging breasts and loose abdominal skin after pregnancy. Her mommy makeover involved a breast lift and tummy tuck. The results showcase perkier breasts, a tighter tummy, and dramatic improvements to her figure.
Patients who undergo a mommy makeover often describe the results as life-changing. Their bodies often look better than before having children. The procedures help many women regain their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
Typical Mommy Makeover Procedures
While each mommy makeover is tailored to the patient’s specific aesthetic goals, some procedures are commonly included:
Breast Enhancement
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can deflate and sag the breasts. Breast enhancement procedures such as implants or lifts can dramatically improve breast size, shape, placement, and symmetry.
Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline breast implants to increase breast size. Implants come in a range of shapes and sizes to customize results. Breast augmentation surgery takes 1-2 hours and recovery takes several weeks.
A breast lift removes excess skin and reshapes the breasts for a perkier, youthful appearance. Incisions are made around the areola and down the breast to tighten underlying tissue and remove sagging skin. Recovery takes about 1-2 weeks.
Tummy Transformation
Pregnancy can stretch abdominal muscles and skin. A mommy makeover offers options to flatten and firm the stomach.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightens underlying muscles. This repairs weakened or separated muscles, resulting in a flatter, smoother, and more toned stomach. Recovery takes 2-4 weeks.
Liposuction uses small incisions to permanently remove pockets of diet and exercise-resistant fat. This sculpture technique can slim and contour the stomach, hips, thighs, back, arms, neck, and other areas. Recovery takes 1-2 weeks.
Additional Procedures
Some additional procedures that may be part of a mommy makeover include:
- Body lift – tightens loose, sagging skin around the thighs, buttocks, and back
- Arm lift – removes excess skin and fat under the upper arms
- Thigh lift – slims and contours the thighs
Undergoing multiple procedures allows for more dramatic improvements by comprehensively addressing problem areas. Combining a tummy tuck and breast lift, for example, provides a “top-to-bottom rejuvenation.”
Mommy Makeover Recovery
It is important to have realistic expectations about the mommy makeover recovery process. Combining multiple procedures at once means longer recovery than a single surgery. However, having one recovery for multiple improvements is beneficial.
Here are some general recovery guidelines:
- First 1-2 weeks– Initial swelling subsides and moving around gets easier. Post-surgical compression garments help minimize swelling. Pain medication manages discomfort.
- 2-6 weeks– Bruising and swelling continue improving. Stitches are removed. Patients can usually return to work after 2-4 weeks.
- 6 weeks+– Incision lines fade over the next few months. Final results take shape after about 6 months.
Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about 6 weeks. Walking after the first week aids healing. Swelling may persist for 6 months or longer.
Proper rest, nutrition, hydration, and help with childcare can provide a smoother recovery. Excellent long-term results make the short-term inconvenience worthwhile for most mommy makeover patients.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of a mommy makeover depends on the types and number of procedures, and whether it is performed in a hospital, surgery center, or office-based surgical suite.
According to 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for the procedures that comprise a mommy makeover are:
- Breast augmentation – $4,787
- Breast lift – $5,381
- Tummy tuck – $7,925
- Liposuction – $3,878
Combining just a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction has an average price tag of about $17,184. But many factors affect the total cost such as the surgeon’s fee, facility charges, anesthesia, and more.
In general, total costs for a mommy makeover range from $15,000 to $30,000. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing options to break the cost into more manageable monthly installments.
While cost is a factor when planning a mommy makeover, choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon should be the priority. Vetting a surgeon’s credentials and before and after photo results is worth the investment.
How to Choose a Mommy Makeover Surgeon
Finding a skilled, reputable plastic surgeon is the most important decision when considering a mommy makeover. Here are factors to look for:
- Board certified in plastic surgery – Ensure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Beware of “cosmetic surgeons” without proper plastic surgery credentials.
- Specializes in mommy makeovers – Look for a surgeon who routinely performs mommy makeover procedures with impressive results. Ask to see before/after pictures of past patients.
- Operates in accredited facilities – Hospitals and surgery centers should hold accreditation from organizations like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. This indicates the facility meets high standards for safety, quality care, and ethical practices.
- Uses 3D imaging – Many top surgeons offer 3D computer imaging to show you how proposed procedures may improve your appearance. This visual representation can help guide surgical planning.
- Warm bedside manner – The rapport you have with your surgeon is vital since it is an intimate process. Schedule a consultation to ensure you find their bedside manner professional yet caring.
- Accepts your payment method – Confirm your chosen surgeon accepts your preferred payment type such as credit card, financing, checks, etc.
Also Read: Dental Grants in Indiana – Financial Assistance for Dental Care
Mommy Makeover price in UAE
Mommy makeovers have become increasingly popular in the United Arab Emirates over the past few years. This combination of cosmetic procedures aims to help mothers restore their pre-pregnancy bodies after childbirth. Common procedures included in a mommy makeover in the UAE are tummy tucks, breast lifts/augmentations, liposuction, and vaginal rejuvenation. Prices can vary dramatically based on the clinic, surgeon, and exact procedures included.
However, patients in the UAE can expect to pay anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 AED for a comprehensive mommy makeover package. This would typically include a tummy tuck, breast lift, and augmentation, along with liposuction on areas like the hips and thighs. The more extensive the procedures and the more high-end the clinic, the more expensive the mommy makeover price tag will become in the UAE. Financing options are often available to help break up the costs over time.
Mommy Makeover Scars
A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures that aim to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body after childbirth. These procedures often include a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction. While a mommy makeover can dramatically improve a woman’s self-confidence and body image, it does involve undergoing surgery and being left with permanent scars. The scarring from a tummy tuck runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area.
A vertical scar extending up from the belly button may also result. Breast lift and augmentation scars vary based on the type of incision made, resulting in scars around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, or within the breast crease itself. Liposuction scars are typically small and fade over time. While scarring is an inevitable part of surgery, advancements in surgical techniques allow incisions to be minimally invasive.
With proper care and the fading of scars over the first year after surgery, mommy makeover scars should not be a significant concern for women considering the procedures. The overall aesthetic improvements and boosted self-esteem are for most an acceptable trade-off.
Mommy Makeover FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Many women considering a mommy makeover have similar questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How long do mommy makeover results last?
Results from procedures like breast lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction are considered permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. A balanced lifestyle helps extend your results.
Can I get a mommy makeover if planning more pregnancies?
It’s best to complete childbearing first since subsequent pregnancies can reverse mommy makeover results. If you want more children, wait until after to undergo body contouring procedures.
What if I am overweight?
Aim to reach a stable weight before surgery so fat cells that could expand and undo results are removed during liposuction. Being overweight also poses risks during surgery and recovery. Losing weight beforehand is ideal.
How long is recovery?
You can expect about 10-14 days off from work and regular activities. More strenuous exercise and lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks. Swelling takes several months to fully subside.
How much pain is there?
Discomfort peaks in the first few days but improves daily. Prescribed medication helps manage pain. Move slowly post-surgery. A supportive compression garment also provides comfort.
Are scars noticeable?
Scarring is unavoidable but plastic surgeons minimize incisions. Scars from procedures like breast lifts and tummy tucks are easily hidden under the breasts and bathing suits. Scars lighten over time.
Am I too old to benefit?
There is no definitive age cut-off. Mommy makeovers can rejuvenate women in their 30s through 60s. Good health is more important than age alone. Discuss your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Mommy Makeover Conclusions
For women unhappy with their post-pregnancy bodies, a mommy makeover offers a chance to dramatically turn back the clock. These empowering procedures can provide transformative improvements to the breasts, stomach, hips, waistline, and other areas impacted by childbearing and breastfeeding.
Choosing an experienced, reputable plastic surgeon to tailor the procedures to suit your unique goals and anatomy is key. From delicate nipple repositioning during a breast lift to expert contouring of the abdominal region using liposuction, the technical execution involves both science and artistry.
While recovery requires patience, diligent wound care, and physical restrictions for several weeks, the payoff is reclaiming a lean, youthful figure and boosting self-confidence.
When performed by a skilled and conscientious plastic surgeon, a mommy makeover allows a woman to not just rewind her biological clock but stop it in its tracks. The results help reflect the real you – not the imprint of bearing children. For many women, this makes the mommy makeover one of the most profoundly fulfilling cosmetic surgery journeys.
Faizan Ahmad is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. He joined Quick Medico in 2023 as a place to provide reliable information and resources about health, diseases, and wellness topics.
Now as the editor-in-chief of Quick Medico, Faizan leads a team of experienced medical writers and health professionals. His goal is to make complex health topics easy to understand and provide readers with practical information to improve their health and well-being.
Outside of work, Faizan enjoys being in nature, reading non-fiction books, and spending time with friends and family. He brings his natural curiosity and passion for lifelong learning to every article he writes or edits for Quick Medico. Faizan lives in Islamabad, Pakistan, and looks forward to continuing to grow Quick Medico into a leading health information site that empowers readers to take control of their health.