Mommy Makeover: What It Is, Surgery, Recovery, & Results 2024
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Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing experiences that can bring immense joy. But they also take a toll on a woman’s body and self-esteem. Many moms struggle to regain their pre-baby shape despite their best efforts with diet and exercise.
This is where a mommy makeover surgery comes in — a transformative set of cosmetic procedures to help moms reclaim their confidence and feel great in their skin again.
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, you’re probably wondering: What body contouring procedures are included? How does a mommy makeover recovery look like, and what results are realistic? We’ll cover all this and more — including real before and after photos — to help you decide if this surgery is right for you.
What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a personalized set of cosmetic surgeries that target the physical changes women experience after pregnancy. The goal is to restore and enhance a woman’s pre-baby body by targeting areas most impacted by childbearing — like the breasts and abdomen.
This surgery offers dramatic results with a more convenient recovery (compared to having separate surgeries).
Mommy makeovers often include these surgical procedures:
Breast lift and/or augmentation to restore volume and perkiness
Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin
Liposuction to banish stubborn fat pockets
Labiaplasty to address changes in the labia minora
Common procedures in a mommy makeover
You can customize your mommy makeover depending on your unique needs and goals. The procedure looks different from patient to patient.
Here are some of the most frequently included surgeries and how they work together to rejuvenate a mom’s figure from top to bottom:
Breast lift
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch the breast skin and tissue. This leads to sagging and volume loss. A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts for a perkier, more youthful appearance. The surgeon removes excess skin and repositions the nipples higher.
Many women find a breast lift helps clothing fit better and boosts self-esteem. It restores a more feminine silhouette. You can get a lift on its own or with breast implants if you also want more volume.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
The abdominal area experiences major changes during pregnancy. The muscles, skin, and tissues stretch so much to accommodate a growing baby. Unfortunately, many women are left with stretch marks and a protruding belly that no amount of exercise can fix.
A tummy tuck surgically tightens separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). It also removes excess abdominal skin and fat for a flatter, smoother midsection. The result is a toned, pre-pregnancy tummy that many moms thought they’d never see again.
Liposuction
Even with a healthy lifestyle, many moms struggle with isolated pockets of fat that seem resistant to diet and exercise — especially in the hips, thighs, and waist. Liposuction is a targeted way to remove these fat deposits and contour a slimmer, sleeker silhouette.
When you get liposuction, the surgeon will make small cuts in the treatment area. Then, they insert a cannula to suction out the fat cells. Lipo is often used to refine the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, and under the chin. It permanently removes fat cells to achieve a more ideal shape.
Breast augmentation
Some women find their breast volume decreases post-pregnancy, particularly after breastfeeding. Breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to restore fullness and size to the breasts. Implants can also improve breast symmetry if one is noticeably smaller than the other.
If you get a breast augmentation, you can pick from several implant options to achieve your desired shape, size, and projection. Augmentation is possible with or without a lift depending on your needs.
Labiaplasty
Though perhaps not discussed as often, many women also experience changes in their labia after vaginal birth. Labiaplasty is a procedure to reduce the size or reshape the labia minora (inner vaginal lips).
It addresses concerns like tugging, twisting, or excess tissue that can cause discomfort in clothing or during intimacy. Women often feel more confident after a labiaplasty, as their labia no longer protrudes or feels excessively long.
Common candidates for a mommy makeover
Mommy makeovers are best for women who:
Are in good health
Have finished childbearing and aren’t planning future pregnancies
Have realistic expectations about results
Are at or near their ideal body weight (within 10-20 pounds)
Have time for a proper surgical recovery (three to four weeks on average)
Benefits of a mommy makeover
Combining several surgeries into one mommy makeover brings significant advantages for the right candidates:
Dramatic transformation of the breasts, abdomen, and overall figure
Achieves a pre-pregnancy shape that diet and exercise alone can’t
Treats multiple areas with just one surgery session and recovery
Boosts self-confidence and helps moms feel great in their clothes again
Disadvantages and risks
Mommy makeovers are safe when you go to a trusted, reputable plastic surgeon.
But like any surgery, a mommy makeover involves potential downsides and risks:
Medical complications like stroke, pneumonia, coma, heart attack, respiratory distress, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism
Lengthy recovery period with activity restrictions and time off work/childcare duties
Surgical risks like bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing
Potential asymmetry or unsatisfactory cosmetic results requiring revision
Scars (a good surgeon will aim to keep these thin and easily hidden)
Feeling emotional ups and downs during your recovery
Requires maintaining a stable weight post-surgery for long-term results
Cost of a mommy makeover
The total mommy makeover cost depends on several factors, including:
The combination of procedures being performed
Surgeon’s fee (based on experience and geography)
Surgical center and anesthesia fees
Pre- and post-operative care, medications, and garments
Medical financing (as needed)
On average, a mommy makeover ranges from $10,000 to over $30,000 in the United States. The complexity of the procedures and the amount of time in the operating room impact the total cost.
Since a mommy makeover is an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurance won’t cover it. The exception is if you have medical reasons warranting a certain mommy makeover procedure. For this to happen, you’d have to show that a tummy tuck will solve those health issues.
You have a few financing options, though:
Ask your surgeon if they offer in-house financing with low to no interest
Use a credit card and pay off the minimum balance to avoid high interest
Look into healthcare financing like CareCredit
Save up and pay in full
Take out a personal loan
Cost in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, the average cost of a mommy makeover is around $8,000 to $17,000. But the fees can be higher for the most experienced plastic surgeons or when you have more procedures done.
The mommy makeover procedure
Mommy makeovers look different for every woman depending on personal treatment plans.
But generally, here’s what you can expect:
Consultation
You’ll meet with your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals. They’ll examine you and make personalized recommendations. This is your chance to ask questions and get to know your surgical team.
Pre-op
You’ll have a pre-op appointment before surgery to review instructions, risks, and benefits again. The surgeon will ask you to avoid certain medications, supplements, and smoking. Get your recovery area prepared at home.
Procedure
Most mommy makeover procedures are done under general anesthesia. This means you’ll be completely asleep and comfortable. Your surgeon will make the necessary incisions and perform your procedures, which may take four to six hours depending on the complexity. The surgical team will keep an eye on you for a couple of hours after the procedure before releasing you home the same day.
Post-op and recovery
You’ll be sore and swollen for the first two weeks. Pain medication and a compression garment help manage your discomfort. Most women take two to four weeks off work to heal. Over time, swelling subsides and your results take shape over months. You’ll enjoy the final outcome by the half-to-full-year mark.
Recovery and aftercare
Knowing what to expect during recovery will help you prepare accordingly as a mom:
Expect to be sore and fatigued for at least one to two weeks
No lifting anything over five pounds (including children) for three to four weeks
No strenuous exercise or activities for at least six weeks
Get help with childcare, housework, and errands for the first few weeks
Sleep elevated or in a recliner to reduce swelling initially
Attend all follow-up appointments
Take it easy the first few weeks to let your body heal smoothly. This will reduce complication risks later, and allow your results to develop beautifully.
Common side effects
Side effects after a mommy makeover are temporary and resolve within a few weeks of rest.
Common ones include:
Swelling and bruising in the treated areas
Soreness and discomfort (manageable with prescription pain medication)
Temporary changes in skin sensation like numbness or tingling
Fatigue and tiredness as your body heals
Constipation related to anesthesia and pain medications (stool softeners can help)
Slow wound healing and minor bleeding at the incision sites
Before and after results photos
Most patients see a noticeable difference almost immediately. Final results take up to a year to develop as residual swelling resolves.
Here are some before and after photos of our real patients to help you visualize what you can achieve with a mommy makeover:
Longevity of mommy makeover results
Most mommy makeover results are long-lasting and can be permanent. But maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is imperative to keep your new shape looking its best. Future pregnancies or major weight fluctuations can hurt your results. Breasts will continue to age naturally, so touching up your breast lift or augmentation may be needed after decades.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Will I have scars after a mommy makeover?
Scars are inevitable with any surgery. But skilled plastic surgeons use techniques to keep them as thin and discreet as possible, often covered by clothing.
How long will I need to take off work for recovery?
Typically, surgeons recommend patients take two to four weeks off work depending on the procedures they get and their job type. You’ll likely feel well enough to return to an office job without strenuous duties at around two weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require a full four weeks off.
Choosing the best plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover
Picking the right surgeon goes a long way to ensure a great mommy makeover experience from initial consultation to recovery.
Do your homework and ensure they’re:
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or equivalent)
Highly experienced in mommy makeovers with an excellent safety record
Recommended by other moms or your primary care doctor
Able to show before and after photos of real mommy makeovers they’ve done
Makes you feel comfortable, listens to you, and communicates clearly
Dr. Troell | Mommy Makeover in Las Vegas
A mommy makeover can be a fantastic way to rejuvenate your body with dramatic, long-lasting results.
Still on the fence? Consult with Dr. Troell at Beauty by Design in Las Vegas. With five board certifications and over 20 years in practice, he’s one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons for mommy transformations. Schedule a consultation today by calling +17022426488 to discuss your options.