What is a mommy makeover?

Motherhood — it’s a journey filled with first giggles, late-night cuddles, tiny toes and fingers. It’s a transformative experience, both emotionally and physically. However, as any mother will tell you, the joy of bringing new life into the world can also have less-than-desirable effects on the body.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can leave their mark in the form of stretched skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat deposits that don’t seem to budge, no matter how many postnatal yoga classes you attend. While rejuvenation methods like exercise regimens and extensive skincare routines can help to some extent, they often fall short when addressing more significant physical changes.

Cue the “mommy makeover” package. A mommy makeover isn’t a single procedure but a custom-designed set of cosmetic surgeries that restore or improve your pre-pregnancy body. The result? A long-lasting dramatic transformation of body and mind, helping you feel more comfortable in your skin.

What’s included in a mommy makeover?

While the term “mommy makeover” may sound like a standardized package, understand that this is far from the case. A mommy makeover isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal — it’s a highly personalized set of procedures designed to address each person’s unique concerns.

This means considering your lifestyle, weight gain or loss, age, menopause, breastfeeding duration, and other variables. Additionally, you’ll talk about areas of concern — stomach, breasts, or thighs — and based on this information, your plastic surgeon will work to develop a custom treatment plan. Let’s discuss some of the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover.

Abdomen procedures

As many childbearing people will attest, the abdomen is one of the areas most affected by pregnancy and childbirth, often leaving you with excess skin, stretch marks, and weakened abdominal muscles. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of and is a natural part of the process, it can still make you self-conscious.

Fortunately, there are procedures that specifically target this area:

A tummy tuck is often combined with lipo to target excess skin and fat and create an even more dramatic transformation.

Breast procedures

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women experience changes in their breasts, such as sagging and loss of volume. Various procedures can address these changes:

Together, these procedures restore volume, shape, and lift to your breasts.

Other procedures

Any number of additional procedures can be included based on your needs and goals. These might include:

You can include any combination of these procedures in your mommy makeover. Communicate your goals and concerns with your plastic surgeon to get the best recommendations and plan for your desired results.

The benefits of a mommy makeover

Everyone has reasons for considering a makeover, many of which are personal. Whether it’s to boost confidence, regain a pre-pregnancy figure, or simply feel better about yourself, it can have many benefits.

Physical benefits

While everyone’s body is lovely as is, a mommy makeover offers a multitude of physical benefits:

Fortunately, many of these procedures complement each other and your natural body shape, giving you a more balanced look.

Psychological benefits

The psychological benefits of a mommy makeover can be just as significant as the physical ones.

However, keep your expectations in check and understand that the goal is improvement, not perfection.

What to expect during and after a mommy makeover

Because it is a highly personalized procedure, mommy makeovers cater to each person’s needs and aesthetic goals. Despite this individualized approach, there are a few typical stages that every patient can expect to undergo during and after their procedures.

Consultation and planning

The first step is the initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. You’ll discuss your concerns, desires, and expectations while allowing the surgeon to evaluate your physical health and medical history. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the various procedures that might be included in your mommy makeover, discussing the benefits, risks, and associated recovery time.

Come prepared with questions and be honest about your expectations and lifestyle for the best care and results possible.

The mommy makeover procedure

You’ll be given anesthesia on the day of your surgery to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The specific surgical techniques the surgeon uses will depend on your personalized treatment plan. The same goes for the length of the surgery. This will vary depending on the number and type of procedures they’re performing — some can be completed in one session and others may require multiple appointments to ensure safety and optimal results.

Recovery and downtime

The recovery period depends on the procedures, but generally, expect a downtime of several weeks. You’ll likely experience some swelling, bruising, draining, and discomfort initially, which can be managed with medications and at-home care. 

Whether it’s liposuction or breast augmentation recovery, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to best care for yourself and maintain the results. This includes how to care for incisions, signs of potential complications to watch for, and when to start gentle physical activity again. You’ll also have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress.

Long-term results

While you’ll see some results immediately after your mommy makeover, the final results may take several months to a year to fully manifest as your body heals and swelling subsides. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is crucial to maintain your results. Good skincare habits, such as protecting your skin from the sun, can also help prolong the results. With proper care, your body can look as close to pre-pregnancy as possible.