
For many women becoming a mother is a beautiful experience that brings joy and fulfillment, but pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can take a toll on the body. Many women find it challenging to regain their pre-pregnancy shape despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. A Mommy Makeover is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery solution designed to address these concerns, helping women restore their confidence and reclaim their pre-baby bodies. This customized procedure focuses on rejuvenating the areas most affected by pregnancy, such as the breasts, abdomen, waist, and hips.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgeries tailored to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body contours and boost confidence. It typically involves multiple procedures performed during a single surgery, usually targeting the breasts and abdomen. Common procedures included in a Mommy Makeover are breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and liposuction.
The goal of a Mommy Makeover is to address specific areas of the body that have undergone significant changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and/or aging. These changes may include sagging breasts, excess skin or fat around the abdomen, and stubborn fat deposits in other body areas. Combining these procedures allows women to achieve a more contoured and youthful appearance, all in one session.

Who Is a Candidate for Mommy Makeover?
To be eligible for a Mommy Makeover, patients should:
- Be in good overall health with no serious medical conditions
- Be at or near their ideal body weight
- Be non-smokers or prepared to quit smoking
- Have finished breastfeeding for at least six months before the surgery
- Not plan to become pregnant again, as future pregnancies can undo the results of the procedure
- Have realistic expectations about their results
A consultation with a plastic surgeon is crucial to determine if a Mommy Makeover is the right option. During the consultation, the surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, discuss their goals, and recommend the most appropriate procedures.
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover offers numerous benefits, both physical and emotional. Some of the key advantages include:
- Comprehensive body transformation
- Customizable treatment plan
- Improved physical comfort
- Enhance multiple body areas with one surgery
- Boost in confidence and self-esteem

What Are My Mommy Makeover Options?
While the most common procedures included in a Mommy Makeover are breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction, the combination of procedures can be customized to meet each patient’s goals.
- Breast Augmentation: Enhances breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer to create fuller, more balanced contours.
- Breast Lift: Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts, restoring a youthful appearance by removing excess skin and tightening tissue.
- Breast Reduction: Reduces breast size by removing excess tissue and skin, relieving discomfort, and creating a more proportionate look.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscles to create a smoother, firmer profile.
- Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat deposits from specific areas, sculpting the body and enhancing natural contours.
- Buttock Augmentation: Enhances the size and shape of the buttocks using implants or fat transfer for a fuller, lifted look.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation: Tightens vaginal muscles or reduces the size of the labia for improved function and aesthetics.
The surgeon will guide the patient through the decision-making process to ensure they are fully informed and will achieve the aesthetic results they desire.

How Is Mommy Makeover Surgery Performed?
A Mommy Makeover is typically performed in a hospital or accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia. The exact steps of the procedure vary depending on the surgeries being performed, but here is a general overview of the process:
Initial Consultation
The Mommy Makeover journey begins with an in-depth consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history, discuss their aesthetic goals, and perform a physical examination. The surgeon will recommend specific procedures based on the patient’s desired outcomes and body type. Your consultation is also the time to ask questions and address concerns about the procedures you choose for your Mommy Makeover.
Preoperative Instructions
Patients will receive preoperative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. These guidelines typically include discontinuing medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients are also advised to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and assist during the initial recovery period. If the patient smokes, they will need to stop at least four to six weeks before surgery to promote proper healing. Additionally, fasting the night before surgery is required to prevent complications related to anesthesia. Adhering to these instructions is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth recovery process.
During the Procedure
Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon will begin performing the selected procedures based on the patient’s specific needs. These may include a breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Each procedure is tailored to address particular areas of concern. The surgery typically lasts between three to six hours, depending on the number and complexity of the procedures being performed.
What Can I Expect During Recovery From Mommy Makeover?
Recovering from a Mommy Makeover is a gradual process that varies depending on the number and complexity of the procedures performed. Patients should expect to take time off from work and other activities to allow for proper healing.
First Few Days
Patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first few days after their Mommy Makeover. Pain medication is often prescribed to manage discomfort, and patients are instructed to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Compression garments may need to be worn around the treatment areas (breasts, abdomen, etc.) to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. It’s recommended to have a trusted adult take over household chores and caretaking of children and pets during the initial recovery period so patients can focus on resting and healing.
First Few Weeks
As the body begins to heal, most patients can gradually return to light activities within two to three weeks. However, heavy lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided during this time. Bruising and swelling will continue to subside, and the final results will become more apparent.
Long-term Recovery
Full recovery from a Mommy Makeover can take several months. Over time, scars will continue to fade, and the patient can resume all regular daily activities, including exercise. Listen to Dr. Bartow’s aftercare instructions to achieve the best possible results.
When Will I See My Mommy Makeover Results?
Patients can expect to see noticeable improvements in their body shape as the swelling subsides. While initial results are visible within a few weeks, the final outcome may take several months to fully develop. By six months post-surgery, most patients will have a clearer picture of their new, contoured figure. Mommy Makeover results are designed to be long-lasting; however, they do not stop the natural aging process or prevent you from gaining weight. Living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet is important for maintaining the results of a Mommy Makeover.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the specific procedures chosen and the surgeon’s expertise. On average, a Mommy Makeover can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Factors that influence the cost include surgeon’s fees, surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, post-surgery garments, medications, and geographic location of the practice. One of the benefits of a Mommy Makeover is that these additional costs will only need to be paid once, instead of multiple times, if you had each procedure done separately. A detailed cost breakdown can be provided during the initial consultation.
Mommy Makeover FAQ
What other procedures can be combined with a Mommy Makeover?
In addition to the common procedures like a tummy tuck and breast lift, some women opt for vaginal rejuvenation, buttock augmentation, or thigh lifts as part of their Mommy Makeover. Each patient’s candidacy for combination procedures will vary and can be evaluated during a consultation.
Is a Mommy Makeover painful?
Pain levels vary among patients, but most experience discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Pain can be managed with prescribed medication, and discomfort will gradually decrease as healing progresses.
Does a Mommy Makeover leave scars?
Since incisions are required to perform a Mommy Makeover, the procedure will leave scars. However, surgeons make every effort to place incisions in discreet locations and provide scar care instructions to help minimize their appearance over time. If scarring is a main concern, discuss this with Dr. Bartow during your consultation so they can walk you through the different incision location options.
What are the risks associated with a Mommy Makeover?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Following Dr. Bartow’s instructions can help minimize these risks.
How long do Mommy Makeover results last?
The results of a Mommy Makeover can last for many years, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, significant weight fluctuations, future pregnancies, and the aging process can affect long-term outcomes.
How long will I need to take off work after a Mommy Makeover?
Most patients take about two to three weeks off from work to recover, but this may vary depending on the procedures performed and the patient’s job, such as a desk position versus something more physically demanding.
Can I breastfeed after a Mommy Makeover?
Breastfeeding after a Mommy Makeover may be possible, depending on the type of breast surgery performed. If breastfeeding is a concern, discuss this with Dr. Bartow during your consultation.
Will I need help at home after my Mommy Makeover?
You will need assistance during the first few days of recovery. It is recommended that someone help you with childcare, household tasks, and personal care during this time.
How long do I need to wait after pregnancy to have a Mommy Makeover?
It is generally recommended to wait at least six months after giving birth and finishing breastfeeding before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. This allows the body to stabilize and ensures the best results.
Can I have a Mommy Makeover if I plan to have more children?
Although undergoing a Mommy Makeover before having more children is possible, it is generally recommended to wait until you are done having children to avoid compromising the results of your surgery.
