“Mommy Makeover” is a term used to describe combination of plastic surgery procedures to the breasts, abdomen, trunk and extremities. The goal is to address some of the changes that can occur following pregnancy, childbirth and nursing. On the breast, the most commonly performed procedures include Breast Enhancement, Lift and or Reduction. On the abdomen, it typically includes Tummy Tuck, mini-Tummy Tuck and Liposuction. Some patients may request Brazilian Fat transfer (BBL) in the same setting.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

A good candidate for a Mommy Makeover is a woman in overall good health that has completed her childbearing. If more children are planned in the near future, it is better to wait, especially on the Tummy Tuck portion. Future pregnancies may allow the tissues be stretched again warranting revision surgery. Mommy Makeover can be done in one or two stages, depending on various factors that include the general health of the patient and how many areas need to be addressed.

What Are The Potential Risks Involved?

The risks are similar to most major operations. They include wound healing, bleeding, infection, seroma (fluid collection) formation contour unevenness, asymmetry and those related to prolonged anesthesia. If there are medical issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, these should be well controlled prior to surgery. Smokers need to stop smoking in order to decrease the risk of wound healing issues. All patients should be nicotine free for at least six weeks prior to and after surgery. Our surgeon may request medical clearance from your primary care specialist prior surgery.

What Is The Time Frame For This Surgery?

Generally speaking, surgeons try to limit these surgeries to 5 hours or less. Depending on the combination of surgeries chosen, recovery times will vary. You may go home the same day. Alternatively, your plastic surgeon may require that you stay overnight if extensive surgery was performed, or if you have other medical issues. The pain is usually manageable with oral pain medications.

How About Recovery?

The recovery from a Mommy Makeover can range from one to four weeks in most cases. It typically involves one to two weeks off work. Patients are instructed to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for approximately four to six weeks. Having more than one procedure done at the same time may not lengthen the recovery. As an example, Breast augmentation recovery is 5-7 days and Tummy tuck recovery is 10 to 14 days. Your recovery will be in the 10 to 14 day period when both are combined. Your pain will not be additive, but it will comprise a larger area of your body.

In my opinion, when performed for the right candidate, “Mommy Makeover” can have a positive impact emotionally and physically on a woman’s self-esteem.

***The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of your consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Now that you know more about our Mommy Makeover procedure, continue to our Male Breast Reduction page.