What is a Mommy Makeover? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
June 11, 2024
If you are considering post-pregnancy surgery, start by identifying the changes that feel most persistent, such as loose skin, abdominal muscle separation, or a change in breast position or volume. Dr. Mark Deutsch is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Schedule a consultation with him today to review your goals, health history, and timeline to recommend a safe, realistic plan for body rejuvenation.
In this post, we’ll break down what a mommy makeover in Atlanta can include, how a mini mommy makeover differs, what affects recovery, and what to know about safety and cost.
Because plans are personalized, your consultation is where your surgeon confirms which procedures can be combined and whether staging makes more sense for your health and goals.
Q1: What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a customized set of cosmetic procedures chosen to address common changes from pregnancy and childbirth. Multiple procedures are often performed together in one surgical session, with each procedure selected to target a specific concern.
Q2: What is Included in a Mommy Makeover?
Most mommy makeovers include a tummy tuck plus a breast procedure because these areas are often most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Common breast procedures include breast lift and breast augmentation. If the breast is less affected, the second procedure may be liposuction of other body areas.
Some patients also include other procedures such as thigh lift or labiaplasty.
For a broader look at postpartum options beyond a single “bundle,” see our guide on post-pregnancy body reshaping.
Breast Augmentation
This procedure is ideal for women who notice a decrease in breast volume or fullness following pregnancy and breastfeeding. If your goal is to enhance the size and improve the contour of your breasts, breast augmentation could be a good fit for you.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lifts are commonly chosen by women whose breasts have sagged as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the natural aging process. If your goal is to raise and firm up your breasts to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance, a breast lift could be the appropriate choice.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reductions reduce the size of and reshape breasts to be more proportionate to the rest of the body. If you have large, heavy breasts that cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, breast reduction can provide significant relief.
Take the Quiz: What is the “Breast” Procedure for You?
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Women who have had children are more likely to experience rectus diastasis, a condition where large abdominal muscles separate. This causes a noticeable bulge to form in the middle of the abdomen upon straining. Stretch marks (striae) from the pregnancy can also be visible on the belly.
This procedure is best for women who have stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy and have not returned to their pre-pregnancy state through diet and exercise alone. If your goal is to achieve a smoother and firmer abdominal profile with tightened muscles, a tummy tuck might be suitable for you.
Take the Quiz: Are You a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Other Common Mommy Makeover Procedures
Liposuction
Ideal for those who have localized fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise, often in areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs. If your goal is to refine and reshape specific areas of your body to achieve a more contoured figure, liposuction could be beneficial. This procedure is frequently combined with a tummy tuck for optimal body contouring results.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Suitable for women who experience changes in vaginal muscle tone, sensitivity, or appearance due to childbirth. If your goal is to tighten the vaginal muscles and/or reduce the size of the labia for aesthetic or comfort reasons, vaginal rejuvenation might be the right choice.
Q3: What is a Mini Mommy Makeover?
A mini mommy makeover is a smaller-scope option with fewer or less extensive procedures, which can reduce downtime compared to a full mommy makeover.
Some patients search for “mini mommy makeover” when they want a more targeted plan with fewer procedures.
Common components may include a mini tummy tuck (lower abdomen focus with a shorter incision), a breast lift or augmentation, targeted liposuction, and sometimes nonsurgical options like injectables or laser treatments.
Q4: Is A Mommy Makeover Safe?
A mommy makeover can be safe for appropriately selected patients when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. For a concise overview, see the FAQ section below.
Q5: How Much Does A Mommy Makeover Cost In Atlanta?
The average cost of a mommy makeover in Georgia is $12,000 – $15,000, but pricing varies depending on the number and type of procedures, your surgeon’s experience, and facility and anesthesia fees.
To get an accurate estimate for your goals and anatomy, schedule a consultation and request a personalized quote.
Recovery Time And Preparation
Recovery varies based on the procedures performed, but many patients return to most normal activities, including some exercise, by weeks 4 to 6.
- Tummy tuck: Many patients start walking the day they get home, may drive within about one week, may be able to pick up a baby after a few weeks, and often return to the gym and heavy lifting around weeks 5 to 6.
- Breast lift or implants: Many patients can walk right away, often drive once off pain medication (usually within a week), and often resume lifting a baby and exercise around four weeks.
- Liposuction: Many patients start short walks within a few days, may drive within about a week once off prescription pain medication, and are often advised to avoid lifting a baby for at least two weeks.
If you have a desk job, about ten days off work may be enough if you follow lifting restrictions. Many patients find week one is the hardest and feel much better by week two. Full healing for vigorous exercise may take up to eight weeks, and swelling can take months to a year to fully resolve.
For recovery planning, you may find it helpful to read tips to help you recover from your mommy makeover.
Q6: How Should I Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?
Focus on healthy meals and establish your workout routine before surgery, since you will need to pause heavy cardio and weights during early recovery. Plan childcare in advance because you may not be able to pick up young children for a few weeks, and arrange help at home for the first few days.
Q7: Can Women Still Breastfeed After Getting a Breast Lift?
At least 50% of women should still be able to breastfeed after a breast lift. The same applies to breast reduction. Techniques vary, and the likelihood of breastfeeding may depend on how much breast tissue remains attached to the areolar complex when the nipple is repositioned.
Q8: How Soon After Childbirth Can a Woman Get Plastic Surgery?
It’s recommended that mothers wait at least 3 to 6 months after giving birth before getting any plastic surgery done on their abdomen or breasts. This will allow any retained fluid to leave the system and your hormone levels to return to normal. Giving your body enough time to heal before pursuing plastic surgery will ultimately lead to a safer and more predictable cosmetic result.
If you are breastfeeding, many surgeons recommend waiting until you are finished and your weight is stable, since both can affect surgical planning.
Learn More with a Mommy Makeover Consultation Today
Ready to learn more about a tummy tuck in Atlanta? Voted Atlanta plastic surgery, Dr. Mark Franklin Deutsch and his award-winning team at Perimeter Plastic Surgery are happy to help. We’ll answer all of your questions and work collaboratively to find the best possible solution for you.
Contact us online or call 404-255-0886 to learn more and receive a mommy makeover consultation!
