What are the Benefits of Mommy Makeover Surgery?
What is a Mommy Makeover?
To be totally honest… I’m not sure I love the term “mommy makeover.” It can imply that there’s something wrong with a woman’s body after having children or that she needs to be “fixed,” which I strongly disagree with. Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful journey that naturally brings changes to the body. Some plastic surgeons (like Dr. Chidester in Utah) have even rebranded it as a “mommy takeover.”
Regardless of the terms, my approach to aesthetic surgery is all about supporting people in feeling more comfortable and confident in their own skin while honoring the natural processes our bodies go through. Gimmicky names aside, what is a mommy makeover?
Simply put, it is a combination of procedures that addresses aesthetic concerns from childbearing, or even concerns unrelated to pregnancy. It’s a highly customizable approach to help women feel more confident in their bodies with a combination of surgical options.
The Body After Baby: What Changes and Why?
1. Abdominal Muscle Separation
The effects of pregnancy on the body are undeniable (though you don’t need me to tell you that!). A woman of average weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) typically gains 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. The muscles of the abdominal wall, specifically the rectus abdominis muscles, or the paired 6-pack muscles, spread apart to accommodate the growing fetus. This can lead to a condition called diastasis recti, or separation of the muscles.
While physical therapy and strength training can improve this, if a diastasis is wider than about 3cm (two fingers), you likely need surgery to help bring the muscle back into a more anatomic position.
Learn more about Diastasis recti via clevelandclinic.org
2. Excess Skin
Pregnancy can significantly stretch the abdominal skin, often resulting in excess skin that exercise alone cannot address.
Additionally, C-sections can occasionally cause a “shelf” of tissue when there is an unevenness between the subcutaneous tissue above and below the C-section scar. This cannot be fixed with exercise alone.
3. Breast Position & Volume
Lastly, breastfeeding and hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a loss of breast volume and elasticity, causing the nipples to descend below the natural breast fold–a condition known as “ptosis.
Mommy makeovers typically target these concerns, focusing on both the abdomen and breasts to help restore your desired appearance.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Consist of?
Here’s a breakdown of the options available to customize your mommy makeover:
Breast Surgery Options:
SAFELiposuction of the lateral chest or anterior axilla
Abdominal Surgery Options:
Extended abdominoplasty
Mini abdominoplasty
C-section scar revision
SAFELiposuction of the abdomen, flanks, or posterior trunk
Fat grafting to the buttock or hip dips
Advantages of a Mommy Makeover: Why Combine Procedures?
One major advantage of a mommy makeover is efficiency: combining two procedures means lower overall anesthesia and facility fees, plus a single recovery period. For busy moms, this can be a game-changer!
That said, safety is always the top priority and some patients are not good candidates for Mommy Makeovers. If your chosen combination of procedures would require too many hours under anesthesia, they may need to be scheduled separately. I will work with you to prioritize your goals and ensure the safest approach.
FAQs About Mommy Makeover Surgery: Common Questions Answered by Dr. Kugar
“How do I choose the right combination of procedures?”
This begins with an in-depth discussion of your goals and how best to achieve them. Together, we’ll determine the combination of procedures that’s right for you—and whether they can be performed during the same surgery.“What is the cost of a mommy makeover?”
The cost varies based on the procedures included. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs tailored to your unique plan. Typical cost of a mommy makeover is between $18,000 - $32,000 depending on the combination of procedures and amount of time that surgery will take.
“What if I get pregnant again?”
It’s best to wait until you’re done having children before undergoing a mommy makeover. A subsequent pregnancy could compromise the surgical results, particularly in the abdominal area. You will likely not have a long-lasting, optimal result if you get pregnant again following mommy makeover surgery.
“How long should I wait after giving birth to have a mommy makeover?”
Generally I recommend waiting at least 6 months after you have stopped breastfeeding or pumping to have breast surgery. I recommend waiting 6-9 months, ideally closer to 9 months, after delivery to do abdominal surgery. This allows you to get back to your goal weight, and allows the muscles and skin to recover and heal after pregnancy.
“What is recovery from mommy makeover surgery like? Will I stay overnight?”
We have the capability to do overnight stays at Meridian Plastic Surgery, and generally this is something I recommend for my Mommy Makeover patients. You will have two nurses caring for you overnight, which is very helpful right after the surgery, and also makes it easier on your family members!
Recovery time may vary based on the combination of procedures that you undergo. Generally, recovery from abdominoplasty is a longer recovery than breast surgery. I encourage walking after surgery, but I do not want you doing activities that will raise your heart rate or blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery. You will likely refrain from heavy lifting greater than 10-15 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery.
Your Transformation, Your Timeline
Considering a mommy makeover? I’d love to help you create a plan that aligns with your goals and fits into your life. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward feeling your best!
Another Helpful Resource:
To learn more about personalized options for your aesthetic goals, book your consultation with Dr. Meredith Kugar, today.
