What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy and childbirth. After giving birth, women may experience changes such as breast enlargement, weight gain, and stretch marks, particularly around the abdomen. This makeover typically includes a personalized combination of surgeries like breast procedures, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and liposuction. The specific treatment plan is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Why Is a Mommy Makeover Performed?

Pregnancy is a natural process that brings many physical changes to a woman’s body. These changes can affect the abdomen, breasts, skin, and even the vaginal area—and in some cases, the face. The primary goal of a mommy makeover is to lift and reshape the breasts, flatten the abdomen, and rejuvenate the vaginal area. Since all these procedures are performed in one session, there’s no need for multiple surgeries over time.

This transformative procedure helps women feel confident in their appearance again, boosting self-esteem and enhancing overall emotional well-being. The makeover specifically addresses the physical changes caused by pregnancy and aims to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state.

Because each woman’s body and goals are unique, the mommy makeover is highly personalized. It’s important to tailor the surgical plan to the individual—using the same procedures for everyone would not be effective.

Thanks to modern aesthetic surgery, the post-pregnancy body can be restored with just a few procedures. Sagging breasts, stretch marks, loose skin, and stubborn fat can all be corrected. Each step of the process is carefully selected based on the mother’s preferences and desired outcomes.

How Is a Mommy Makeover Performed?

The procedure typically takes around 5 to 6 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, patients undergo routine medical tests to ensure they are fit for anesthesia. Informed consent is required from every patient prior to the operation. Additionally, pre-operative photos are taken from different angles to document the starting point.

On the morning of the surgery, the final surgical plan is confirmed.
If liposuction is included in the procedure, it is usually performed first. This is followed by a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and lastly, breast surgery. Once the surgery is completed, dressings are applied, and the patient is provided with a compression garment to wear for optimal healing and results.

Which Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover typically combines a tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction. During pregnancy, the abdominal area often undergoes significant changes, resulting in stretched skin and the appearance of stretch marks. These changes indicate a loss in skin quality. During surgery, excess skin in the abdomen is removed and the area is tightened to achieve a more toned and flat appearance.

Liposuction is commonly performed on the abdomen, flanks, back, and waist, helping to sculpt a slimmer waistline and restore body contours.

The breasts also go through noticeable changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, often leading to increased volume or sagging. Depending on the patient’s needs, a breast reduction or lift can be performed to achieve a more lifted, firm, and proportionate breast shape.

Who Is a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover, and Under What Conditions?

During a second pregnancy, the skin and abdominal muscles may stretch and change again—meaning the effects of a Mommy Makeover could be reversed. Therefore, patients considering a future pregnancy should be aware that they may need additional procedures after giving birth again.

One of the most important criteria for this surgery is being in overall good health. Existing medical conditions may pose a risk and prevent surgery. Individuals who regularly take medications or have conditions that may interfere with general anesthesia must share this information with their surgeon in advance.

Additionally, smokers should quit at least three weeks before surgery, as smoking can significantly impair the post-operative healing process.

What Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover typically includes a combination of the following procedures:

1. Breast Lift and Augmentation
   This is often the most essential part of the makeover. During breastfeeding, breasts enlarge and swell, but after this period, they may shrink and sag. To restore a youthful and firm appearance, silicone implants are inserted, and excess skin or soft tissue may be removed. While the results are often highly satisfying, it's important to note that scarring may occur.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
   This procedure removes excess fat and tightens loose abdominal skin for a flatter, firmer stomach. A horizontal incision is made along the bikini line, and the upper skin is pulled downward and tightened. This helps correct damage caused by pregnancy to the abdominal area and improves overall body contour.
3. Liposuction
   Liposuction is usually the first step in a Mommy Makeover. Using a thin tube (cannula), excess fat is removed from areas like the abdomen, hips, back, and arms. This enhances the body’s proportions and creates smoother contours.

What Should Be Done Before a Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Before undergoing a Mommy Makeover, the patient should ideally have returned to her normal weight after pregnancy. It’s important to note that this is not a weight-loss surgery—its main goal is to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy shape.

For breast procedures, at least one year should have passed since the end of breastfeeding. This waiting period allows the breast tissue to fully recover, swelling to subside, and milk ducts to close—significantly reducing the risk of post-op complications like infection.

Additionally, hormone levels should have stabilized to pre-pregnancy conditions. If the patient smokes, it’s strongly advised to quit at least 3 weeks before surgery and refrain from smoking for at least 1 month after to support healing.

Finally, the patient should undergo a full medical evaluation to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may interfere with surgery. If there are any chronic illnesses or ongoing medications, these should be discussed with the doctor beforehand.

What Happens After a Mommy Makeover Surgery?

After the procedure, the patient is transferred directly to her recovery room to rest. Eating is not allowed for the first 5 hours post-operation. Once permitted, the patient is placed in an upright sitting position in bed. Walking is only encouraged once blood pressure has stabilized.

Since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the patient is not discharged immediately. A minimum of 2 nights of hospital stay is required. During this time, vital signs and blood values are monitored closely, and pain management is provided to ensure the patient can move without discomfort.

After discharge, follow-up checks are scheduled every other day. Drains placed in the breasts are usually removed after 1–2 days, while the drains in the liposuction and tummy tuck areas are removed after 5–6 days. Sterile bandages are then applied to those areas to support healing.

What to Consider After Maternity Aesthetic Procedures?

Here are the key points to keep in mind:

It is normal to experience pain and swelling during the first 2 weeks after the procedure. During this period, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid excessive movement. For the first 6 months, avoid lifting heavy weights, including carrying your baby. Pain relievers may be used for discomfort, but it is essential to consult your doctor first. To maintain the results of the surgery, regular exercises should not be neglected after the procedure. Special attention should be given to maintaining a healthy diet. Weight gain should be closely monitored.

Why is a Corset Used After Maternity Aesthetic Procedures?

The primary purpose of wearing a corset is to apply pressure to the operated skin. This helps prevent the accumulation of fluids and blood in the treated areas after the surgery. Additionally, it supports faster and easier healing of the skin that has undergone fat removal. The skin adapts more easily to its new position. It is recommended to wear the corset for at least 6 months after the procedure.

If a breast surgery has been performed, a breast band should be applied to the affected area for 6 weeks. Instead of a regular bra, a sports bra is a better choice, as it helps the breasts settle into the correct position, giving them a more natural appearance.

Is Dressing Necessary After the Procedure?

Surgical incisions should be covered with sterile special bandages. These bandages should not be removed for 3 weeks. It is possible to bathe while wearing the bandages. The bandages are removed after 3 weeks, and no additional dressing is required unless any complications arise.

Are the Scars from Surgery Permanent?

All surgical procedures leave some form of scarring. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate scars, it’s possible to make them less noticeable. After 3 weeks post-surgery, silicone gels or sheets can be used to reduce the visibility of scars. These gels and sheets should be used for at least 3 months. After 1 year, the scars will become much less noticeable.

When Can You Start Exercising After the Procedure?

It is not recommended to start exercising shortly after the procedure. The body and skin need time to recover. It is advised to wait at least 4 weeks before beginning any form of exercise. After this period, light activities such as walking can be started. To begin regular exercise, it is recommended to wait at least 1.5 months.

How Does the Recovery Process Work After Surgery?

After the surgery, patients should rest for the first 2 days. If there are no complications, patients can start moving around after this period. Especially after the first 5-6 days, when the drains are removed, there is no reason to restrict movement. However, patients should avoid lifting heavy weights for the first 6 months. After the first week, patients can walk upright. Two weeks post-surgery, patients can resume their normal daily activities.