Why People Choose to Have a Mommy Makeover

The areas of concern usually involve two main areas: the breasts and the tummy. During pregnancy, the breast swells and the skin and ligaments stretch. Afterwards, the breast tissue undergoes some involution, sometimes resulting in a smaller breast. The suspensory ligaments and skin cannot always regain their original shape and the combination of less elastic recoil and loss of volume may lead to a loss of shape, loss of volume, or both. This may result in a sagging or deflated appearance.

Likewise, the abdomen also stretches during pregnancy. The skin, tissue, and stomach cannot always resume their original shape. Because the capability of the skin, tissue, and muscle has been overwhelmed, the skin loses its elastic recoil and cannot shrink back to its original size. In addition, stretch marks may also develop as a result of “micro-fractures” in the skin. Often there is widening of the muscles during pregnancy leading to an abdominal bulge or a softness that cannot be tightened with exercise. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can improve all of these concerns.

Patients that have undergone a Mommy Makeover have often expressed one or more of the following concerns or comments:

  • “I wish my breasts were the way they were before.”
  • “I liked the size of my breasts when I was breastfeeding.”
  • “No matter how much I work out, I can’t tighten my abdomen.”
  • “My tummy just doesn’t look the same anymore.”
  • “I wish I didn’t have these stretch marks.”

About “Mommy Makeovers”

A Mommy Makeover can address all of these issues. A Mommy Makeover is basically a fancy or catchy term for a combination procedure which includes a breast operation and a body operation. This procedure “duo” can address the concerns regarding the breast and the abdomen. Common combinations include a breast augmentation combined with a tummy tuck or a breast lift combined with a tummy tuck. However, any combination of procedures may be appropriate.

Breast Options:

Body Options:

  • Liposuction
  • Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
  • Mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty)
  • Combination liposuction and tummy tuck
  • Abdominal tightening (part of tummy tuck)
  • Med Spa

Because each patient has different needs, no two “mommy makeovers” are the same. A consultation is an essential part of the planning and will help determine an appropriate customized surgical plan.

Before & After

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The Consult

Your initial consultation will take approximately 60 minutes. During this time, Dr. Liu will take a thorough medical history, help you with the decision making process, and answer all of your questions. The goal of the consultation is for you to obtain all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your “mommy makeover.” Much of the discussion will revolve around the appropriate selection of procedures and the exam will focus on all the areas of concern. Because every patient has different concerns and needs, no two “mommy makeovers” are the same. The information obtained during the consultation will provide the basis to develop a customized surgical plan.

Pre-Operative

Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery, you will have a pre-operative appointment. At this time, you will sign the surgical consent, have photos taken, and receive an information packet. The pre-operative packet includes detailed instructions for before and after surgery. DO NOT shave for 48 hours before surgery.

It is important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinning medications for at least two weeks before surgery. Also, do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to surgery.

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How to Prepare for Mommy Makeover Surgery: A Complete Checklist

Preparing properly for your mommy makeover helps your procedure go smoothly and sets you up for the best possible recovery. Here's what we recommend in the weeks before your surgery:

  • Stop shaving the surgical area for 48 hours prior to surgery
  • Avoid blood thinners (including certain supplements and anti-inflammatories) for at least two weeks beforehand
  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery, as it can significantly affect healing and increase the risk of complications
  • Arrange in-home help for the first week or two, since you'll need support with childcare, meals, and household tasks while you rest
  • Stock your recovery space with loose, comfortable clothing, compression garments, prescribed medications, and easy-to-prepare meals ahead of time

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, any reputable plastic surgeon will require you to wait at least six months after giving birth before undergoing a mommy makeover, giving your body time to heal fully first. Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu will walk through your specific timeline and prep needs during your consultation.

Operation

The operative time depends on the procedure(s) performed. In general, each procedure takes 1.5 – 3 hours so the procedures can be combined at the same time. All operations are performed under general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist. We always place a pain pump during abdominal operations to minimize post-operative discomfort. For extensive operations, we recommend using an after-care facility or an aftercare nurse.

The incisions are always placed in a concealed location. If there is a caesarian section scar, this is removed during the operation. We ask that you bring your favorite clothing to your appointment so that we can demonstrate the anticipated scar placement. All incisions are closed meticulously with multiple layers to achieve the best possible result. The scars can take up to 6 months to fade following surgery.

Mommy Makeover at SVIA®

Mommy Makeover Patient Testimonial

Mommy Makeover Recovery Week by Week

Because a mommy makeover often combines several procedures, recovery unfolds in stages. Here's a general guide to what many patients experience:

  • Days 3–10: The most intensive early healing period, with rest, limited mobility, and close attention to incision care.
  • Weeks 3–4: Most patients feel comfortable resuming light daily activities, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting remain off-limits.
  • Beyond 4 weeks: Swelling continues to resolve gradually, and your final results become increasingly visible as your body settles into its new contours.

Every patient's timeline varies depending on which procedures are included in their makeover, so Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu will provide you with a personalized recovery roadmap tailored to your specific plan.

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How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

Because a mommy makeover is a personalized combination of procedures, no two price quotes look exactly alike. Several factors shape your total investment:

  • Which procedures are combined (tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, liposuction, and others)
  • The extent and complexity of each procedure
  • Implant type and size, if breast augmentation is included
  • Surgeon experience and board certification
  • Anesthesia and facility fees

Our office will be able to provide you with a cost estimate after you discuss your goals with Dr. Liu in a consultation. We accept financing for plastic surgery through CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ Credit, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending, which each offer qualified patients low- to no-interest payment plans that can make their Mommy Makeover expenses more affordable.

If you would like to discuss the cost of a Mommy Makeover further, please call our office and a member of our team would be happy to assist you.

Contact Our Practice

Whatever the reason, a Mommy Makeover can lead to significant aesthetic and personal benefits for the right candidate by enhancing the overall appearance and shape of the body. Often, this translates to improved self confidence and satisfaction. To find out if a Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, and/or breast lift) is right for you, please make an appointment with Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu.

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Sources

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Everything You Need to Know About a Mommy Makeover. plasticsurgery.org
  • Chang IA, Wells MW, et al. The Positive Patient Experience: A Comprehensive Analysis of Plastic Surgery Online Reviews. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022;42(9):1083-1093. academic.oup.com (87.7% mommy makeover satisfaction — confirmed accurate; available if you'd like it worked into a section, e.g., an FAQ on patient satisfaction.)

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