Mommy Makeover: Which Procedures Are Included?

Pregnancy and childbirth can change the breasts, abdomen and other areas of the body. Learn what a mommy makeover can include and how procedures are customized for each woman.

Pregnancy is an incredible physical experience, but it can also leave changes that do not always respond to diet and exercise. Stretched abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles, changes in breast volume and stubborn areas of fat are some of the concerns women may notice after childbirth.

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic procedures designed to address selected post-pregnancy body changes. It is not one specific operation. Instead, the procedures are chosen according to your anatomy, concerns, health, goals and whether you have completed childbearing.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a personalized approach to restoring or reshaping areas of the body affected by pregnancy and childbirth. It commonly focuses on the breasts and abdomen, but other areas may also be addressed.

The goal is not simply to return the body to its pre-pregnancy appearance. Instead, treatment is planned around your current anatomy and the changes you would like to improve.

Which Procedures Can Be Included?

1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The abdomen is one of the most commonly treated areas during a mommy makeover. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and, in some women, the abdominal muscles may become separated.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can remove selected excess skin and tighten the abdominal wall when appropriate.

2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast volume and skin elasticity can change substantially after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some women experience breast sagging or a lower nipple position.

A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex. It primarily addresses position and sagging rather than simply adding volume.

3. Breast Augmentation

Some women experience loss of breast volume following pregnancy or breastfeeding. Breast augmentation can be considered when increasing or restoring breast volume is an important goal.

Depending on the patient's anatomy and goals, implants may be used to increase breast volume. If significant sagging is also present, a breast lift may be recommended along with augmentation.

4. Breast Reduction

Not everyone wants larger breasts after pregnancy. Some women have naturally large breasts or experience increased breast volume that causes discomfort.

A breast reduction removes selected breast tissue and reshapes the breasts. It may be considered when breast size contributes to physical discomfort or when a smaller breast contour is desired.

5. Liposuction

Pregnancy can sometimes leave localized fat deposits around the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs or other areas. Liposuction may be used to contour selected areas by removing localized fat.

Can Other Procedures Be Included?

Depending on the individual's concerns, a mommy makeover may sometimes include additional body-contouring procedures. The exact combination should be determined after a detailed consultation.

What Are Common Mommy Makeover Combinations?

There is no standard package that every woman should receive. However, some combinations are frequently considered based on common post-pregnancy concerns.

Which Procedure Addresses Which Concern?

Who May Be a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeover surgery is not appropriate for everyone. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is important to determine whether surgery is suitable and which procedures, if any, would be appropriate.

When Is the Right Time for a Mommy Makeover?

Timing is an important part of planning. It is generally preferable to consider a mommy makeover after pregnancy-related body changes have stabilized and when you do not anticipate another pregnancy in the near future.

Your surgeon may also consider whether breastfeeding has ended, whether your weight has stabilized and whether you are physically ready for surgery and recovery.

What About Recovery?

Recovery depends on which procedures are performed and whether multiple procedures are combined. A mommy makeover involving several surgical areas generally requires more recovery planning than a single procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What procedures are included in a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover commonly includes procedures such as tummy tuck, breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction and liposuction. Additional body-contouring procedures may be considered depending on the patient's needs.

Is a mommy makeover one surgery?

The term "mommy makeover" describes a customized combination of procedures rather than one specific operation. Some procedures may be performed together when medically appropriate, while others may be staged separately.

Does a mommy makeover include a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is one of the most commonly included procedures, particularly when pregnancy has resulted in excess abdominal skin or abdominal muscle separation. However, not every patient requires one.

Can liposuction be part of a mommy makeover?

Yes. Liposuction may be included to address selected localized fat deposits and improve body contour. It is not intended as a weight-loss procedure.

Can a breast lift and breast implants be done together?

In selected patients, breast lift and augmentation can be combined. The appropriate approach depends on breast shape, skin quality, breast volume, degree of sagging and the patient's goals.

Should I wait until I have finished having children?

Ideally, major elective body-contouring surgery is planned after childbearing is complete. Another pregnancy can change the breasts and abdomen and may affect the results.