Understanding the Complexity of Mommy Makeover
The term "mommy makeover" might sound straightforward, but it actually represents one of the most complex and carefully planned procedures in cosmetic surgery. This comprehensive treatment involves multiple breast and body surgeries performed simultaneously, typically aimed at restoring a woman's physique post-pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. From the initial consultation to the final recovery stage, numerous decisions and concerns need to be addressed. Who better to guide this journey than another mother—someone who not only understands the physical and emotional changes brought by motherhood but also the challenges of balancing personal time with young children at home? (Allocating weeks for recovery can seem unrealistic when daily tasks like finding time for a shower are already challenging.) Here, top plastic surgeon moms share their invaluable insights for navigating each phase of the mommy makeover process.
Timing is Everything
“As a mother myself, I understand the need for women to schedule their surgeries six to 12 months in advance. Our lives are busy, constantly caring for others. Before committing to such a significant surgery, we advise patients to ensure all aspects of their lives are in order. A strong support system at home is crucial.” —Dr. Renee Burke, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Barrington, Illinois
“If considering another pregnancy, I recommend postponing the procedure for safety reasons, particularly due to the risk of intrauterine growth restriction. The ideal time for the surgery is when the youngest child is at least 3 or 4 years old, depending on family support and additional assistance.” —Dr. Effie Politis, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tampa, Florida
“Being a mother, I deeply understand the desire to regain one's figure after childbirth, but I strongly advise waiting at least six months after completing your family, both physically and emotionally. Plastic surgery can be emotionally taxing—adding this to the responsibilities of motherhood can be overwhelming. Postpartum hormonal changes stabilize around six months, so I suggest waiting that long to schedule consultations and conduct research, ensuring you're in the right mindset for a significant decision affecting not only you but also your loved ones. Opting for a mommy makeover involves a shift from selflessly caring for others to needing significant support yourself.” —Dr. Camille Cash, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston
Related: Considering a Mommy Makeover? Plastic Surgeons Answer Moms’ Top Practical (and Personal) Questions
Maintaining a Healthy State
“Once a patient shows interest in proceeding with surgery, we have an in-depth discussion about maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle for lasting results. BMI requirements vary among surgeons, but I have a strict limit: BMI must be below 28. Patients cannot be on diet pills, and their weight must be stable for 9 to 12 months. I prefer not to operate on fluctuating weights. I rarely encounter patients with body dysmorphic disorder but ask specific questions on my intake form to identify this. The procedure works best when patients have a positive body image.” —Dr. Politis
“I encourage patients to be within 10 pounds of their ideal body weight before considering any surgery. Ideal body weight is the weight at which we are most stable—not our thinnest or heaviest. We emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles to our patients. Consuming nutritious foods and exercising will only enhance the recovery process.” —Dr. Burke
“Similar to any body contouring procedure, patients should ideally be close to their target weight, which can take considerable time when balancing the demands of motherhood. Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are not weight loss solutions but tools to address fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise and to manage loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles post-pregnancy. Being close to your goal weight allows me to create a surgical plan tailored to your baseline figure for long-term, natural-looking results. Weight fluctuations post-surgery can distort outcomes, undermining the investment in looking and feeling your best.” —Dr. Cash
Anticipating the Process
“I use the Vectra 3D imaging system in my practice, which I find invaluable during mommy makeover consultations. It allows patients to 'try on' different implants, with or without a lift, and take home actual images of how their breasts will look, far superior to simply placing an implant in a bra.” —Dr. Burke
“Managing expectations is a skill honed through experience. As surgeons, we aim to select suitable patients, plan surgeries to meet their needs, and execute them with high predictability. I use 3D and 4D virtual imaging during consultations because I believe patients need to visualize the surgical possibilities on their bodies. We then discuss our enhanced recovery protocol, including preoperative oral regimens, intraoperative blocks, and postoperative non-narcotic pain relief. This approach ensures a safer recovery with reduced time and fewer adverse events. We also cover garment usage, postoperative activities, drain care, sleeping positions, and more.” —Dr. Politis
“It's crucial that the goal of surgery is not to revert to your pre-baby body. That is neither healthy nor achievable. The goal should be to feel comfortable in your current skin.” —Dr. Kelly Killeen, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
Exploring Procedural Options
“We can safely combine abdominal surgery with liposuction and corrective surgery in other areas. Younger patients often request breast rejuvenation paired with abdominal rejuvenation—this could involve breast reduction, lift, implant-based augmentation, or a combined approach including fat grafting. Older patients typically choose brachioplasty with abdominal surgery. Some are interested in vulvar rejuvenation (labiaplasty), which I perform in the office six weeks before or three months after the mommy makeover. I prefer not to conduct labiaplasty simultaneously with implant-based breast augmentation due to potential implant cross-contamination or a tummy tuck due to recovery complexity.” [Editor’s note: Some plastic surgeons routinely perform labiaplasties during mommy makeovers. Ask your surgeon about their protocol.] —Dr. Politis
“Most mommy makeovers in my practice involve a 360-degree tummy tuck combined with mastopexy augmentation (breast lift with implants). I love this combination because it addresses the abdomen, love handles, waistline, and breasts, which are typically the most concerning areas post-baby. I also address fullness under the arms and upper back, creating a 'shrink-wrap' effect for the entire trunk and abdomen. Pregnancy can significantly separate abdominal muscles, resulting in diastasis, which is challenging to conceal with clothing. I tighten these muscles during the tummy tuck. I almost always address the breasts simultaneously because it's typically the area women want to feel most confident about, especially after breastfeeding.” —Dr. Burke
“While it's tempting to do everything at once, I find patients recover better when procedures are staged. Healing is faster and more effective when focused on one area at a time. Positioning is also important—having surgery on both the front and back of the body simultaneously makes recovery difficult for an extended period. It's best to focus on one or two areas to avoid feeling overwhelmed.” —Dr. Killeen
Related: 6 Women Share How Much They Paid for Their Mommy Makeover, Which Procedures It Included, and Whether It Was Worth It
Interacting with Children Post-Surgery
“Many moms worry about interacting with and carrying their young children during the six-week no-heavy-lifting recovery period. As a mother of young kids, I know it's impossible not to hold your child, so I adjust post-op lifting guidelines accordingly. Generally, I advise patients to ensure no one depends on them for a full week. Someone else should handle family care, meals, baths, drop-offs, etc. After one week, moms can typically have their child on their lap and stoop down to bring the child close before standing. This should be done cautiously and not frequently. Moms need to avoid bending over and picking up their child from the ground or crib for four to six weeks, as this creates tension on the incision line. I also advise avoiding sudden jumps from children, such as from counters onto Mom, as these can cause issues due to sudden sharp movements. As long as movements are cautious and controlled, it's generally acceptable to interact with and hold your children during recovery.” —Dr. Amaka Nwubah, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville, Tennessee
Informing Children About the Procedure
“A recurring issue is whether to inform children about the surgery. I believe it's crucial to be honest with them and let them know what's happening. It's frightening for them to see Mom in an unfamiliar state. They don't need to know the details, but they should be kept informed. This also helps reduce the stigma associated with surgery. Discussing your experiences openly with your children will ease their worries during recovery and empower them to make informed decisions in the future.” —Dr. Killeen
Considering Aftercare
“I have my patients undergo aftercare for a few days to give them a break from the kids to recover and also to prevent scaring the kids when they return home post-surgery.” —Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
Arranging Home Support
“I advise moms undergoing breast and body cosmetic surgery to arrange for someone to care for them and their children. This is usually two different individuals, as it's challenging for a partner to suddenly take on the role of caring for a postoperative patient and young children. It's time to call on a mother, sister, or friend to come and assist.” —Dr. Jennifer Walden, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas
“Most women find it difficult to ask for help. I encourage them to honestly assess their spouse's helpfulness. If their spouse isn't helpful with the kids, they likely won't be helpful with recovery. It's a good time to ask for help from family members if needed. I advise patients to plan ahead for multiple meals and potentially hire a cleaning service for the first few weeks. You probably won't feel up to these tasks, and it's very pleasant to have them taken care of.” —Dr. Killeen
“During consultations, I discuss postoperative care, emphasizing that patients won't be able to be the primary caregiver for their children for several weeks. It's crucial to determine who will care for the children and assist the patient in recovery. Patients won't be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for six weeks, meaning someone else must help children with bed, high chairs, car seats, and bathtubs. This also applies to pets—if you have a large pet requiring walking or extra attention, you might need someone else to care for them for a few weeks.” —Dr. Cash
