Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy is one of life’s miracles. However, pregnancy often brings about certain unwanted changes to your figure that may remain even after the child is born. Childbirth, breastfeeding, and raising children can also impact the appearance of the body. With the help of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, it is possible to address these physical changes and restore your pre-baby figure. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, John M. Sarbak, MD, offers customized mommy makeover procedures that can create beautiful, natural-looking results.
- What is a Mommy Makeover?
- Mommy Makeover Benefits
- Mommy Makeover Candidates
- Mommy Makeover Preparations
- Mommy Makeover Procedures
- Right Time for a Mommy Makeover
- Mommy Makeover Recovery
- Mommy Makeover Scars
- Mommy Makeover Cost
- Additional Mommy Makeover FAQs
What is a Mommy Makeover?
Many women find that even with a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise routine, fully restoring their pre-pregnancy figure can be extremely challenging. A mommy makeover combines a number of popular surgical and non-surgical procedures to achieve comprehensive body rejuvenation. These treatment plans are custom-tailored by Dr. Sarbak to address each mother’s unique cosmetic concerns.
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?
Depending upon which procedures are selected, a mommy makeover can provide a wide range of benefits, including:
- A tightened, toned abdomen
- Removal of excess skin and fat deposits
- Restored breast shape and volume
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks
During the consultation process, Dr. Sarbak can perform a physical exam, discuss your unique cosmetic concerns, and design a customized treatment plan that can meet your needs.
Who Is a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
A good candidate for a mommy makeover is typically a woman in good overall health who wants to restore her body after pregnancy, childbirth, or weight fluctuations. Candidates often experience concerns such as sagging breasts, loose abdominal skin, stretched muscles, or stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Ideal patients should be at or near their goal weight, finished with childbearing, and non-smokers.
During a consultation, Dr. Sarbak can assess your aesthetic goals, medical history, and anatomy to create a customized surgical plan. This helps ensure the procedure is both safe and tailored to achieve natural, long-lasting results.
How Should I Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?
To ensure long-lasting results from mommy makeover surgery, it’s recommended that patients complete their families before pursuing the procedure. This is because future pregnancies and breastfeeding can cause additional changes to the body and alter the results of a mommy makeover. Planning the timing of your mommy makeover is an important step in preparing for the process. Once you have had your consultation and your procedure is scheduled, common pre-surgery instructions may include:
- Avoid smoking
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Adjust certain medications
- Arrange transportation to and from the procedure
In addition, arranging for help with small children during the initial recovery is important so you have ample time to rest and heal. Dr. Sarbak will provide you with specific instructions following your consultation and treatment plan development.
What Are Common Procedures Performed During a Mommy Makeover?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
With the abdomen, our goal is to create a contour approaching what it was prior to pregnancy. A tummy tuck not only excises redundant skin, but can also repair loose or torn abdominal muscles causing the stomach to protrude. In certain cases, tummy tuck results may even look better than your pre-pregnancy shape.
Breast Surgery
Breast feeding, and even pregnancy in general, can bring about alterations in the appearance of the breasts. These changes can include stretched skin, lower nipple position, loss of fullness (especially in the upper region), and overall deflation (sagging). Breast augmentation with implants can be used to restore lost volume and improve the overall shape of the breasts. A breast lift procedure is typically most appropriate, as it can tighten the skin, elevate the breasts, and/or raise the nipples to a more youthful position. Some women may benefit from a combination of both breast surgeries.
Liposuction
Sometimes liposuction techniques can help remove areas of stubborn fat to create leaner, smoother body contours. Many women find that even when they reach a healthy mix of diet and exercise, excess fatty tissue often remains a struggle to lose. Liposuction is ideal for patients who are already at or near their target weight and have elastic skin, but still struggle with isolated fat deposits. This procedure can be performed on nearly any area of the body.
When Is the Right Time for a Mommy Makeover?
The right time for a mommy makeover generally depends on your health, lifestyle, and goals. Most women consider this procedure after they have finished having children, as future pregnancies can affect results. It’s best to wait at least six months to a year after childbirth or breastfeeding so your body has time to heal and stabilize. Factors that support lasting outcomes include being:
- At or near your goal weight
- In good overall health
- A non-smoker
- Post-surgical garments
If you’re ready physically and emotionally, a consultation with Dr. Sarbak and our team can help determine the ideal timing for you.
What Can I Expect in My Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Recovery times typically vary because each patient’s mommy makeover plan includes surgeries and treatments that address their specific needs and aesthetic goals. Some patients can choose to do their procedures in one visit, while others may need to spread them out across two or more appointments. Many patients experience bruising and mild swelling that gradually subsides as their body heals. Dr. Sarbak suggests patients rest for at least one week before returning to work and their normal routines. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks. More detailed instructions will be provided to help you know what to expect throughout your recovery.
What Will My Mommy Makeover Scars Look Like?
While surgical procedures typically result in some level of scarring, Dr. Sarbak is dedicated to minimizing visible indications, strategically placing incisions in areas that are easy to hide or conceal. Keep in mind, different procedures require different incision locations. For example, tummy tuck incisions are usually done along the bikini line, and small incisions made during liposuction can be harder to notice due to their size. For a breast lift or augmentation, scarring will depend on the technique that is utilized. Dr. Sarbak has also developed a specialized scarless technique (TUBA) that keeps visible scarring off the breasts for the most natural-looking results.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of a mommy makeover typically varies from patient to patient due to the customizable nature of the treatment. Potential contributing factors to the overall price include:
- The number and types of procedures chosen
- How many surgeries are needed
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgical garments
- Surgeon’s fees
Once your individualized treatment plan has been developed, Dr. Sarbak will provide you with a customized cost. We also offer financing options through CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit to help make treatment payments more affordable for patients.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About a Mommy Makeover
Does insurance cover a Mommy Makeover?
Insurance typically does not cover a mommy makeover since it combines cosmetic procedures. These are often considered elective and not medically necessary. However, in rare cases, partial coverage may apply if a procedure addresses a health-related issue. Each insurance plan differs, so it’s best to check with your provider about your specific plan.
How long do Mommy Makeover results last?
Mommy makeover results can be long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a healthy lifestyle with stable weight, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition. Outcomes typically last for many years, but natural aging, weight changes, or future pregnancies can affect results. While no procedure completely stops the aging process, many women enjoy lasting improvements in body shape and confidence for a decade or more.
Can I have more children after a Mommy Makeover?
Yes, you can have more children after a mommy makeover, but future pregnancies may affect your results by stretching the skin, muscles, or breasts again. For the longest-lasting outcomes, most surgeons recommend waiting until you are finished having children before undergoing this procedure. If pregnancy does occur afterward, your health and your baby’s health are not typically at risk, but you may wish to consider revision surgery in the future to restore your results.
Contact Us
For more information about a mommy makeover, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarbak, please contact our office today.