The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. There are many areas of the body that can be addressed, most commonly the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks. A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure. There are many techniques used to perform a mommy makeover, and many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing which techniques are best: 

• Desired amount of restoration 
• Placement of the incisions 
• Type of implant used 

Possible procedures in a mommy makeover 
• Breast augmentation 
• Breast lift 
• Buttock augmentation 
• Liposuction 
• Tummy tuck 
• Vaginal rejuvenation 

Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover? 

Mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. 

You may be a candidate for mommy makeover surgery if: 
• You are in good medical health 
• You are at your ideal body weight 
• You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations 
• You are finished with childbearing 

What should I expect during a consultation for a mommy makeover? 

During your mommy makeover consultation be prepared to discuss: 
• Your surgical goals 
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments 
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use 
• Previous surgeries 
Your plastic surgeon will also: 
• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors 
• Examine your breasts, abdomen, genitalia, and/or buttocks and take measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and skin thickness 
• Take photographs 
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment 
• Discuss likely outcomes of mommy makeover surgery and any risks or potential complications 

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It's very important to understand all aspects of your mommy makeover. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your plastic surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation. 
It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon. 

What are the risks of a mommy makeover? 

The decision to have mommy makeover surgery is extremely personal. You'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. 

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. 

The possible risks of mommy makeover surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, hematoma, seroma, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, implant leak, capsular contracture, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, unfavorable scarring, recurrent looseness of skin, fat necrosis, deep venous thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, asymmetry, persistent pain, contour deformity, fat embolization and anesthesia risks. 

How should I prepare for a mommy makeover? 

In preparing for mommy makeover surgery, you may be asked to: 
• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation 
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications 
• Stop smoking 
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding 

Mommy makeover surgery is typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery setting, and will likely use general anesthesia. Some follow-up procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis, and local anesthesia with sedation may be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and in consideration of your preferences and your doctor's best judgment.
 
What are the steps of a mommy makeover procedure? 

Step 1 – Anesthesia 
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. 

Step 2 – Surgical procedures 

The steps for the various procedures that could be a part of your individualized mommy makeover surgery can be found below: 
• Breast augmentation 
• Breast lift 
• Buttock augmentation 
• Liposuction 
• Tummy tuck 
• Vaginal rejuvenation 

What should I expect during my mommy makeover recovery? 

Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist and buttocks. 

You will be given specific instructions that may include: 
• How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery 
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection 
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health 
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon. 

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period: 
• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete? 
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery? 
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed? 
• Will there be drains? For how long? 
• When can I bathe or shower? 
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise? 
• When do I return for follow-up care? 
 

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and the shape of the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks improves. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled. 

What results should I expect after a mommy makeover? 

The final results of mommy makeover surgery may not be apparent for several months after surgery. 

Over time, the implants will settle and the scar lines will improve, although they'll never disappear completely. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery. 

When you go home, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. 

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary. 

Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.