Motherhood is one of the most rewarding jobs in life, but there’s no doubt it can take a toll on the body. With a mommy makeover procedure, you can restore your pre-pregnancy body through a combination of different cosmetic enhancement options, such as breast lift and tummy tuck surgeries. Whether you are unhappy with stubborn fat deposits, loose abdominal skin, a deflated breast appearance, premature signs of facial aging, or other aesthetic concerns, a mommy makeover from our board-certified plastic surgeon at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel, can help you feel beautiful with natural-looking enhancement results.
- Mommy Makeover Benefits
- Mommy Makeover Procedures
- Mommy Makeover Recovery
- Mommy Makeover Cost
- Additional FAQs
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?
If you are a mother, you have likely been required to make a number of sacrifices; however, your appearance does not have to be one of them. A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple cosmetic enhancement options designed to address the effects that pregnancy and raising children can have on your body. Mommy makeover procedures can be very beneficial for women who experience:
- A sagging or drooping appearance in the breasts due to excess, inelastic skin
- A loss of volume in the breasts
- Excess skin in the abdominal area
- Fat deposits that can appear in a variety of body areas
- Stretch marks along the abdomen
- Wrinkles and fine lines along the face
Our plastic surgeon will meet with you for an initial consultation to talk about your goals and answer any questions you may have. Together, you and your surgeon will come up with a customized treatment plan with options that can give you a comprehensive mommy makeover.
What Procedures Can Be Included in a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover can include a variety of enhancement options that are performed in either one procedure or over several visits. Popular treatment options include:
Breast Lift
Following pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is normal for the breasts to possess excess skin, causing them to droop or sag. Through breast lift surgery, the breasts can be positioned back to a more youthful location on the chest as excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened.
Learn more about breast lift.
Breast Augmentation
If you have lost breast volume following pregnancy, you may benefit from breast augmentation. With the addition of breast implants, our surgeon can restore the lost fullness for an improved contour and size.
Learn more about breast augmentation.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Zemmel performed my breast augmentation and tummy tuck and did a fantastic job! I had 2 kids which left my stomach and breast really hurting. Dr. Zemmel completely rejuvenated my body and I am forever grateful. I would recommend him to anyone!
Throughout pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are stretched and can even be pulled apart, which can lead to poor postpartum skin laxity that cannot be restored through exercise. With the tummy tuck procedure (also known as abdominoplasty), these muscles are rejoined and excess skin is reduced, giving you the flatter, more fit-looking abdominal appearance you desire.
Learn more about tummy tuck surgery.
Liposuction
While diet and exercise can help you lose much, if not all, of the baby weight, you may find areas of stubborn fat that won’t seem to budge. This is common in the arms, legs, abdomen, love handles, and neck. Liposuction can remove these unwanted fat deposits for a more toned figure.
Learn more about liposuction.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing can improve a variety of concerns affecting the color and/or texture of your skin. Through this advanced laser technology, you can improve sun damage, brown spots, and other signs of aging for a rejuvenated and overall more refreshed appearance.
Learn more about laser skin resurfacing.
Cosmetic Injectable Facial Rejuvenation
Cosmetic injectables can rejuvenate your facial appearance by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as restoring lost volume in the lips and cheeks. Through these cosmetic treatments, you can take years off your appearance without the need for surgery.
Learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM®.
My experience was awesome from day one. Dr. Zemmel was very patient and answered all questions in a detailed and understandable way on both of my first appointments. Surgery and recovery both went very smooth. Now 3 months later I am in love with my new self thanks to Dr. Zemmel.
Rene P
February 15, 2017
What Can I Expect During My Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Since mommy makeovers often involve a number of different procedures, recovery information will depend on the type of options chosen and how many are performed. The average length of the initial recovery from a mommy makeover is about 2 to 6 weeks, though your body will continue to heal over the course of several months. If you are undergoing the tummy tuck procedure, this will most likely determine how long your overall recovery period will be. This is due to the more invasive nature of tummy tuck surgery, which leads to an initial recovery period of about 4 to 6 weeks. If you have small children, you should arrange for help during the beginning of your recovery, as you will need ample time to rest and will not be able to do heavy lifting or other strenuous activities.
Your surgeon will give you precise details regarding what you can expect during recovery once you have decided on your treatment plan. You will be provided with post-operative instructions for wound care, medication usage, and when to return for follow-up appointments. Our goal is to help you understand how to navigate through your recovery so you remain comfortable and minimize the potential risks of complications. If you have questions or concerns at any point during your recovery, please feel free to reach out to our team.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The average cost of a mommy makeover typically ranges from $25,000-30,000, due to the comprehensive nature of the surgical plan. The total cost can vary greatly from patient to patient based on the types of procedure being performed, how many operations are needed, and the complexity of the procedures. In addition, the experience of the plastic surgeon and geographic region of the practice can influence the overall mommy makeover cost. Other fees related to anesthesia, surgical facility, post-operative garments, and medications will also contribute to how much you can expect to pay.
To help patients fit their mommy makeover more comfortably within their budget, they may opt to undergo their procedures in stages. Plastic surgery financing options are also available at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to help break your total cost into more manageable monthly payments. If you are interested in getting financing for your mommy makeover, our team can help you get started and find the best payment plan for your needs.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time for a Mommy Makeover?
The ideal timing for mommy makeover surgery will differ for each individual. While some mothers wish to rejuvenate their figure soon after having children, others may wait several years before considering plastic surgery. In general, our surgeon recommends patients wait at least six months after their delivery to schedule a mommy makeover, allowing enough time for their body to heal and return to its pre-baby weight. Additionally, patients should typically not undergo mommy makeover surgery until they have completed their family. While the combination procedure should not affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant, the results from a previous mommy makeover can be compromised with additional pregnancies in the future.
How Soon After Mommy Makeover Surgery Can I Exercise?
Light walking is encouraged soon after mommy makeover surgery to facilitate healing. This can often be increased after the first week to more brisk walks and riding a stationary bike. More strenuous activities and exercise, on the other hand, should be avoided until six to eight weeks after surgery. Exercising too hard, too soon can increase your risk of complications. Before your procedure, our team will provide you with more details on when it is typically safe for patients to resume certain daily activities and exercises.
When Can I Drive After My Mommy Makeover?
Most mommy makeover patients feel comfortable enough to drive after one to two weeks from surgery. At this point the body has had enough time to heal to allow patients to move their arms and turn as needed. The safest time to resume driving, however, will depend on each patient’s comfort level and when they feel ready. Patients should also be finished with taking any prescription pain medications before deciding to drive again.
How Long Until Swelling Is Gone After My Mommy Makeover?
The majority of your swelling after mommy makeover surgery should occur within the first week after your procedure. You will continue to have residual swelling for several weeks or months, but most of your swelling should subside within two to three months. To help control this normal part of the healing process, you may want to use cold compresses, wear the suggested post-operative compression garments, and drink plenty of fluids.
Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery
For more information on mommy makeover procedures, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to talk about your options, please contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today.