What is a Mommy Makeover?

Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts a woman can experience, yet the physical changes it can cause can be the source of diminished self-esteem for many. Weight gain, stretched tissue, and hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy can affect several areas of the body, most notably the breasts and abdomen. For women interested in restoring their pre-baby figure, plastic surgeon James Matas, MD offers several procedures that can slim and tighten the midsection, resculpt areas of stubborn fat, rejuvenate the breasts, and resolve cosmetic changes to the genitalia. During a consultation, Dr. Matas can perform a full examination and discuss the options that are well-suited for addressing your unique needs and achieving your goals.

Often, more than one procedure can be performed at the same time to prevent the need for multiple surgeries and recovery periods. We invite you to explore the sections below to learn more about treatments that can be combined as part of mommy makeover procedure, as well as the physical issues each is designed to resolve.

What are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is uniquely tailored to each patient’s specific goals, and the results will likely vary depending on which procedures are included in the treatment plan. Dr. Matas and our team will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that can give you the aesthetic results you desire. Based on the goals of your treatment plan, your mommy makeover can help with:

Flattening and toning your stomach, which can be achieved by reducing extra, unwanted skin in the abdomen and by tightening your abdominal muscles.
Eliminating fat deposits that have likely been unresponsive to traditional exercise and dieting.
Enhancing the volume and shape of the breasts through breast augmentation.
Reducing the appearance of breast drooping by tightening excess skin and improving the overall lift and projection of the breasts.

Dr. Matas and our team will go over your cosmetic goals and the potential results of different procedures with you during an initial consultation. Once you have decided on the best path forward for your needs, a treatment plan and schedule will be developed.

How is a Mommy Makeover Performed?

A mommy makeover is a customizable treatment that is made up of multiple procedures designed to help restore your figure after childbirth. As such, the precise details of how a mommy makeover is performed will vary depending on the unique needs of each patient. Possible options for the multi-layered rejuvenation process can include a breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and aesthetic vaginal surgery. You are able to choose from a variety of rejuvenating procedures, and the specifics of your mommy makeover will be tailored to your needs and goals. Our team can help you either schedule some or all of the treatments at one time, or spread them out at your convenience.

Breast Lift with or without Breast Augmentation

The combination of pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch breast skin and tissue and then deplete breast volume, leaving the breasts looking deflated and droopy. Even the size and position of the nipples can change dramatically. For most women, these physical changes are permanent unless they are addressed through a surgical procedure. Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a highly customized procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and elevate the breasts to a more youthful position. If additional breast volume is desired, breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation. The placement of breast implants can either be used to restore original breast volume or to create larger, firmer, more shapely breasts that provide a more youthful, curvaceous look.

Tummy Tuck

To accommodate a growing baby during gestation, the skin, tissue, and musculature of the abdomen must stretch considerably. While the human body can be incredibly resilient, many women experience permanent physical changes to the abdomen after childbirth, which can include excess skin, torn or stretched abdominal muscles, and stubborn pockets of fat. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a dynamic procedure designed to help women affected by these cosmetic concerns. In addition to removing excess, stretched skin and fat deposits, Dr. Matas can tighten and repair damaged abdominal muscles to restore a tighter, more slender waist. In some cases, liposuction techniques can also be incorporated to fine-tune contours for natural-looking results.

Liposuction

Weight gain associated with pregnancy can often be very hard to lose. While many women have weight loss success with healthy changes in diet and exercise, some areas of accumulated fat can remain unchanged. These unwanted bulges can be incredibly frustrating and, in some cases, affect self-esteem. Battling this fat can be a life-long struggle, but with surgical intervention, achieving smoother, leaner curves can be possible. Body contouring with liposuction is often ideal for removing pockets of fat that keep women from achieving the post-baby body they are striving for. Virtually any area of the body can be treated with liposuction. Most women who undergo mommy makeovers desire fat removal from the abdomen, love handles, back, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms. It is possible to treat several areas during the span of one surgery to maximize results.

Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery

For women who have experienced cosmetic changes to the labia as a result of childbirth, labiaplasty techniques can rejuvenate the appearance of the female genital region. Each labiaplasty procedure is highly customized to address the unique characteristics the patient wishes to change. Whether bothered by appearance, physical discomfort, or both, Dr. Matas can develop an individual treatment plan to achieve your goals.

Will I Have Scars After A Mommy Makeover?

While almost all surgical procedures leave scars, our team makes a concerted effort to ensure your mommy makeover is as seamless as possible. Dr. Matas is extensively experienced, having performed countless mommy makeovers with exceptional results. During surgery, he uses advanced techniques and precise incisions in discreet areas to decrease the visibility of scars.

Different surgeries will incur different scars, but Dr. Matas is highly skilled with hiding postoperative marks for a wide range of procedures. Scarring from liposuction is typically very discreet, as the incisions only need to fit the size of the cannulae, which are small, thin devices used to disrupt and remove fat cells. Scars from breast augmentation can often be placed near the areola or within the breast fold itself, allowing for limited visibility. Any scars left from breast lift procedures can typically be hidden by a bra, bikini, or other clothing materials. If you elect to undergo a tummy tuck procedure, incisions can be made near the pubic line from hip to hip, allowing for scarring that can be concealed under clothing or swimwear.

Dr. Matas will go over all possible options with you when you are considering a mommy makeover, ensuring you are comfortable with the potential results before any operations have taken place.

Is a Mommy Makeover Right for Me?

Mommy makeover candidates typically want to rejuvenate the appearance of their body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Concerns shared among potential candidates include loss of breast volume, sagging breasts, a protruding stomach caused by stretched or torn abdominal muscles, and isolated fat deposits that seem resistant to diet and exercise. Ideal mommy makeover candidates eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and are in good overall health. Candidates should not use tobacco products, as they can complicate the recovery process. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

When Should I Schedule My Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Matas recommends prospective mommy makeover patients wait to schedule their procedure until after they have finished breastfeeding. To maintain the best results, mothers should also wait until they no longer plan to have additional children in the future. Although a pregnancy after a mommy makeover should be safe for both the baby and the mother, an additional pregnancy will likely cause further changes to the shape of the body. In these cases, the mother may choose to schedule follow-up procedures in order to restore the results of her mommy makeover.

What Should I Expect During My Mommy Makeover Recovery?

Depending upon the combination of procedures used in your custom-tailored treatment plan, the recovery of your mommy makeover will vary. Most patients choose to spread their procedures across two or more appointments. Patients can expect mild swelling and bruising at the surgical site immediately following each procedure. Dr. Matas typically recommends patients wait about one week before returning to work or their normal activities. Mothers with small children may want to arrange for help around the house, as any heavy lifting should be avoided for about two weeks. At the conclusion of your preliminary consultation, Dr. Matas will review more personalized, detailed recovery information.

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Before and After

“Dr. Matas, Thank you once again for all your help and kindness. I also want to reiterate how professional your staff was. You nurse stayed in touch with me and kept me informed at all times; calling me on Sundays and after hours, such as on the night of my surgery. I am sure it is a part of her job description; however, truly dependable and efficient employees are a rarity these days! You are not only a prodigious and an adroit doctor, but you are simply the best!”
A.S.

Cost

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

Depending upon how you choose to customize your mommy makeover procedure, the cost will vary. Common factors that influence the price of a mommy makeover can include which procedures are performed, the complexity of each procedure, anesthesiologist fees, the experience of the plastic surgeon, and the geographic location of the practice. Dr. Matas will provide you with an accurate quote for your custom-tailored mommy makeover at the end of your initial consultation. Patients who might benefit from payment options, including low- or no-interest loans, may take advantage of the plastic surgery financing options available at the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery.

If you are considering a mommy makeover and would like to find out which combination of procedures may deliver optimal results, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover

Each mommy makeover is customized to meet the unique needs of the individual patient, and Dr. Matas thoroughly discusses each option during the consultation process. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the mommy makeover procedure. Patients are still encouraged to ask any questions they might have at the time of their initial consultation, but these commonly asked questions can be a good place to begin.

How should I prepare for my mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover can have significant, positive effects on the appearance of your body, and there are several actions you can take prior to your treatment to help optimize your safety and aesthetic results. Some recommendations prior to your mommy makeover include: getting a medical evaluation, adjusting or beginning certain medications, quitting smoking if you are a smoker, and ending all use of anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and certain supplements that can cause abnormal bleeding. Your doctor will go over more specific preoperative instructions during your consultation.
Will my mommy makeover results be permanent?

The effects of a mommy makeover can be long-lasting and typically give patients a feeling of comprehensive rejuvenation. However, there are several recommendations that can help you get the most out of your treatment and extend the longevity of the results. You should eat healthy, exercise, avoid excess amounts of alcohol, and refrain from smoking. It is also important to maintain an ongoing relationship with your surgeon with regular updates and periodic visits to check on the status of your mommy makeover.
Do I need to lose weight before my mommy makeover?

It can benefit the entire mommy makeover process if you come into the operation(s) at or close to your desired weight. Although sometimes misunderstood as such, liposuction—which is often included as a part of a mommy makeover—is not a weight-loss procedure. While it can remove some portions of unwanted fat, there are limits to how much can be removed safely. Furthermore, the amount of fat that is removed during your procedure often correlates with a longer and more uncomfortable recovery period. Ultimately, liposuction is designed for targeted fat reduction and recontouring, which can produce a smoother, more toned body appearance after pregnancy.
Is a mommy makeover worth it?

A mommy makeover can be worth it for those looking to reverse the unwanted cosmetic effects of childbirth and pregnancy. With strategically chosen procedures, a continued healthy lifestyle, and the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Matas, your appearance can be revitalized, leaving you with a younger look with minimal signs you’ve even had a mommy makeover.
Will I have to wear special post-operative garments after my mommy makeover?

After the operation, you will be instructed to wear compression garments that assist in the recovery and complement the surgical results. Compression garments can aid in reducing inflammation, contouring the new shapes of your body, mitigating the chance of infection, and increasing the speed at which you recover. These garments should be worn all day—except while bathing—to assist in your healing process and optimize your aesthetic outcomes. Your surgeon will provide more comprehensive instructions regarding how and when to wear your special compression garments before and after your procedures.

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