Mommy Makeovers: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a mother is truly one of life's greatest joys, but pregnancy can dramatically change your body in ways that diet and exercise alone can't address — weekly fitness classes and kale salads only go so far when it comes to concerns like loose skin, stubborn fat and a loss of breast volume. If you're frustrated by pregnancy-related changes, a mommy makeover at PURE Plastic Surgery might be exactly what you need to reclaim your pre-baby body.

Our Miami-based, double-board-certified plastic surgeons receive numerous questions about mommy makeovers from women considering this transformative procedure. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often to help you make an informed decision about whether a mommy makeover is right for you.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?

A mommy makeover isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure. It’s a personalized combination of surgeries designed to address the areas most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. While each treatment plan is unique, most mommy makeovers focus on the breasts and abdomen.

The typical mommy makeover includes abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) to remove excess skin, repair separated abdominal muscles and sculpt a flatter, firmer midsection. This is usually combined with some form of breast surgery — whether breast augmentation to restore volume, a breast lift to correct sagging or a breast reduction to address enlarged breasts —  or a combination approach.

All of our mommy makeovers also include liposuction to the flanks to sculpt a well-defined waist. Additional procedures such as brachioplasty (an arm lift) or thighplasty (a thigh lift) can also be incorporated into your surgical plan, depending on your specific needs and concerns.

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and develop a customized treatment plan designed just for you. Our approach always focuses on creating proportionate, balanced results that enhance your natural shape, figure and silhouette.

Do I Have to Be a Mom to Get a Mommy Makeover?

Despite its name, you don't actually have to be a mother to benefit from a mommy makeover — the term simply refers to the combination of procedures commonly chosen by women after pregnancy. These surgeries can benefit anyone who has experienced similar body changes caused by aging, weight fluctuations or genetics.

Many women who have never had children opt for the same combination of procedures to address concerns like sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin or stubborn fat deposits. The deciding factor isn't whether you've had children but rather if you have specific concerns that can be effectively addressed by a mommy makeover.

Are Mommy Makeovers Safe?

Safety is our top priority at PURE Plastic Surgery. While combining multiple procedures does increase the overall surgical time, mommy makeovers are generally considered safe when performed by experienced and highly qualified plastic surgeons in an appropriate setting.

Our doctors are double-board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and expertise when it comes to procedures of the face and body. They operate in our state-of-the-art, Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility that meets the highest standards for patient safety.

That said, all surgical procedures do carry some risk. During your consultation, our team will review your medical history and evaluate your health status to determine if you're a good candidate for a mommy makeover. Factors like smoking, certain medical conditions or having a BMI above 30 may increase your risk of complications.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery after a mommy makeover varies depending on which procedures you undergo, but most patients require significant downtime. Here's what you can generally expect:

• The first week after surgery is the most challenging. You'll need to rest, avoid lifting anything heavy (including small children), and have help with daily activities. Pain medication will help manage your discomfort during this time.
• After about two weeks, many patients feel well enough to return to light activities and desk work, though you'll still need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
• By four to six weeks post-surgery, most restrictions are lifted, though it may take several more months for all swelling to resolve and your final results to emerge.

For mothers with young children, childcare is essential during the first week of recovery. We recommend planning for at least two weeks of help with childcare and other household responsibilities. Throughout your journey, our team provides comprehensive care and guidance. From detailed pre-op instructions to regular follow-up appointments, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Read More: Essential Tips for Post-Op Recovery

Will I Have Noticeable Scars After a Mommy Makeover?

Any surgical procedure leaves scars, and a mommy makeover is no exception. However, our surgeons use advanced techniques to place incisions in locations that can be easily concealed.

For a tummy tuck, the main incision typically runs from hip to hip along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic region, where it can be easily hidden by undergarments or even a bikini bottom. If you've had a C-section, your surgeon may be able to incorporate that existing scar into the new incision.

Breast surgery scars vary depending on the specific procedure. For breast augmentation, incisions may be placed in the breast crease or around the areola. Breast lifts generally require more extensive incisions that may include an anchor-shaped or lollipop pattern around the areola that extends downward to the breast crease.

Liposuction incisions are typically very small — entry points that are just a few millimeters in length — and are placed strategically in natural creases or less visible areas.

While scars never completely disappear, they do fade significantly over time. Follow your surgeon's wound care instructions and avoid sun exposure to help minimize their appearance. If you’re concerned about scarring, a combination of Morpheus8 microneedling and IPL can help fade any visible incisions lines or marks, ensuring they are barely noticeable. During your consultation, we can discuss your options for post-surgery scar repair in more detail!  

Read More: What to Know About Sun Exposure After Surgery

How Do People Pay for a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a significant investment in yourself, with costs varying based on the specific procedures you choose. At PURE Plastic Surgery, we believe every woman deserves to feel confident in her body, which is why we offer several payment options:

• Personal financing through medical credit cards like Affirm, CareCredit, Cherry, or Alphaeon Credit, which often offer promotional interest-free periods 
• Traditional credit cards, though interest rates may be higher 
• Wire transfer or check payments, with potential discounts for paying in full

During your consultation, our patient coordinators will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss all available payment options. We also offer a deposit system that allows you to secure your surgery date while you arrange your financing.

Explore Our Financing Options

Schedule Your Consultation at PURE Plastic Surgery

If you're considering a mommy makeover, the first step is scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. During this appointment, we'll discuss your concerns, evaluate your anatomy, and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

Our patient-centered approach ensures you'll receive honest recommendations and thorough education about what to expect before, during and after your mommy makeover. Ready to take the first step toward reclaiming your pre-baby body? Call our Miami office at 305-230-4326 or submit your information through our virtual consultation tool today.