From liposuction procedures to liquid nose operations, discussions surrounding plastic surgery have become more open and honest on TikTok. A procedure that has recently gained interest – but is less discussed – is the “mommy makeover”.
The phrase “mommy makeover surgery” has seen a 529 percent increase in searches in the United States over the past five years, according to research conducted by the medical supplies retailer Face Med Store, and the hashtag on TikTok has 1.1 billion views and counting. The surgery has been commonplace in Hollywood for years, with celebrities like actors Patricia Heaton and reality star Nene Leakes who share their experiences. However, very little is widely known about it. So what exactly is a mommy makeover?
“A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that address the changes a woman’s body undergoes after pregnancy and breastfeeding,” said the plastic surgeon. Smita Ramadan, MD, tells POPSUGAR. “It typically involves a combination of breast and abdominal procedures to improve the overall contour of those areas.”
To help answer your most pressing questions about mommy makeover procedures, we asked Dr. Ramanadham to break down everything you need to know, including cost, downtime, how to find the right doctor, and more.
What is Mommy Makeover?
Mommy makeovers are individualized to each person, so technically they are not a one-size-fits-all surgery. “The procedures involved in a mommy makeover vary depending on the patient’s goals and examination,” says Dr. Ramanadham.
While the exact mix of surgeries varies, most mommy makeovers involve the appearance of the breasts and abdomen. Common breast procedures include breast lift, breast reduction, breast lift with implants and implants alone (also known as breast augmentation). Abdominal procedures may include liposuction of the abdomen and/or back, liposuction with abdominoplasty (or abdominoplasty), abdominoplasty alone, and mini abdominoplasty. These surgeries help address any excess skin or sagging that occurs after childbirth.
How much does a mom makeover cost?
Because mommy makeovers are an elective surgery and not considered medically necessary, they are not covered by insurance. Since it’s also a combination of surgeries, the cost of the entire procedure varies depending on what you get, where you are, and other factors.
“Mummy replacement costs vary depending on the specific combination of surgeries each person needs, by practice and by geographic region,” says Dr. Ramanadham. “However, the price can range from $10,000 to over $20,000.”
What to Expect During a Mommy Makeover
Regardless of the combination of surgeries decided upon, “Mommy changes are considered an invasive surgery that requires general anesthesia,” says Dr. Ramanadham. “They can involve an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on which combination of procedures is performed. They also usually involve significant scar burden, as there is often a trade-off between well-placed scars and shape and contour with these procedures.”
The procedure typically takes three to six hours to perform, so you can expect to take significant time out of your schedule to adequately prepare for both the pre- and post-surgery demands.
Before surgery, a few appointments will need to be made and certain instructions will need to be followed. “Once a patient chooses a doctor, expect to see their primary care physician for medical letters, as well as any pre-op tests, such as blood tests and COVID tests. The day before surgery, you will need a ride from the hospital to coordinate ,” says Dr. Ramanadham.
What is the downtime for a transformed mom?
One aspect of a mommy makeover to consider is the healing time after the procedure, which can take about one to two months.
“It’s important to schedule these procedures as they involve significant downtime,” says Dr. Ramanadham. “Generally, general activity restrictions can last up to six weeks. As you heal, you should minimize any vigorous activity or heavy lifting. This allows the scars to fully heal before you can return to normal activity.”
Recovery may also include additional aftercare costs. “Recovery will be discussed in detail with your surgeon, but may include surgical bras, abdominal binders or other compression garments, and may include drains,” says Dr. Ramanadham.
This, again, depends on the combination of surgeries to be performed. In general, though, it’s important to consider making childcare and work arrangements and having someone available to help around the house — especially right after the procedure.
Are Mommy Makeovers Permanent?
The results of mommy makeovers are permanent, so it’s important to be confident in your decision before getting one. “Procedures can be revised but not reversed,” says Dr. Ramanadham. “For example, scars cannot be removed, but breast implants can. If a patient has a breast reduction but then feels they are too small, breast implants can be placed or fat transfer can be performed. Abdominal procedures cannot reversed, but if there are contour irregularities or specific concerns about the results, these can be discussed with your surgeon and revised if possible.”
However, while the results are permanent, they can also change. “The results of mommy makeovers will change with aging, weight gain or loss, or the effects of gravity,” says Dr. Ramanadham. It’s important to talk to your doctor to understand how your results may change as you get older, and what options you have if you’re unhappy with any aspect of your results.
Possible Dangers of Mommy Makeovers
Aside from possible scarring, there are a few risks that can come with mommy changes. According plasticsurgery.orgpotential risks of mommy reshaping surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor incision healing, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breastfeed, and implant leakage.
While seeing a board-certified doctor can mitigate these risks, you and your doctor should have a plan for what to do if any of these complications occur.
How to find the right doctor
For your peace of mind, it is best to go to a doctor who is highly trained and certified to perform the procedures you will be having for your mommy makeover. “The only doctors qualified to perform these procedures safely are plastic surgeons board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery,” says Dr. Ramanadham. “This is the only board that is valid. A cosmetic surgeon or other cosmetic surgery boards are not held to the same standards of quality and safety, education or training, and those without this certification are not qualified doctors for mommy reconstructions.”
If you need a place to start your research, go to official plastic surgery websites like plasticsurgery.org, which is the official website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. You could also go to surgery.org, which is the official website of the Aesthetic Society. “The members of these companies are board-certified plastic surgeons, and the information contained on these sites comes directly from us,” says Dr. Ramanadham.
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, it’s important to understand the risks that can come with surgery. Be sure to do your research beforehand about the procedure and the best surgeon for you. Always keep in mind that a doctor should never make you feel uncomfortable or rushed through the decision-making process, and that it’s okay if you have to talk to a few different people before making your decision.
