Mommy Makeover: What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Motherhood is one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but it also brings changes to the body that can be difficult to reverse with diet and exercise alone. Many women notice stretched abdominal skin, separated muscles, deflated breasts, and stubborn fat that simply does not respond to lifestyle efforts. For those who wish to restore their pre-pregnancy figure or even enhance it, a Mommy Makeover offers a comprehensive solution.
At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we understand that the decision to undergo surgery is a deeply personal one. This guide is designed to walk you through what to expect before, during, and after a Mommy Makeover so that you feel informed, prepared, and confident at every step of your transformation.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is not a single procedure but a customized combination of surgeries designed to address the physical changes that commonly occur after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The most popular procedures include:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – Removes excess skin and tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
- Breast augmentation, lift, or reduction – Restores breast volume, corrects sagging, or reshapes the breasts for balance and proportion.
- Liposuction – Eliminates stubborn fat pockets in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or arms.
- Fat transfer – Enhances areas such as the buttocks or breasts using the patient’s own fat for natural contouring.
Because no two women experience the same post-pregnancy changes, each Mommy Makeover is uniquely tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover
- The Consultation
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Olga Bachilo. During this appointment, we discuss your goals, review your medical history, and perform a detailed physical examination. Together, we design a surgical plan that addresses your priorities, whether it is restoring a youthful breast shape, flattening the abdomen, or improving body contour.
This is also the time to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes. We encourage patients to share photos, concerns, and even lifestyle habits so that the plan feels fully personalized.
- Pre-Surgical Planning
Before surgery, patients are asked to:
- Maintain a stable weight, ideally close to their pre-pregnancy or goal weight.
- Stop smoking and avoid nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery.
- Discontinue certain medications or supplements that may increase bleeding.
- Arrange for help at home during the initial recovery period, especially if young children are present.
We also provide detailed instructions and recommend pre-op lab tests to ensure your safety.
- Emotional Preparation
Just as important as the physical preparation is the mental and emotional readiness for surgery. A Mommy Makeover is transformative, but it also requires downtime and patience as the body heals. Understanding the timeline and setting realistic expectations helps patients feel calm and empowered going into surgery.
What Happens During Surgery
The Mommy Makeover is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility for your comfort and safety. The exact length of the procedure depends on the combination of surgeries but typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.
- Tummy tuck: An incision is made low across the abdomen, excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened, and the skin is smoothed for a flatter contour.
- Breast surgery: Depending on your goals, implants may be placed, a breast lift may be performed, or a reduction may be done to create a more youthful, balanced breast shape.
- Liposuction or fat transfer: Small incisions are used to remove fat, which can then be purified and re-injected into areas needing more volume.
Every step is meticulously performed to create natural-looking results while minimizing scarring. Advanced techniques, such as drainless tummy tucks, are used whenever possible to enhance comfort and recovery.
The Recovery Process
Immediately After Surgery
You will spend a short period in recovery before returning home the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on the extent of your procedures. Compression garments are applied to reduce swelling, and pain management protocols are provided to keep you comfortable.
The First Week
The first week is the most restrictive. You will need help with daily tasks and childcare, as lifting and bending are limited. Patients are encouraged to walk lightly around the house to promote circulation.
Weeks 2 – 4
By this stage, discomfort significantly decreases, and many patients return to light daily activities. Swelling and bruising gradually improve, although compression garments may still be worn. Most patients feel well enough to return to non-strenuous work within two to three weeks.
1 – 3 Months
As healing progresses, patients resume normal activities and low-impact exercise. The abdomen and breasts continue to settle into their new shape. Incision lines begin to fade, though they will continue to improve over time.
6 – 12 Months
Final results become more visible as swelling fully resolves. The scars soften and lighten, and patients often describe feeling renewed confidence in their body and wardrobe choices.
Results and Longevity
The results of a Mommy Makeover are long-lasting, provided that patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging continues, most women find that their new contours remain stable and satisfying for many years.
Breast and abdominal changes from future pregnancies can affect results, which is why many patients choose to undergo a Mommy Makeover once they are finished having children.
Why Choose a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is about more than physical changes – it is about restoring confidence and reconnecting with the best version of yourself. Patients often report that the procedure helps them feel more comfortable in clothing, more confident in intimate settings, and more motivated in their self-care.
At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we take pride in offering a supportive environment where patients feel understood and cared for throughout their journey. From the first consultation to the final follow-up, our focus is always on safety, natural results, and personalized care.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood transforms the body in many beautiful ways, but it is natural to desire restoration of your pre-pregnancy figure. A Mommy Makeover offers a tailored, comprehensive approach to rejuvenation, combining procedures that address the abdomen, breasts, and overall body contour in a single surgery.
By knowing what to expect before, during, and after the process, you can approach your Mommy Makeover journey with confidence and clarity. With proper preparation, professional surgical expertise, such as Dr. Bachilo’s and her team, and a commitment to recovery, the results can be both life-changing and long-lasting. Ready to start your transformation journey? Call our office today!
