Mommy Makeovers Explained with Dr. Daniel Barrett

After giving birth, even with working out and losing weight, your body may not return to the shape you were in before pregnancy. That's where a mommy makeover can help. A mommy makeover consists of several types of cosmetic surgical procedures, including a tummy tuck, breast surgery, liposuction and a Brazilian butt lift. Our expert, Dr. Daniel Barrett, explains more about this popular cosmetic procedure, how it works, and what kinds of results to expect.*

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover consists of a combination of plastic surgery procedures designed to help correct and rejuvenate the body after you have given birth to all of the children you plan to have. These procedures give you more of a traditional hourglass figure and include:

• A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty
• Breast surgery
• Liposuction
• A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Who is a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

A complete mommy makeover is a great option for those who:

• Have previously given birth and are done having children.
• Gained more than 30 pounds, including during pregnancy, and lost the weight. That's because the skin becomes stretched out and will only "bounce back" to about 30% of its original state.
• Have recently lost a large amount of weight and are finished losing weight.

What Areas Does a Mommy Makeover Treat?

A mommy makeover typically treats the:

• Breasts
• Tummy
• Buttocks
• Flanks

What Happens During a Mommy Makeover?

During your surgery, you can expect to have several procedures performed all at once. These surgeries will include:

A tummy tuck

During pregnancy, you'll experience a widening of your pectoralis muscles, which leads to a condition known as rectus diastasis. Part of the tummy tuck procedure involves the plication (surgical stitching) of those muscles back together.

Unlike liposuction alone, which simply removes excess fat from the stomach area, this procedure will surgically repair the pectoralis muscles and fix an upside down "sad face" belly button due to excess skin that's drooping down and hasn't bounced back to its previous state. In addition, your doctor will get rid of the loose skin that remains after pregnancy along with any stretch marks in the abdomen area.

After surgery, Dr. Barrett injects the area with a long-acting pain medication, Exparel, which lasts for up to three days to help with your recovery.

Breast surgery

As part of the mommy makeover, you will receive some type of breast surgery such as a breast lift or a breast augmentation because you won't have to worry about breastfeeding anymore. According to Dr. Barrett, if you place a cotton swab under your breast and it stays in place, you may need a breast lift. Or, if your breasts have become smaller and deflated, you may just need a breast augmentation.

A breast lift helps correct any sagging of the breasts and nipples to repair them and bring them back to their natural position. Alternately, a breast augmentation will make your breasts fuller and more rejuvenated if they've become deflated after weight loss, usually with the use of breast implants.

Liposuction

During your tummy tuck, your doctor will perform liposuction to remove any excess fat from the abdomen area and flanks to give you a slimmer and more svelte appearance.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

At the same time you have your tummy tuck and liposuction, your doctor will transfer the fat removed from the abdomen and flanks into the buttocks. This procedure, known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), creates more of a firm and rounded shape, helping with any deflation that has occurred after pregnancy.

Who Should Perform a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a serious surgical procedure that can have many complications if not performed by someone familiar with it. When looking for surgeons to perform a mommy makeover:

• Choose a doctor who is board-certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Examine photos of the doctor's surgical results in patients to ensure that the belly buttons look normal after surgery and scarring is minimal.
• Check out the doctor's reviews to see if patients have had good experiences and if the doctor follows up with patients.
• Meet with the doctor to determine if you mesh well with them and ensure that they are available for questions or to help if you end up having any complications after surgery.

What Questions Should I Ask My Plastic Surgeon?

When you meet with your plastic surgeon prior to your mommy makeover procedure, ask them several questions, including:

• Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
• How many mommy makeover procedures do you do each month?
• Do you do a double-layer of plication (stitching) on the muscles of the stomach?
• What kinds of results should I expect after surgery?

Typically, Dr. Barrett performs two to three mommy makeover procedures per week, which is between eight and 12 per month. He recommends looking for someone who does somewhere between two and 20 per month, but not more than that because you want quality over quantity.

How Should I Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Barrett recommends getting healthy and working out prior to your surgery.

• During workouts, strengthen your arms. That's because after surgery, you won't be able to use your core muscles.
• Do a lot of cardio prior to surgery because you won't be able to workout after your mommy makeover and you'll need that strength to help you recover as you lose some of your current level of fitness during recovery.
• Have a support network in place because the surgery is hard on your body, especially during the first few weeks, and you will need help after surgery as you recover.
• Arrange for aftercare away from home. Some patients may need specialized help and care for the first few nights after the procedure. You'll also want to avoid jumping, excited children and pets during this time as well, which is why being able to recover outside of the home may help.

What are the Risks Associated with a Mommy Makeover?

Like any surgical procedure, a mommy makeover is not without risks. These risks include:

• The formation of blood clots or deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) developing during the tummy tuck procedure. Note that compression stockings during surgery help prevent this from occurring and if you have a history of blood clot formation, your doctor may give you anticoagulant therapy.
• Infections and abscesses, especially at the incision site. This is most common in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of between 25 and 30. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics after surgery to prevent this.

How Long Does Recovery from a Mommy Makeover Take?

The first two weeks of recovery are the hardest after a mommy makeover, said Dr. Barrett.

• During the first two weeks, you will have stitches, drains, swelling and bruising. Dr. Barrett recommends just getting a lot of rest and relaxation within this time of your recovery. You'll also want to eat about 20% more calories than usual to help with the healing process.
• After the first two weeks, your stitches and drains will come out. The doctor will then use compression and red light therapies to help reduce swelling and assist with healing.
• At around six weeks post-op, you can expect to start seeing positive results as the swelling recedes and your body heals.
• When you reach three months post-op, expect to see even better results.
• At six months, most of the swelling will be gone and your results will be noticeably better. Your recovery will be almost complete and your doctor may show you pictures before and after so you can see the results and note the positive changes.

Is It Typical to Repeat a Mommy Makeover?

No, according to Dr. Barrett, mommy makeovers are not repeated. The surgical changes are meant to be long-lasting. However, if you get pregnant again or gain a lot of weight, you may need to have additional procedures to repair the damage that may cause. This is why they are recommended for women who are finished having children.

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

The price of a mommy makeover can vary based on how many cosmetic surgical procedures you wish to have done at once.

• A mommy makeover that includes a tummy tuck and breast augmentation will typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000, according to Dr. Barrett.
• The more procedures you need, including surgery to repair an umbilical cord hernia, will add to the price.
• Repairing and lifting things like C-section scars will add to the price.
• A mommy makeover can run between $7,000 and $8,000 if you've never had any previous surgeries or need extensive scar repair.
• However, most surgeries that include the tummy, breasts and buttocks, will usually cost $20,000 or more.

Use the CareCredit Credit Card for a Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover can give you the hourglass figure that you've always dreamed of. The CareCredit credit card can also help you pay for a number of plastic surgery procedures at locations in the CareCredit network like this one that your health insurance may not cover.** These procedures include:

• Eyelid surgery
• CoolSculpting®
• A nose job (rhinoplasty)
• A neck lift
• Lip fillers

CareCredit Financing for a Mommy Makeover

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for mommy makeovers and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Daniel Barrett is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a private practice in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Barrett is an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Utilizing a holistic approach that provides natural-looking results with minimal scarring and downtime, he specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose, and body.

Dr. Barrett received his medical training from the Medical College of Virginia, where he also received a Master's in Health Administration and a Master's of Science degree. He performed his residency in plastic surgery at the University of Southern California and has been in private practice for five years in Beverly Hills.