Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding present a unique set of changes to a woman’s figure. Localized weight gain causes the skin, muscles, and supportive tissues of the abdomen to stretch to a degree that your body never fully recovers from after the child is born. The same is true with the breasts, as the rapid increase and then decrease in size stretches the tissues. If you’re a mother interested in restoring your pre-pregnancy body, it may be time to consider a mommy makeover.
What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures that target the various areas affected by pregnancy and birth. At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery on the Philadelphia Main Line, our mommy makeover surgeries usually involve the following:
- Tummy tuck: A surgical procedure, sometimes referred to as abdominoplasty, that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a flatter and more toned appearance.
- Breast lift: A surgical procedure, sometimes referred to as a mastopexy, that elevates and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
- Breast augmentation: A surgical procedure that involves inserting implants or transferring fat to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts.
- Liposuction: A surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or arms.
In addition, a mommy makeover could also include thigh lift, arm lift, SmartLipo, fat transfer, labiaplasty, and/or breast reduction. The overall goal of these procedures is to restore your beautiful pre-pregnancy shape. During your initial consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor, you will discuss how to customize your surgical plan to help reach the desired outcomes for your body.
There are many common names for mommy makeover surgery. These include Post-pregnancy rejuvenation, Mommy Tuck, Mommy Transformation surgery, Post-baby Body Contouring, Pregnancy Restoration Surgery, Mommy Rejuvenation surgery, or Postpartum Body Shaping. While the term “mommy makeover” may be used to describe this set effective combination of procedures, it is important to note that the surgical procedures themselves are not exclusive to mothers or women who have given birth.
Dr. R. Brannon Claytor
Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 20 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.
In this video, this beautiful mommy makeover patient discusses how she selected Dr. Claytor as her surgeon to help her regain her body after 7 children (including a set of quadruplets!!).
Video Transcript
Before the mommy makeover, I felt like I had been giving everything that I had to everybody else around me, and I had lost sight of the fact that I do like to feel good and I do like to feel pretty and I missed that confidence that I had before I had kids. So when I decided to go through with the mommy makeover, I knew that it was going to be for me and it was my choice, and it was going to make me feel so much better in the end. A friend of mine had introduced me to Dr. Claytor and I went in and had a consultation, and as soon as I met him, I knew that that was the person that I was going to trust my entire self with.
Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover or mommy tuck?
If you are in good health, but you find your body has been impacted post-pregnancy in the following ways, then you may be a good mommy makeover candidate.
- You have unwanted fat in the stomach area
- You reduced skin elasticity around your belly
- Your abdominal muscles have been weakened or you have diastasis recti
- You are left with sagging or deflated breasts
- You have overly large or heavy breasts
Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscle to such a degree that they simply can’t return to their former degree of tautness. The increase in breast size due to hormones and breastfeeding, coupled with the subsequent stress and volume loss after weaning, does the same thing to the skin of the breast and underlying support muscles. The weight gained during pregnancy can leave pockets of fat behind, even if you’ve lost the weight. After weaning, the breasts may remain larger than desired, leading some women to seek breast reduction surgery.
What are the benefits of a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeover patients can experience many benefits both physically and mentally, including:
- Multiple procedures in one: By combining multiple surgical procedures (from breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift, to abdominoplasty, and more) into a single surgical session, the patient has one consolidated recovery period, rather than three.
- Address stretched abdominal muscles and contour your waist: Stretched and separated abdominal muscles are a common ailment after pregnancy called diastasis recti. The tummy tuck portion of a mommy makeover can repair the abdominal muscles that have separated. It tightens the abdomen, restoring a firm, strong core. Depending on your circumstances, a tummy tuck can target both the lower abdomen and the area just above the navel.
- Lift and restore fullness to the breast: A breast lift, breast reduction and/or breast augmentation can elevate and shape the breast, tighten the tissues and reposition the nipple. These procedures bring the breasts back up to a higher position on the chest, removing excess skin as necessary. Often breast augmentation with implants is included along with the breast lift to regain volume that was lost with breastfeeding.
- Contour stubborn pockets of fat: Liposuction contributes to a reduction of the stubborn fat left behind after pregnancy. It can be used to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, arms, and chin, depending on the individual patient’s needs and goals. Liposuction is not recommended as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise however, it can be an effective way to target specific areas that seem resistant traditional weight loss methods (consistent diet and exercise).
- Improve self-image: While having children is obviously a life-changing experience, most women aren’t fully prepared for the changes that occur to their figure at the same time. This can make a woman feel discouraged that her younger figure seems to be gone for good: a flat stomach area now has a pooch, and breasts that were firm and high now sag and appear flattened. The value of reversing these changes is often an improvement in self-image and self-confidence, as well as greater energy to devote to the things that matter most.
“First, Dr. Claytor is so nice and friendly and so is staff. The entire atmosphere of the office is positive, which helps when you are feeling nervous about a procedure. Dr. Claytor and his staff took the time to talk to me about my procedure and answered all my questions. When I was feeling nervous they took the time to talk to me and listen to my concerns. During the procedure I was very comfortable and even after they had me all set up with the medications I needed to be comfortable at home. They also followed up the next day to make sure I was comfortable. It was a great experience and of course I am very happy with the results.”
Watch the video below to hear a 37-year-old mother of seven, including quadruplets, tell her mommy makeover story and how it helped get her life back along with glowing confidence.
Video Transcript
“I needed to do plastic surgery because of childbirth. Stuff had happened and had to be sewn back together, and it just so happened that while I was in there I thought some other enhancements would be great, too. I went in for purpose and came out, you know, for a little bit for pleasure.
I think that it gave me my life back because when you have kids and that sort of thing happens, you don’t feel like yourself, and you can’t do the things that you really want to do physically. At least that was the case for me, so it gave me that my life. I could run around with my kids. I could stand up straight–all of the things that I was missing. I was proud of myself, and I was proud of what I accomplished.
It’s a nice feeling–flying 2500 miles away from my family and everything–that I am truly comfortable with my body. It was overwhelming at first but to walk out there in a bathing suit in front of a whole bunch of people that I don’t know–it was absolutely liberating, and it felt amazing to feel like I could have been in Baywatch.
Doing something like this, doing plastic surgery…I think it’s not just physical it is absolutely and completely mental. For me it did give me confidence, and I love that. It’s not a cocky confidence it’s just that I feel good about myself.”
Do I have to be a mother in order to have a mommy makeover?
While the term “mommy makeover” is often used to describe a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address the physical changes that can occur after pregnancy and birth, the surgeries included in a mommy makeover can be performed on any woman or person who desire to improve their appearance and address areas of concern.
Men and women who have experienced significant weight loss, for example, may choose to undergo some of the same procedures that are commonly included in a mommy makeover to remove excess skin and improve body contours.
Bottom line: Breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, and other fat reduction, body lift, or body contouring procedures that are commonly included in a mommy makeover can be performed on anyone who is a good candidate for the surgery, regardless of their parental status. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Claytor and his expert aesthetics team look forward to discussing the procedure options that fit your unique vision and goals for your shape in your initial consultation.
Before & After Gallery
Dr. Brannon Claytor uses advanced techniques to provide natural-looking outcomes. See the results for yourself in our patient gallery.
How long should I wait after childbirth to get postnatal cosmetic surgery?
Thinking you still may want additional children? You shouldn’t have a mommy makeover at this time. As you would assume, future pregnancy, future birth, and breastfeeding will undo the results of your mommy makeover. Instead, consider having the procedure performed once you no longer wish to have children.
This isn’t something to jump right into. Dr. Claytor recommends that women should have finished breastfeeding for at least two to three months, which allows your breasts to return to their normal size and shape.
Also, since liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are not weight-loss procedures, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal weight. It also helps if you are exercising regularly, as this will make recovery easier and is a jump-start down the path toward a healthy lifestyle that will help maintain your results for the long haul.
“I had a great experience with Dr. Claytor. I was very nervous going into my procedure and he made me feel so comfortable. Him and his office staff are amazing! They are very responsive and so nice. Also with my work schedule I was unable to come in during the week for my weekly visit so he accommodated me with coming in on Saturdays. The results of my surgery are fantatstic. I am very happy with the whole process. I highly recommend Dr. Claytor and his staff.”
How do I prepare for a mommy rejuvenation or restoration procedure?
You will need to prepare for a mommy makeover as you would with any surgical procedure. Dr. Claytor will discuss any medications you will need to stop before surgery. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop for at least two weeks prior and two weeks after your mommy makeover to facilitate healing. Also, you shouldn’t take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
You also need to think of your recovery and prepare your recovery space. You should fill any pain medication prescriptions prior to your surgery. Either enlist a spouse or someone else to help with childcare and household chores. Your abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery in particular, will prevent virtually all heavy-lifting for a few weeks, so you need to plan for that.
Can a mommy makeover be combined with non-surgical procedures and treatments to support my appearance?
There are several nonsurgical treatments that can be used to accompany or complement mommy makeover surgery. These include:
- Botox and dermal injectables or fillers and can be used to address fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
- Kybella can rejuvenate the neck area and address a double chin.
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling or laser skin resurfacing can be used to tighten and firm loose or sagging skin in the face or body, while chemical peels can be used to address uneven skin tone, texture, and signs of aging or stress associated with motherhood, birth or pregnancy.
The benefit of many of these non-surgical rejuvenating skin procedures is that they will add little to no downtime to your recovery, which is undoubtedly very important for busy moms who may be overwhelmed with career or family responsibilities at the home or office.
Another benefit is that these nonsurgical procedures can be part of your own custom aesthetic plan to help maintain and even improve the results of a mommy makeover. These treatments can be used to rejuvenate, refresh or touch-up your look over time so you can focus on other parts of your life.
The specific nonsurgical procedures used will depend on each patient’s individual skin needs and aesthetic goals. If you want to consider expanding the range of your mommy makeover with some non-surgical options, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor and the team at the medical spa at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery can discuss these with you during your consultation to help you create a plan to help you look and feel your best.
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- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Reverse pregnancy-related changes: Mommy makeover surgery can reverse post-pregnancy body changes, addressing concerns such as sagging breasts and an abdominal pooch.
- Consolidated recovery: Mommy makeover surgery combines multiple procedures into one, allowing for a single recovery period instead of separate ones for each surgery.
- Repair abdominal muscles: The tummy tuck component of a mommy makeover addresses diastasis recti by repairing stretched and separated abdominal muscles, restoring a firm core and tightening the abdomen.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: Indicates a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or equivalent in other countries.
Diastasis Recti: A condition where the large abdominal muscles separate, often occurring during pregnancy.
Mini Abdominoplasty: A less invasive version of abdominoplasty with smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time.
Breast Implants: Medical devices placed in the breast to augment the size and shape.
Silicone Implants: Implants filled with silicone gel.
Saline Implants: Implants filled with sterile saline solution.
Mastopexy: Medical term for a breast lift procedure.
Capsular Contracture: A complication where scar tissue squeezes the implant, often causing hardness and/or distortion.
Cannula: A thin tube used to remove fat from the body during liposuction.
Suction Lipectomy: Another term for liposuction.
Tumescent Liposuction: A technique that uses a large amount of a diluted solution containing local anesthetic and epinephrine.
Compression Garment: A tight-fitting garment that supports healing tissues and reduces swelling.
Seroma: A collection of serous fluid that develops where tissue has been removed.
Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, often appearing as a bruise.
Drains: Tubes placed to remove excess fluid after surgery, which Dr. Claytor avoids using with specialized techniques.
“I went in to see Dr Claytor for diastasis recti, but then I also decided on a mommy tuck and I must say it was so worth it. As confident as I may seem I always had some insecurities. Especially under my breast, my muscles must have spread out dramatically during pregnancy and going to the gym never fixed it, if anything it made it more noticeable… But this procedure definitely blew up my confidence in my abdominal area and the mommy tuck made my curves even better. I can’t say how happy I am with the result. Mama is looking even sexier. All I can say is trust the process, through out this journey I was mentally prepared and physically willing to except all the changes that came my way. And it was all worth it!”
What is the recovery after mommy makeover surgery like?
Your mommy makeover recovery will depend upon which specific procedures you have had in your makeover. You will wear compression garments for around one month to minimize swelling and to help your body adapt to its new slimmer contour.
The first week is difficult due to the muscle repositioning and incision length involved with a tummy tuck. Most mommy makeover patients can return to a light level of activity after one to two weeks of downtime. However, any strenuous exercise, particularly lifting, will have to wait at least six weeks. Full recovery can take up to six months.
A mommy makeover patient will have scars where incisions were placed during the procedure. Dr. Claytor can discuss the technique he would use for treatment during a consultation. These techniques will influence where incisions, and therefore scars, will show. If you have had a breast augmentation with your lift, your implants will seem too high initially, but they will settle downward to where they should be in a few weeks time.
You will notice your results as soon as you awaken in your recovery room, but there will be swelling and bruising that will mask some of the aesthetic outcomes initially. This will pass and you’ll keep seeing improvement. Rest assured, your mommy makeover transformation will be long-lasting. If you follow a regular exercise regimen, keep an eye on what you eat, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will love the changes a mommy makeover provides forever.
From breast lift to liposuction to abdominoplasty, the possibilities are endless for YOUR custom mommy makeover transformation.
To learn more about mommy tucks, mommy transformations and maternal restoration surgery, check out Dr. Claytor’s educational blogs on the subject, or review the stunning results in the before/after photo gallery.
Why choose Dr. Claytor for your plastic surgeon?
Double Board-Certified for a high level of safety and precision
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Main Line Health, a top health system
Board Member of The Aesthetic Society, shaping the future of aesthetics
8x Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor for exceptional patient care
Recognized as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek
Drain-free recovery expert for faster, more comfortable healing
Deep plane facelift innovator and global educator
Active researcher in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic advancements
Highly regarded for his surgical expertise and outcomes, as well as his dedicated follow-up care
Interested in how you could benefit from Philadelphia mommy makeover treatments? Patients can call (610) 527-4833 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with Main Line Top Doctor and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brannon Claytor. During your personal consultation, Dr. Claytor will discuss your surgical goals and procedure options, plus the cost of a mommy makeover and financing options. Get ready to love your body again!
References »
Shermak MA. Abdominoplasty with Combined Surgery. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2020 Jul;47(3):365-377. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.02.001.
Pollock TA, Pollock H. Progressive tension sutures in abdominoplasty: a review of 597 consecutive cases. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012 Aug;32(6):729-42. doi: 10.1177/1090820X12452294. Epub 2012 Jun 29. Erratum in: Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012 Sep;32(7):910.
Luis H. Macias, Edwin Kwon, Daniel J. Gould, Michelle A. Spring, W. Grant Stevens, Decrease in Seroma Rate After Adopting Progressive Tension Sutures Without Drains: A Single Surgery Center Experience of 451 Abdominoplasties Over 7 Years, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 36, Issue 9, October 2016, Pages 1029–1035, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw040
Toto V, Scarabosio A, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Albanese R, Persichetti P. Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023 Aug 23. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6. Epub ahead of print.
Matarasso A, Smith DM. Combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty: strategies for success. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015 May;135(5):849e-860e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000001238.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 28, 2024
