What is a Mommy Makeover? Everything You Need to Know

Procedures14 January, 2025

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also change your body in ways that are hard to reverse. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding often lead to sagging skin, stretched muscles, and changes in your breasts that can’t be fixed by diet and exercise alone. And that can leave you feeling disconnected from the body you once loved.

If you can relate, a mommy makeover might be the solution you're looking for. This customized set of procedures can help restore your body and confidence, with options like a tummy tuck, breast lift, or liposuction.

Wondering about mommy makeovers? This guide has all the information you need, from the procedures to the benefits and costs. Let’s get into it!

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover combines several procedures that help you regain your body’s shape post-pregnancy. It usually focuses on areas like your tummy, breasts, and sometimes your back. The aim is to help you feel more confident by bringing back your body’s shape and appearance.

And since each woman’s body is unique, mommy makeovers are customized to fit individual needs. You can personalize the procedures to focus on the areas that concern you most after pregnancy.

Usually, a mommy makeover includes:

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Breast enhancement (Lift, Augmentation, or Reduction)
Vaginal rejuvenation
Sometimes, liposuction

Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

Now that you know what’s a mommy makeover, let’s see what makes you eligible for having this postpartum surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you might be a great candidate for a mommy makeover if:

You’re in good health.
You’ve completed your family and don’t plan to have a baby again.
You have realistic expectations about the results.
You don’t smoke or drink, as these can affect your healing process.
You maintain a healthy weight and are active with regular exercise.
You’re in a stable place in life, where you can commit to the recovery process.

However, consultation with a board-certified surgeon can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Mommy makeover procedures

After pregnancy, many women choose different procedures to reshape and contour their bodies. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

If you’re dealing with loose skin or stretched abdominal muscles after pregnancy, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a great choice. It removes excess skin and tightens muscles to give your stomach a smoother, firmer look. A tummy tuck helps you:

Tighten loose skin and abdominal muscles
Remove stubborn fat deposits
Restore a flatter, more toned belly

You have a couple of options when it comes to tummy tuck surgery:

Mini tummy tuck: Targets the lower abdomen, ideal for those with less excess skin or fat.
Extended tummy tuck: Works on a larger area, including the flanks and lower back.

However, keep in mind that recovery can take time. You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and some scarring, but these can fade over time with proper care.

Breast lift (Mastopexy)

After pregnancy or breastfeeding, your breasts might have lost their firmness and shape. A breast lift (mastopexy) is designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. It removes excess skin and tightens the tissue, giving your breasts a firmer, more youthful appearance. A breast lift is great if you want to:

Lift and reshape sagging breasts
Restore breast shape after pregnancy or aging
Reduce the size of enlarged or stretched areolas

However, it doesn’t add volume. If you want fuller breasts along with the lift, combining the lift with breast augmentation (implants) might be a good option.

Breast augmentation

After pregnancy, if your breasts have lost their volume, a boob job known as breast augmentation can give them the fullness you want.

It is an FDA-approved procedure through which you can achieve:

Increased breast size and volume
Improved breast shape to restore proportion
A natural-looking result with implants or fat transfer

Also, you can opt for implants or fat transfer, depending on your preference. However, keep in mind that there are risks, including complications with implants (like rupture or shifting) and potential scarring.

Breast reduction

For some women, large breasts can cause discomfort, and back pain, and even make physical activities difficult. Breast reduction is a procedure that helps remove excess tissue and skin, which helps reduce the weight of your breasts and improve body proportion.

This procedure is perfect for you if you’re dealing with:

Back, shoulder, or neck pain due to heavy breasts
Difficulty finding clothes that fit comfortably
Feeling self-conscious about your breast size

While the benefits are many, risks include scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and issues with breastfeeding.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a fantastic option for getting rid of stubborn fat in areas like your abdomen, thighs, and arms. If you’ve got fat that won’t reduce, no matter how much you exercise or diet, liposuction can help sculpt your body and give it a more contoured look.

It’s great for:

Targeting specific areas of fat
Shaping and contouring the body
Improving your overall silhouette

However, it's important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It just helps improve body shape. Also, there are potential risks, including bruising, scarring, and the possibility of uneven results. Plus, recovery requires time and attention, so be sure to follow aftercare instructions for the best outcomes.

Vaginoplasty

After childbirth, many women experience vaginal laxity, where the vaginal muscles become stretched, leading to a feeling of lost tightness and sensation. Vaginoplasty tightens and rejuvenates the vaginal area, improving both function and comfort. This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing discomfort during intimacy or if you feel your muscles haven’t quite bounced back post-pregnancy.

A vaginal rejuvenation might be right for you if:

You feel like your vaginal muscles have loosened after childbirth
You want to restore tightness and improve sexual satisfaction
You experience discomfort during physical activity or intimacy

While the procedure is effective, it carries the usual risks of surgery, like infection and scarring, though these are rare with proper care.

Labiaplasty

If you're feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal area) or experiencing discomfort during activities like exercise or intimacy, labiaplasty could be a good option. This cosmetic genital surgery reshapes or reduces the size of the labia to improve both comfort and aesthetic appearance.

This procedure is ideal if:

You’re bothered by the size, shape, or asymmetry of your labia
You feel discomfort during physical activities like exercise or intimacy
You want to improve the look of your genital area for personal or cosmetic reasons

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved, such as scarring, infection, and potential changes in sensation. However, these risks are relatively low when proper aftercare is followed.

Arm lift (Brachioplasty)

After pregnancy or weight loss, many women struggle with loose skin on their upper arms, sometimes called “bat wings.” An arm lift (Brachioplasty) removes this excess skin, leaving you with more toned and youthful-looking arms.

An arm lift is perfect if you:

Want to tighten loose skin and fat on your upper arms
Have sagging skin from weight fluctuations or pregnancy
Want a more sculpted and toned appearance

Though you’ll be left with scarring along the upper arm, the results are often well worth it for those seeking smoother, more contoured arms.

Thigh Lift (Cruroplasty)

If you’re dealing with sagging skin on your thighs after weight loss or pregnancy, a thigh lift (cruroplasty) can tighten and smooth the skin, leaving you with more sculpted thighs. This procedure works on both the inner and outer thighs. It can be particularly helpful if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight.

A thigh lift is a great option if:

You have loose, sagging skin on your thighs
You want to improve the shape and tone of your inner and outer thighs
You’ve noticed that exercise and diet aren’t enough to get rid of the excess skin

As with all surgeries, there are risks, including scarring, but the improved contour and confidence may make it worthwhile.

Buttock augmentation (Brazilian butt lift)

If you’re looking to improve your natural curves, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) can reshape and add volume to your buttocks using fat transfer from other parts of your body, like your abdomen or thighs. It’s a natural alternative to implants and gives a fuller, more lifted appearance.

A BBL is perfect if you:

Want a fuller, rounder, more youthful-looking butt
Want to add volume without implants, using your own body fat
Are looking to enhance your overall body proportions

As with fat transfer procedures, there are risks, including fat absorption, scarring, and complications during the healing process. But for many, the results are well worth the investment in self-confidence.

Considering a tummy tuck or breast lift? Let QCG guide you through the best mommy makeover options abroad!

What to Expect Before a Mommy Makeover

Before your mommy makeover, there are a few important things to prepare for:

Initial consultation with your surgeon

First, you’ll meet with your surgeon to talk about your goals. This is your time to share which areas you want to focus on, like tightening your tummy, lifting your breasts, or getting rid of excess fat. Your surgeon will guide you on which procedures, like a tummy tuck, breast lift, liposuction, or a combination, will give you the best results.

Health assessment

Before your surgery, your surgeon will check your overall health to make sure you're ready. If you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor might ask you to get those under control first. You may also need to get approval from your regular doctor before moving ahead with the surgery.

Getting ready for surgery

As your surgery date approaches, your surgeon will give you clear instructions on how to prepare. This might include stopping smoking, adjusting your medications, or changing your eating habits. Following these steps will help the surgery go more smoothly and help you heal faster afterward.

Mommy makeover recovery

How long recovery takes can vary depending on the procedures you’ve had, but here’s what you can generally expect.

Once your surgery is done, you’ll be moved to a recovery room to wake up as the anesthesia wears off. It’s normal to feel a bit groggy or even a little nauseous. You’ll likely feel some discomfort around the areas that were treated, like your tummy or breasts. Bruising and swelling are common at first, but they’ll improve as you heal.

After your surgery, your surgeon will probably suggest wearing compression garments. These help reduce swelling, boost circulation, and aid in the healing process. They're particularly important if you’ve had liposuction or a tummy tuck, as they help you get the best results.

In the first week of recovery, rest is important. It's normal to feel tender, and you may have some bruising and swelling. Pain medication can help manage any discomfort. Depending on how physically demanding your job is you may need to take one or two weeks off work to fully recover.

By weeks four to six, you'll start feeling better and more like yourself. Swelling may still be present but will continue to reduce over time. You can begin doing light activities like walking to improve circulation, but it’s best to hold off on more strenuous activities, exercises, or heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. Your surgeon will give you clear instructions on when it’s safe to return to your usual routine.

It may take several months for you to see your final results. Any remaining swelling will slowly fade as your body settles into its new shape, so be patient—it can take time for the healing process to fully complete.

Take control of your post-pregnancy body! Reach out to QCG for expert advice on affordable mommy makeover procedures.

Benefits of a mommy makeover

A post-pregnancy body makeover can help postpartum women regain confidence and feel better about their appearance. Here are a few benefits of a mommy makeover surgery:

Restores your body shape and contours

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause sagging skin, stretched-out muscles, or stubborn fat deposits. A mommy makeover addresses these areas, restoring your pre-baby body by:

Tightening your tummy with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Lifting and reshaping your breasts
Removing excess fat through liposuction

These procedures help contour and sculpt your body, giving you a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance.

Boosts your confidence and self-esteem

After pregnancy, many women struggle with body image changes that don't improve with diet and exercise. A mommy makeover can give you a confidence boost by restoring your body shape. By targeting areas that have been affected by childbirth, such as the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, you'll feel more comfortable in your own skin again.

Fully customized to your needs

One of the best things about a mommy makeover is how personalized it can be. Every woman’s body is unique, so your makeover will be designed just for you. Whether you’re looking for a tummy tuck, breast lift, or liposuction, you and your surgeon will work together to pick the right combination of procedures to help you reach your goals. This way, the results will be customized to fit your body perfectly.

Convenient, one-time surgery

Instead of going through multiple surgeries and recovery periods, a mommy makeover combines several procedures into one surgery. This saves you time, money, and effort. You'll only need to plan for one recovery period instead of multiple, which can be especially helpful if you have a busy lifestyle.

Long-lasting results

While the results of a mommy makeover are not immune to the effects of aging, they tend to be long-lasting. With proper care, your new shape can stay with you for years, giving you a more toned and youthful appearance. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a balanced diet, you can expect to enjoy the improvements for a long time.

Risks and complications of a mommy makeover

A mommy makeover can give you great results. But like any surgery, there are some risks involved. Here are some side effects you may experience:

Scarring

It’s normal to have scars after any surgical procedure. For a mommy makeover, you’ll likely have scars around areas like your tummy or breasts. These usually fade over time and can be hidden in places like your bikini line or under your breasts. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions will help the scars heal better.

Infection

Though it’s rare, infection can happen after surgery. However, your surgeon will take steps to prevent it. But it’s still important to keep an eye out for signs like redness, swelling, or pus around the incision areas, or a fever. If anything looks off, contact your doctor. Keeping the area clean and following the care instructions helps prevent infection.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is normal after surgery, but too much bleeding can be a concern. Your surgeon will monitor you closely after the procedure to make sure you’re healing properly. If you notice heavy bleeding or large blood clots, inform your doctor immediately.

Anesthesia risks

Anesthesia is generally safe, but some people might have an allergic reaction or face breathing issues. Before the procedure, your doctor will explain these possible risks to you. Also, they'll closely monitor your progress during the surgery to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re worried about anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

Specific risks for each procedure

Postpartum body sculpting includes different procedures and each procedure can have its own risks. For example, in abdominoplasty, there can be issues like blood clots or slow healing. Sometimes, you might lose feeling around the incision.

Similarly, after breast lift or augmentation, you may experience changes in nipple sensation or uneven results. In very rare cases, after liposuction, there could be skin irregularities or even a fat embolism, which happens when fat enters the bloodstream.

While these complications are rare, a good plastic surgeon can help minimize these risks. Still, it’s a good idea to talk through any concerns with your surgeon so you feel comfortable and well-informed.

How much does a mommy makeover cost?

While generally, the price of a mommy makeover is over $20,000, several factors can add up to the total cost. These can include:

Surgeon's fees
Anesthesia costs
Facility fees
Procedures included
Geographic location
Post-surgery fees
Lab tests
Prescription medicines
Implants (for breast enhancement)

Mommy makeover procedure prices

Here’s an approximate cost breakdown for some of the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover:

Breast augmentation: $3,500 - $10,000 (cost varies depending on the type of implants (saline or silicone)
Breast lift (Mastopexy): $6,000 - $12,000
Breast reduction: $8,000 - $12,000
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty): $6,500 - $15,000
Liposuction: $3,000 - $7,500 per area
Vaginoplasty: $4,000 - $10,000
Labiaplasty: $3,000 - $5,000
Arm lift (Brachioplasty): $4,000 - $8,000
Thigh lift (Cruroplasty): $4,500 - $8,500
Buttock augmentation (Brazilian Butt Lift): $4,500 - $10,000

Keep in mind, that these prices are averages and may vary based on your specific needs, the surgeon’s expertise, and your location.

Curious about the cost of a mommy makeover? Get a personalized quote from QCG and discover affordable options.

Mommy makeover cost in the U.S. vs. other countries

The cost of a Mommy Makeover can vary depending on where you decide to have it done. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the price can range from $15,000 to $30,000, which is quite expensive. But if you’re looking for more affordable options, countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil offer prices between $4,000 and $12,000. These places also have skilled surgeons and good hospitals, so you can still expect great results.

Thailand is another budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $6,500 for a Mommy Makeover. These cost-effective options make it easier for you to achieve your body goals without breaking the bank.

Here’s a quick comparison of costs in different countries:

Country	Cost Range (USD)
United States	$15,000 - $27,000
United Kingdom	$12,000 - $30,000
Turkey	$5,200 - $15,000
Mexico	$6,750 - $12,000
Brazil	$8,000 - $15,000

Reclaim your confidence with our exclusive Mommy Makeover packages at Koru Hospital, Turkey!

Ready for a body transformation? At Quality Care Global (QCG), we've partnered with Koru Hospital to offer custom mommy makeover packages that suit your needs and budget. Koru Hospital is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled surgeons who specialize in post-pregnancy body transformations.

We’re excited to offer two amazing packages designed to rejuvenate your body after pregnancy:

1. Breast, Tummy & Vaginoplasty Combo

Package price: $6,195

This comprehensive package includes breast reduction and lifting, a 360° tummy tuck, and vaginoplasty, giving you a complete post-pregnancy transformation. Enjoy a seamless experience with:

7-day stay in a 3-star hotel
2 nights in a standard hospital room
Airport and hotel-to-hospital transfers

All details are taken care of, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

2. Breast Reduction & Lift + 360° Tummy Tuck

Package price: $5,425

This package focuses on breast reduction and lifting, along with a 360° tummy tuck for a flatter, more toned appearance. You’ll enjoy:

7-day stay in a 3-star hotel
2 nights in a standard hospital room
Seamless airport and hotel-to-hospital transfers

Rest assured, we’ll handle all the logistics for you, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience.

Ready to feel like yourself again? Get in touch to learn more about our packages and start your transformation today!

Is a mommy makeover worth it?

If you’re considering a mommy makeover, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the recovery process. Many women feel like it’s a great way to restore their body confidence after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The results can be life-changing, but recovery does take time.

Be sure to check out before and after mommy makeover images to get a better idea of the kind of results you can expect. Also, choose the right plastic surgeon for your procedures as this can make a difference in overall results.

With the right preparation and mindset, many women find that the outcome is more than worth the effort, helping them feel refreshed, confident, and comfortable in their own skin once again.