A Mommy Makeover rejuvenates your figure with a personalized combination of cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring procedures. It addresses changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging, such as stretched abdominal skin, changes in breast shape, and stubborn pockets of fat.
Despite the name, you don’t have to be a mother to benefit. Here’s what to know about the procedures included in a Mommy Makeover, candidacy, cost, safety, and recovery.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Consist Of?
A Mommy Makeover typically combines procedures to reshape the breasts, abdomen, and other areas of concern in a single operation. You and your plastic surgeon will decide which procedures to include based on your anatomy, goals, and safety considerations. Common options include:
- Breast lift (with or without augmentation)
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty
The goal of a Mommy Makeover is to restore a more youthful, lifted look to your body’s contours, addressing the physical toll that life events may take on your body.
For concerns extending beyond the abdomen, Dr. Stoker also offers his Bikini Body Lift™. This procedure combines a tummy tuck with lifting of the outer thighs, buttocks, and pubic area, with scars positioned to be concealed beneath bikini bottoms. During your consultation, he can explain whether a Mommy Makeover or a Bikini Body Lift is appropriate for your goals.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery?
You may be a good Mommy Makeover candidate if you are in good health, want to address changes to your body related to childbearing, aging, or weight fluctuations, and:
- Do not plan to have more children
- Are at a stable weight you can maintain
- Have realistic expectations about the results
You will need to ensure that you can take enough time off work and household responsibilities to fully recover from the operation. If you have small children at home, it’s also important that you have a reliable support system for childcare and help around the house.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The price of a Mommy Makeover can vary widely depending on your chosen procedures, the surgeon’s reputation, training, experience, and geographical location. We will provide you with an estimate based on your individual surgical plan after Dr. Stoker evaluates your health, aesthetic goals, and specific needs. We offer financing options to help make the procedure more accessible.
Is It Safe To Combine Procedures?
Combining Mommy Makeover procedures can be appropriate for carefully selected patients, but every surgery carries risks. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stoker will evaluate your health, the extent of your planned procedures, and the anticipated time in surgery to determine whether a single operation or staged procedures would be the safer approach.
Here are some of the most important factors to note about combining surgeries:
- Most surgeons limit the total time in surgery to 6 hours or less to reduce risks
- If your surgical plan exceeds this limit, you may need to stagger procedures over 2 operations
- Longer surgeries increase the risks of complications like infection or bleeding
- Your recovery may be more intense with multiple healing sites
- Some procedure combinations are not advised for safety reasons
The benefits of combining procedures include reduced overall recovery time compared to separate surgeries and only having to pay certain fees once, such as for anesthesia and operating room time. Ultimately, you will decide whether to combine procedures based on the information we discuss during the consultation.
How Long Is Recovery After a Mommy Makeover?
You’ll likely need about 2 weeks off work if you have a desk job, but your downtime depends on the procedures included in your Mommy Makeover, your individual healing rate, and other factors. During this time, you’ll need to rest more than usual and avoid lifting anything heavy—including your kids.
In the first few days after surgery, you’ll experience some pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with prescribed medication. You may also have bruising and swelling that can take 2 to 3 weeks to resolve, with some residual swelling lasting up to 6 months. Learn about what not to do after a Mommy Makeover in our related blog post.
Most patients feel comfortable and confident enough to wear a swimsuit about 3 months after surgery. However, it’s important to remember that full results may take up to a year to develop fully.
How Long Do Mommy Makeover Results Last?
Mommy Makeover results can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight. However, surgery doesn’t stop the aging process, and future pregnancies or significant weight changes can affect your results. If your surgery includes breast implants, keep in mind that implants are not lifetime devices; you’ll need to monitor them over time and may eventually need to remove or replace them.
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
Deciding to have a Mommy Makeover is a big decision. It’s not just about the physical changes—it’s about how you feel on the inside as well. Many women say they feel increased confidence and improved self-esteem after their Mommy Makeover.
However, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations. A Mommy Makeover can dramatically improve your body contour, but it won’t necessarily make you look exactly like you did before having children. Your body has been through an incredible journey, and some changes are permanent reminders of the amazing feat of creating life.
Remember, there’s no shame in wanting to feel good about your body. Whether you choose to embrace your post-baby body as-is or opt for a Mommy Makeover, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Is a Mommy Makeover Worth It?
A Mommy Makeover can be worth it if you want to address changes in your breasts and body and are comfortable with the costs, recovery, scars, and surgical risks involved. Combining procedures can mean one recovery period rather than separate recoveries, but the decision is personal. A consultation with Dr. Stoker can help you understand the improvements you can reasonably expect and decide whether they match your priorities.
Get Your Pre-Baby Body Back
If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover, the first step is to request a consultation to discuss your options. You can use the online form or call Stoker Plastic Surgery at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
This post was originally published in 2024 and updated in 2026.
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