What is A Mommy Makeover?
The term “mommy makeover” refers to a combination of procedures typically targeting the breasts and abdominal area. In terms of what constitutes a mommy makeover, there is no standard definition, as it differs depending on each patient’s areas of concern.
The primary aim of this combination of surgeries is to “reverse” the changes the body has undergone during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Notably, however, a mommy makeover is not just for mommies. For example, those who have experienced significant weight loss can also benefit from this group of procedures for a more contoured appearance.
Although a mommy makeover might result in some weight loss as you get rid of excess skin and fat, it is not intended for that purpose. You will need to be at your ideal weight in order to be considered suitable for this surgery.
Quick Facts
What is the downtime for a mommy makeover?
The downtime for a mommy makeover can be anywhere from 2-3 weeks. It can differ depending on the nature of your job.
When do you see the final results of a mommy makeover?
Final results of a mommy makeover typically become visible after 3-6 months.
What type of anaesthesia is used for mommy makeovers?
A mommy makeover is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the surgery.
How long do the results of a mommy makeover last?
The results of a mommy makeover are permanent, but natural and lifestyle changes can affect them.
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
Usually, a mommy makeover includes breast augmentation with a breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. However, the final treatment plan largely depends on the aesthetic needs of the patient. A breast lift without implants or a breast reduction can also be performed as part of a mommy makeover.
If you have sagging breasts with volume loss, you can get a breast augmentation in your mommy makeover. However, in case droopy or sagging breasts are your only concern, just a breast lift can also be done.
Should you desire fullness along with the overall elevation of your breasts, you can get breast augmentation and a breast lift.
Other than that, a reduction mammoplasty can also be done if you would like a decrease in the overall volume of your breasts.
Stubborn fat pockets that you are unable to get rid of with diet and exercise can also be permanently removed from your body through liposuction. It can be done together with a tummy tuck and breast surgery.
If you have excess skin around your stomach — with or without separation of the “six-pack” muscle — you can get a tummy tuck along with your breast surgery for a more dramatic change in your appearance.
While one of the most notable advantages of a mommy makeover is that it allows you to have multiple procedures together and recover from them simultaneously, if you want, you can also have these procedures separately. Make your final decision based on what you feel comfortable with.
Am I a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover?
You can be considered a suitable candidate for a mommy makeover in the following instances:
- At least 6 months have passed since you stopped breastfeeding your child.
- You are not overweight, and your body mass index (BMI) is less than 30.
- You are mentally and physically healthy.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You do not plan to have any more children, as pregnancy can affect the results of the procedure.
Many wonder whether there is an age limit for a mommy makeover. Fortunately, there isn’t one. As long as you’re in good health and have been medically cleared by your physician, you should be able to have these procedures. Keep in mind that you will undergo preoperative tests before having surgery to ensure your safety.
Who is Not Suitable for a Mommy Makeover?
You might be contraindicated for a mommy makeover if:
- You have a habit of smoking and are unwilling to quit.
- You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Your BMI is above 30.
- You are in poor health (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune, heart problem)
- You have body dysmorphic disorder.
What is Done in a Mommy Makeover?
On the day of your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon again to discuss and review the treatment plan. In order to achieve the best results, your surgical areas will also be marked preoperatively. After you feel confident about having discussed everything with your surgeon, you’ll be ready to be taken to the operation theatre.
To help you feel more relaxed and at ease, you will first be given a sedative. Afterwards, you’ll be administered general anaesthesia. It will put you in a state of sleep throughout the procedure, and you will also not experience any pain.
At first, the breast surgery will be performed, which will be followed up by tummy tuck and liposuction done together. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 3-6 hours, but it can vary depending on the unique case of the patient and the size of the treatment areas, among other factors.
Nevertheless, you should know that a mommy makeover is inpatient and you’ll be required to stay at the hospital for 2 nights. You’ll also have your check-up appointment on the 7th day after discharge, in which the surgeon will change your bandages, and assess your surgical areas to make sure everything is healing properly.
In the course of a typical mommy makeover, the following is involved:
Breast Surgery
Although breast lift with implants is most commonly done as a part of a mommy makeover, it can also include a simple breast lift or a breast reduction.
- In a breast lift with implant, first, an incision might be made for the placement of the implant followed by breast lift, involving the removal of some excess skin and repositioning of the nipple-areola complex.
- In a breast augmentation alone, the surgeon will make an incision — around the nipple or in the breast crease — insert the implant and suture the skin.
- In a breast lift done by itself, a lollipop, inverted T or doughnut incision is made to reduce the size of the skin envelope as well as reduce the size of the areola and move it to a new position.
- In a breast reduction, incisions are typically made in the shape of a lollipop or an inverted T to remove excess skin and breast tissue as well as reposition the nipple. Notably, you will also be fitted with two small drains after breast reduction, but they will be removed during your discharge appointment.
Liposuction
Liposuction is typically done to remove resistant pockets of fat around the abdomen (or elsewhere in the body). While there are quite a few types of liposuction, two that you’ll commonly hear about include: Suction-assisted (traditional) liposuction and ultrasound-assisted (VASER) liposuction.
- In traditional liposuction, fat cells are broken with the help of a thin tube (cannula) and then taken out of the body with a vacuum.
- In a VASER liposuction, fat is first liquified by ultrasound energy, after which it is suctioned out. This type of liposuction can be especially useful for body sculpting.
Tummy Tuck
In a tummy tuck, depending on the amount of excess skin you have and whether or not you require muscle repair, there are primarily two options: a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck.
- In a mini tummy tuck, only the excess skin below the belly button is addressed through a short incision made around the pubic area.
- In a full tummy tuck, a hip-to-hip incision is made around the pubic area as well as the belly button (which itself remains attached to the body) to remove excess skin from above and below the navel and repair abdominal muscle separation through sutures (if needed). After the excess skin is removed, a new belly button is created.
Keep in mind that following a tummy tuck, your body may be fitted with four small drains to help prevent fluid buildup. However, these drains are usually removed during the discharge appointment that takes place 2 days after surgery.
How Long is the Recovery for a Mommy Makeover?
Most patients typically need 2 to 3 weeks off work following a mommy makeover. Those with desk jobs may return after about 2 weeks, while those in physically demanding roles might require around 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that final results are typically expected to appear around 3-6 months after surgery once the tissues have healed fully and the swelling has subsided.
You can experience some temporary discomforts during recovery, such as suture reactions, which can occur as your stitches are dissolving.
Temporary asymmetry may also develop due to the swelling in the surgical area. But once the swelling subsides, the symmetry should be restored. Additionally, seroma — an accumulation of body fluid — can occur. But this fluid is generally reabsorbed by the body in the months following surgery.
Some other things to keep in mind during recovery include:
Make sure to take light walks
Light walking and gentle stretching can support healing. However, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and intimate activities should be avoided for approximately 6-8 weeks post-surgery to ensure a safe and effective recovery. |
Wear your surgical bra and abdominal garment
A surgical bra should be worn for the first month following the procedure. After 1 month, a non-wired sports bra can be used. At 3 months post-procedure, a bra with an underwire may also be worn. However, the abdominal garment should be worn for approximately 6-8 weeks post-op.
Be careful about how you sleep
When sleeping, rest on your back with your upper body elevated with extra pillows for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Do not sleep on your stomach for approximately 4-6 weeks or until your surgeon confirms it is safe to do so. |
Do not rush to resume driving
Driving can generally be resumed after at least 2 weeks, provided that you are no longer taking pain medications and can safely operate a vehicle.
Others
Make sure to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. Additionally, you should avoid direct sun exposure for 6-8 weeks after your surgery.
* Aftercare instructions can vary between surgeons, so make sure to follow the advice of your surgeon.
The recovery process can vary between patients, and it also depends on the combination of surgeries you have. Your surgeon will make sure to discuss the recovery process with you during the check-up appointment. Longevita will also provide you with a digital copy of them.
Furthermore, once you’re back home, your progress will be regularly monitored by the Aftercare team. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach out to them at [email protected].
What are the Potential Complications of Mommy Makeovers?
Every surgical procedure comes with its benefits as well as risks. Some of the potential complications associated with a mommy makeover include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Hematoma
- Wound dehiscence
- Asymmetry
- Changes in sensation
- Necrosis
It is important to be aware of all the complications before you have the surgery so you can make an informed decision. Furthermore, a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon will always take steps to minimise the postoperative risks.
With Longevita, you’ll be in the safe hands of board-certified plastic surgeons, who will perform your surgeries in facilities accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring that international standards of safety are being followed.
Mommy Makeover in Turkey Before-and-After Photos
The results of a mommy makeover surgery are permanent, provided you do not experience any significant life changes, such as childbirth or weight gain. Still, keep in mind that the final outcome can vary from one patient to another.
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Patient Journey
Patient Journey
How Much is a Mommy Makeover in Turkey?
The cost of a mommy makeover in Turkey will largely depend on the procedures you’re undergoing. However, for a typical mommy makeover, prices may start around £5,000-6,000.
In the UK, the same is likely to be somewhere around £10,000-15,000 or more. Because of its cosmetic nature, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to get it on the NHS or be covered by private insurance — although you should always make sure to ask.
With Longevita, no matter the combination of surgeries you have, we offer all patients the best price guarantee. Furthermore, you can also avail of a multiple-surgery discount when getting a mommy makeover.
Frequently asked questions
Are mommy makeovers safe?
In the hands of an experienced, qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon, you can have a mommy makeover safely either in Turkey or anywhere else. It is still important to bear in mind that no surgical procedure is completely risk-free, including a mommy makeover.
Is a mommy makeover worth it?
Being able to look how you feel on the inside and feeling more confident and comfortable in your own skin certainly makes a mommy makeover worth it. The treatment is quite effective in dramatically transforming the contours of the body.
Can I get a mommy makeover without a tummy tuck?
You can definitely have a mommy makeover without a tummy tuck if you don’t need one. Mommy makeovers are always customised based on the patient’s needs. If you don’t have excess skin around the abdomen that needs to be removed or requires muscle repair, your surgeon will not recommend you have a tummy tuck.
Can you still have kids after a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover will not affect your ability to have children. However, pregnancy can undo the results of your tummy tuck.
