Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Published: March 19, 2021
Last updated: June 03, 2021
For everyday skincare essentials, pre- and post-treatment support, procedure enhancers, or even treatment alternatives, we’ve got you covered.
- Who is a candidate for mommy makeover procedures?
- What can you expect from a procedure?
- When should you have a procedure?
- Why pursue mommy makeover procedures?
- Breast & Nipple Solutions
- Abdominal & Diastasis Recti Solutions
- Thigh & Butt Solutions
- Vaginal Rejuvenation Solutions
- Body Contouring Solutions
- Skin Solutions
The Skinny
A radiating light seems to surround expectant mothers and make the protruding belly, swollen ankles, and puffy face disappear. Otherwise known as the pregnancy glow, this small miracle is wonderful during pregnancy, but what happens after you’ve welcomed your new addition and your body doesn’t entirely get back to what it once was? Hormonal and physiological changes during and after a pregnancy are accompanied by a variety of physical shifts that permanently affect the structure and appearance of a woman’s physique.
Abdominal skin and muscles expand during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby, the vagina, labia, and perineum stretch (or possibly tear) during delivery, scars develop from cesarean procedures, stretch marks and spots of hyperpigmentation form on the skin, and the significant changes in breast tissue all create the post-baby body (learn more in our complete guide to Mommy Makeover Concerns). Through a so-called 'mommy makeover,' plastic surgeons have created a host of procedures specifically designed to help mothers get back to their ideal aesthetic.
The Specifics
Who is a candidate for a mommy makeover?
Candidates for a mommy makeover include women of any age who are seeking to restore their pre-baby body. In general, candidates will need to have had adequate time to recover from their pregnancy prior to pursuing an elective cosmetic procedure. Additionally, women who plan to have future pregnancies and/or breastfeed will need to consider the most appropriate timing of plastic surgery or cosmetic interventions. Mommy makeover procedures can address the breasts, abdomen, lower body, vagina and vaginal area, skin, and general contours of the body.
What can you expect from mommy makeover procedures?
Mommy makeover procedures are intended to address the most commonly impacted areas of the body following pregnancy and delivery. Depending on a candidate's individual needs, procedures may be surgical or non-surgical.
- Breast & Nipple Size & Shape: Breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift can be used to restore breast shape and size. Additionally, nipple and areola procedures can restore the aesthetic and function of these areas.
- Abdominal Laxity & Diastasis Recti Repair: Skin and abdominal muscle laxity postpartum can be addressed through a minimally invasive mini tummy tuck or a more involved abdominoplasty. For significant damage to the abdominal wall, a diastasis recti repair will be needed.
- Thigh & Butt: Weight gain from hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause changes in the lower extremities. A thigh lift or butt lift can restore previous tone and tightness.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation: A group of procedures designed to restore female genitalia appearance and also improve sexual function.
- Body Contouring: Stubborn collections of fat around the body can be difficult to get rid of following a pregnancy even with diligent diet and exercise. Body contouring procedures and liposuction can help to recontour and define the physique.
- Stretch Marks, Scars, & Skin Tone/Texture Concerns: The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause changes in skin tone and texture, additionally stretch marks or scarring following a cesarean can cause undesirable skin aesthetic. Laser, radiofrequency, and abrasion procedures can reduce the appearance of these blemishes and even skin tone and texture.
In general, a surgical procedure will be more invasive, but also carry more significant results. Non-surgical options usually have less recovery time, but may require more treatments or maintenance. The most appropriate procedure for an individual candidate can be determined through consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
When should you consider mommy makeover procedures?
The timing of a mommy makeover procedure will be dependent on the individual candidate. The biggest factor in the timing of a procedure is the time since delivery. Pregnancy is a stressful event as is surgery and so women should give their body adequate time to recover before pursuing procedures.
Women should also consider their future plans regarding pregnancies and breastfeeding as all of these procedures will be affected by future pregnancies, and certain procedures may interfere with the ability to breastfeed.
Why should you consider a mommy makeover procedure?
A mommy makeover procedure can help get back the pre-baby body so you enjoy the best of both worlds. While admitting that you are grateful and excited for your new bundle of joy, but also missing your old physique may be challenging, a mommy makeover can help to restore a new mother’s confidence and bring her body aesthetic more in line with her personal goals. Also, for some women, mommy makeover procedures can restore sexual function and possibly improve incontinence concerns.
Breast & Nipple Shape & Size
Depending on the state of your post-pregnancy chest, there are procedures to augment, lift, reduce, and refile the size and shape of the breasts and nipples.
- Breast Augmentation
- Overview: Breast implants and breast augmentation with fat transfer can be used to restore breast tissue. These breast surgeries are generally performed under general anesthesia.
- Cost: $3,000 - $12,000
- Recovery & Results: Most patients recover within a few weeks, and the results are permanent.
- Breast Lift
- Overview: A procedure to tone and tighten breast tissue and skin to restore breasts to their pre-baby/breastfeeding appearance.
- Cost: $2,800 - $12,700
- Recovery & Results: Recovery will take about two to three weeks. Most activities can be resumed within six weeks. The results are permanent.
- Breast Reduction
- Overview: Surgical procedure to remove excess skin and breast tissue resulting in smaller and perkier breasts.
- Cost: $6,500 - $12,000
- Recovery & Results: Patients can typically return to work within one to two weeks and most physical activities can be resumed within six weeks. The results are permanent.
- Nipple Reduction
- Overview: Decreases to nipple width and height via small incisions.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: The results are permanent with about one week of recovery.
- Nipple Augmentation
- Overview: Injection of hyaluronic acid based fillers to achieve a more pronounced nipple.
- Cost: $700 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Temporary procedure with immediate results. Recovery time is minimal.
- Nipple Inversion
- Overview: There are two different nipple correction surgeries depending on whether a patient wants to maintain the ability to breastfeed or not and the severity of the inversion.
- Cost: $2,000 - $4,000
- Recovery & Results: Permanent results with a week or two of recovery. This procedure may compromise the ability to breastfeed.
- Areola Reduction
- Overview: Small incisions to remove excess tissue and create a smaller areola appearance and/or alter it’s position on the breast.
- Cost: $1,000 - $4,000
- Recovery & Results: Permanent results with full recovery in about one month, however, most daily activities can be resumed within one week.
Female Breast Anatomy
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Abdominal Laxity & Diastasis Recti Repair
Whether your pregnancy resulted in diastasis recti or not, there are an array of treatment options to refine abdominal contour.
- Abdominoplasty
- Overview: Excision of excess skin and fat following a pregnancy to restore a slim abdomen.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling and tenderness for three weeks. Results finalize by six months.
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Overview: Similar to a full tummy tuck with less invasiveness and scarring. Good for moms looking for a less intense procedure.
- Cost: $4,000 - $5,500
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, tenderness, and tightness for three weeks. Final results within three months.
- Diastasis Recti Repair
- Overview: To correct abdominal musculature separation following a pregnancy.
- Cost: $5,000 - $19,000
- Recovery & Results: Limit activities for about one month. Swelling can last for six weeks. The results are permanent.
The Anatomy of Diastasis Recti
Thigh & Butt
Sculpt the butt and thigh region with these lifting, firming, and toning procedures.
- Thigh Lift
- Overview: Removal of excess skin on the upper legs allows for a slimmer thigh appearance.
- Cost: $2,000 - $10,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, bruising, and activity limitations for three to eight weeks. The results are permanent.
- Butt Lift
- Overview: Changes to the skin and soft tissues of the buttocks to create a tighter, more toned appearance.
- Cost: $2,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Bruising, pain, and swelling for two to three weeks. The results are permanent.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal child birth can cause damage that is correctable via various vaginal rejuvenation techniques. If sexual health is your concern, there are treatments for that, too.
- Vaginoplasty
- Overview: Alterations to female genitalia including a vagina, clitoris, and labia.
- Cost: $3,000 - $10,000
- Recovery & Results: The average patient recovers within a few weeks to months, and the results are permanent.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation with Radiofrequency
- Overview: Radiofrequency waves stimulate collagen production to tighten vaginal skin and muscle.
- Cost: $800 - $1,200
- Recovery & Results: Minimal side effects. The results are noticeable after about three treatments with maintenance every few months.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation with Laser Energy
- Overview: Laser energy tones and tightens the inner and outer vaginal structures. May also help with incontinence and vaginal lubrication.
- Cost: $800 - $2,700
- Recovery & Results: Refrain from sexual activity for one week. Three initial treatments are typically needed with maintenance treatments every one to two years.
- Perineoplasty
- Overview: Surgical alterations to the perineum to restore both aesthetic and function.
- Cost: $500 - $7,100
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, bleeding, and discomfort for about three weeks. The results are permanent.
- Labiaplasty
- Overview: Surgical alterations to the skin of the labia majora and/or minora to restore aesthetic.
- Cost: $4,000 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Return to work within one week and no sexual activity for six weeks. The results are permanent.
- G-Shot
- Overview: Hyaluronic acid injections into the g-spot of the vaginal wall to improve sexual experience.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Most activity can be resumed within four hours. Maintenance treatments are typically every four months.
- O-Shot
- Overview: Platelet rich plasma solution is injected around the clitoris and into the vaginal walls to stimulate blood flow and cell growth for improved sexual experience.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: Minimal bleeding with a sensation of fullness for a few days. Results last about six months to one year.
Body Contouring & Liposuction
Permanently remove unwanted fat cells and improve overall contour with these surgical and non-surgical procedures.
- Non-Surgical Body Contouring
- Overview: An alternative approach to liposuction that includes skin tightening benefits. Procedures include truSculpt®, Emsculpt®, and BodyTite™.
- Cost: $1,000 - $10,000
- Recovery & Results: Most women experience a week or so of recovery. The results are permanent.
- Liposuction
- Overview: Lipodissolve, Laser-Assisted Liposuction, Power Assisted Liposuction, Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL), SmartLipo, SlimLipo, Tumescent Liposuction, Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction, Water Jet Assisted Liposuction, SculpSure, and PrecisionTX reduce collections of fat cells.
- Cost: $1,000 - $8,000
- Recovery & Results: Most patients recover within a few days to one week, and the results are permanent.
- CoolSculpting®
- Overview: Freezing therapy to remove stubborn pockets of fat.
- Cost: $2,000 - $4,000
- Recovery & Results: Bruising, pain, and swelling for one week. The results are permanent.
The Anatomy of Belly Fat
Stretch Marks, Scars, & Skin Tone/Texture Concerns
If pregnancy left you with unwanted skin tone and texture concerns, there are laser and radiofrequency therapies to help.
- Non-Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: Less aggressive than ablative lasers and spread over a larger skin surface area.
- Cost: $1,000 - $1,150
- Recovery & Results: Less side effects and recovery time than an ablative laser treatment. Multiple sessions may be needed and the results are temporary.
- Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: The fractional component means therapy is targeted to a specific treatment area such as a stretch mark.
- Cost: $1,000 - $1,150
- Recovery & Results: Skin will feel raw, red, and irritated for up to two weeks. The results are temporary and will require multiple treatments.
- Pulsed Dye Laser
- Overview: Targeted light therapy usually used to dissolve abnormal pigmentation and blood vessels.
- Cost: $400 - $800
- Recovery & Results: Skin irritation and mild bruising resolves within a week or so. Maintenance treatments may be needed every six months.
- Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
- Overview: Radiofrequency energy can assist the body in breaking down damaged cells, promoting new growth, and stimulating collagen production for improved skin firmness.
- Cost: $200 - $800
- Recovery & Results: Skin irritation and redness will occur. Multiple initial treatments and then maintenance treatments will be needed.
- Microdermabrasion
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