Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover combines multiple procedures to address the physical changes from pregnancy and breastfeeding, helping you restore your pre-baby body.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
4-6 hours
Recovery Time
2-4 weeks
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$12,000+
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a specific combination of surgical procedures designed to help women restore their bodies after the physical changes of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Rather than a single operation, it's a adjusted surgical plan that typically combines breast enhancement (augmentation, lift, or both) with body contouring (tummy tuck with muscle repair and often liposuction), all performed during one surgery with one recovery period. Pregnancy creates changes that cannot be fully reversed through diet and exercise alone: breasts lose volume and sag, abdominal muscles separate (diastasis recti), skin stretches beyond its ability to retract, and stubborn fat deposits may persist. A mommy makeover addresses all of these concerns fullly. By combining procedures, patients enjoy a single anesthesia, one recovery period, and often better overall results since the entire body is restored proportionally. Dr. Kurtzman has particular expertise in mommy makeovers, understanding the unique goals and time constraints of mothers who want to reclaim their bodies while managing busy family lives.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Classic Mommy Makeover
The most common combination: breast augmentation or lift plus full tummy tuck with muscle repair. Addresses the two areas most affected by pregnancy in a single surgery.
Best for: Mothers with deflated or sagging breasts and loose abdominal skin with muscle separation
Mommy Makeover with Liposuction
Adds liposuction of the flanks, back, or thighs to the classic combination for full body contouring. Creates more dramatic overall transformation.
Best for: Mothers who also have stubborn fat deposits that didn't resolve after pregnancy
Breast-Focused Mommy Makeover
Emphasizes breast restoration with augmentation mastopexy (implants + lift) plus mini tummy tuck. Ideal when breast changes are the primary concern.
Best for: Mothers whose main concern is breast changes, with only mild abdominal skin laxity
Body-Focused Mommy Makeover
Emphasizes abdominal restoration with full tummy tuck and liposuction, plus modest breast enhancement. Ideal when body changes are the primary concern.
Best for: Mothers whose main concern is the abdomen, with only mild breast changes
Ideal Candidates
Mommy makeover delivers the best results for mothers who have completed their families and are ready to invest in their own restoration. During consultation, we'll discuss which combination of procedures best addresses your specific concerns:
- Have completed childbearing, future pregnancy can compromise results significantly
- At least 6 months post-delivery and 3+ months since breastfeeding stopped for body to stabilize
- At or near stable goal weight, mommy makeover is not a weight loss procedure
- Experiencing breast changes: volume loss, sagging, asymmetry, or changes in shape
- Bothered by loose abdominal skin, stretch marks, separated muscles (diastasis recti), or stubborn fat deposits
- Good overall health without conditions that increase surgical risk
- Have reliable help at home for recovery, especially important with young children
- Realistic expectations about recovery time and the extent of improvement possible
The Procedure
Every mommy makeover is planned based on your specific concerns and goals. During consultation, we'll design a surgical plan that addresses your priorities while keeping total surgical time within safe limits:
1. Customized Surgical Planning
During consultation, we evaluate your breasts, abdomen, and any other areas of concern. We discuss which procedures will best achieve your goals and create a full surgical plan adjusted to your body and priorities.
2. Anesthesia & Positioning
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You'll be positioned to allow optimal access to all treatment areas. The surgical team follows an efficient sequence to minimize total anesthesia time.
3. Breast Procedure
The breast component is typically performed first. This may include augmentation (implants for volume), lift (mastopexy for position), augmentation with lift (both volume and position), or reduction (smaller, lifted breasts).
4. Abdominal Procedure
The tummy tuck component addresses loose skin, separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti repair), and the belly button is repositioned. This is the core of most mommy makeovers, restoring a flat, toned midsection.
5. Liposuction (if included)
Strategic liposuction may be added to contour the flanks, back, thighs, or other areas with stubborn fat deposits. This enhances overall body proportions and is commonly included in mommy makeovers.
6. Closure & Recovery Preparation
All incisions are closed carefully. Drains are placed if needed. Compression garments and surgical bras are applied. You'll spend time in recovery before going home with a companion.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from mommy makeover requires planning, especially with children at home. Week 1: Rest is essential. You'll need significant help with children and household tasks, no lifting over 5-10 pounds (including children). Moderate discomfort managed with medication. Drains typically removed during this week. Sleep in a reclined position. Week 2: Gradually increasing activity but still need help at home. Most patients feel much better by end of week 2. May transition to less-restrictive support garments. Weeks 3-4: Many patients return to desk work around week 2-3. Continue avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Children can sit on your lap but should not be lifted. Weeks 4-6: Resume most normal activities including light exercise. Can begin lifting children again. Swelling continues to decrease. Months 2-3: Return to full exercise. Final results emerge as swelling resolves completely.
Results are full and dramatic, you'll see significant improvement in both your breasts and body immediately, with final results emerging over 3-6 months. Most patients say their bodies look better than before pregnancy. Results are long-lasting provided you maintain a stable weight and don't have future pregnancies. Many women report not just improved appearance but increased confidence, better-fitting clothes, and feeling like themselves again after years of body changes.
Real Patient Results
See the transformative results our patients have achieved
Sensitive Content
This gallery contains medical before and after images
Mommy Makeover
4 views available
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after having children can I have a mommy makeover?
We recommend waiting at least 6 months after your last delivery and at least 3 months after you've completely stopped breastfeeding. This allows your hormones to stabilize, your breasts to settle into their final post-nursing state, and your body to recover from pregnancy. Some patients choose to wait until their youngest child is more independent (1-2 years old) so recovery is easier with less lifting required.
Is it safe to combine multiple procedures?
Yes, combining procedures is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon on appropriate candidates and when total surgical time is kept within reasonable limits (typically under 6 hours). Combining procedures actually means one anesthesia, one recovery period, and often less total risk than having multiple separate surgeries. We carefully evaluate each patient's health and surgical plan to ensure safety.
What procedures are typically included in a mommy makeover?
The most common combination is breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or both) plus tummy tuck with muscle repair, often with liposuction added. However, your mommy makeover is designed around you, some patients only need breast work, others focus on the abdomen, and some include additional procedures like arm lift or thigh lift. We design the plan around YOUR specific concerns.
What if I get pregnant after a mommy makeover?
While pregnancy after mommy makeover is safe, it will likely affect your results, stretched skin may return, muscles may separate again, and breasts will change with pregnancy and nursing. This is why we strongly recommend completing your family before having a mommy makeover. If pregnancy does occur, revision surgery can be performed afterward.
How do I manage recovery with young children at home?
Planning is essential. You'll need help for at least 2-3 weeks, ideally a partner, family member, or hired help who can manage the children and household. You cannot lift children (typically 20-30+ pounds) for 4-6 weeks. Many moms schedule surgery during school breaks or when grandparents can visit. Having meals prepared in advance and childcare arranged makes recovery much smoother.
Will I have visible scars?
Mommy makeover does result in scars. Tummy tuck leaves a hip-to-hip scar (hidden by underwear/bikini) and a small scar around the belly button. Breast scars depend on the procedure performed. All scars fade significantly over 12-18 months. Most patients feel the dramatic improvement in their body is well worth the trade-off of scars that are hidden by clothing and swimwear.
Your Expert for Mommy Makeover
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Special expertise in the unique combination of breast and body procedures mothers need
- Efficient surgical planning that achieves full results in a single session
- Understanding of the physical changes of pregnancy and how to best address them
- Compassionate approach recognizing the challenges of recovery with young children at home
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Mommy Makeover?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.