Pregnancy and motherhood can change your body in ways that diet and exercise often can't reverse.
Even when you reach your pre-baby weight, you might find that things just don't look or feel the same: Breasts that lost volume after breastfeeding, loose abdominal skin that won't snap back, or separated muscles causing that persistent belly "pooch."
These aren't flaws or failures. They're the natural result of your body doing something incredible.
But now, you have the right to feel incredible.
A mommy makeover helps women regain their confidence by restoring the body’s shape, balance, and contours. Through a customized combination of procedures (often a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction) a mommy makeover helps you look and feel more like yourself again, empowering you to embrace the next chapter with confidence and pride.
The results can be transformative. That's why 96% of patients on RealSelf say their mommy makeover was worth it — one of the highest satisfaction ratings for any cosmetic procedure.
In this short guide, we'll cover everything you need to know: what's involved, real recovery timelines, risks, costs, who is a good candidate (and who isn't!), and how to find a great surgeon.
WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?
A mommy makeover isn't a single procedure. Instead, it's a customized combination of cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the areas of a woman's body most affected by pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
It’s tailored to your unique goals and can include treatments like a tummy tuck to tighten abdominal muscles, breast surgery to lift or add volume, and liposuction to refine your shape.
Women who come in for mommy makeover consultations typically mention concerns like:
- Breasts that feel "deflated" or sagging after breastfeeding
- Loose skin on the abdomen that won't go away
- Separated or weakened abdominal muscles
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Lost definition in the waistline
- Stubborn fat deposits on the hips, thighs, or flanks
- Overall feeling that their body doesn't feel like "theirs" anymore
The beauty of the mommy makeover is that the mommy makeover procedures are completely custom and tailored to your goals.
Read more: What Procedures Can Be Included In A Mommy Makeover?
Another key benefit: One recovery period
One of the reasons that so many people choose a mommy makeover is that it combines multiple procedures into a single surgery. Instead of scheduling separate operations months apart, with multiple recovery periods, multiple anesthesia exposures and multiple costs, you only have to do everything once.
This means:
- One recovery period to plan around
- Only one set of anesthesia and facility fees
- Faster return to your normal life overall
And because all procedures are planned and performed together, your results come together in harmony.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
A mommy makeover is ideal for women who have finished having children and are at a stable weight they can maintain. You need to be in good overall health with realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
In other words, your body needs to be strong enough to safely undergo anesthesia, surgery and recovery. This means:
- Having a BMI under 30
- No unmanaged medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Not smoking (or willing to quit)
- Healthy bloodwork
Who isn’t it for?
A mommy makeover isn't right if you're planning more children. It's usually safe to have more kids after the procedure, but it can reverse your results. The skin may stretch again, abdominal muscles can separate, and breast shape or volume can change after breastfeeding.
You should also wait if you haven't maintained a stable weight for several months or have a BMI over 30.
If you're a smoker, nicotine dramatically increases the odds of complications after surgery. However, if you can quit 4-6 weeks before and 6+ weeks after surgery, you will likely be a good candidate.
Certain health conditions require postponing surgery: uncontrolled diabetes, heart conditions, or blood clotting disorders. If you stopped breastfeeding less than 3-6 months ago, your breasts haven't settled into their final shape yet.
Finally, this surgery is for women who want it for themselves. If you're doing it primarily because of pressure from a partner, a mommy makeover isn't the answer.
IS MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY SAFE?
Every surgery has risks, and it's completely reasonable to worry about safety when you're considering multiple procedures at once.
More surgery means more anesthesia, more time in the operating room, and what feels like more risk. That concern makes sense, but here's what the research actually shows.
The surprising truth about combined procedures
A 2023 study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery directly compared women who had combined mommy makeover surgery to those who only had a tummy tuck. The combined surgery group showed significantly better improvements in body image and overall satisfaction, while being just as safe as the single procedure. This challenges the assumption that combining procedures necessarily means more risk.
The key is proper execution. When your surgeon keeps the total surgery time under six hours, uses proper blood clot prevention measures, and carefully selects appropriate patients, combining procedures is safe and delivers better outcomes.
Read More: How Long Does Mommy Makeover Surgery Take?
Smart recovery to prevent complications
The most serious complication to be aware of is venous thromboembolism, which is blood clots that can travel to your lungs.
This occurs in about 0.2% of abdominoplasty patients. Here's the critical fact: 87% of these events happen after the patient has gone home, with the average time being 10.5 days after surgery.
That's why your surgeon will insist on:
- Blood-thinning medication
- Compression devices during and after surgery
- Early walking, aiming for 20 minutes total of movement per day by day seven
Long-term results: What happens years later
Research following patients for five years after surgery reveals some encouraging findings:
- Patients often continue losing weight for up to five years post-surgery, likely due to improved motivation to stay healthy and enhanced ability to exercise
- The tissue that's permanently removed doesn't return
- The internal "corset" of sutures that repair separated abdominal muscles lasts for decades, unless affected by future pregnancy or major weight gain
- After 10-20 years, natural aging causes some skin elasticity loss, but patients who maintain stable weight preserve their contours remarkably well
- Scars continue improving for two years and fade significantly by the five-year mark with proper sun protection
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, 96% of Realself patients say their mommy makeover was "worth it," one of the highest satisfaction ratings for any cosmetic procedure.
Read More: What Are The Risks of Mommy Makeover Surgery?
MOMMY MAKEOVER RECOVERY TIMELINE
Recovery can be challenging, especially in the first two weeks, but knowing what to expect helps you plan properly and avoid surprises.
In the first 48 hours, you'll be fatigued from anesthesia and experiencing peak pain levels.
If you had a tummy tuck, walking upright will be difficult, and you cannot lift anything over 5-10 pounds. During this period it's best to have a full-time caregiver for basic needs and complete childcare coverage.
Week 1: Light movement
During the first week, you'll begin to take short walks to maintain circulation and prevent blood clots. You'll have a follow-up appointment around days 3-5, often for drain removal if your surgeon uses them.
Sleep propped up with pillow support under your knees. At this point, the pain will feel like "tight and achy" rather than sharp, similar to a C-section recovery.
Week 2: Movement increases
You'll notice real improvement this week. Pain becomes very manageable, and most patients transition off prescription painkillers to simple over-the-counter pain relievers.
You're still not cleared to drive until you're completely off prescription meds and can wear a seatbelt comfortably, but you're well on your way.
Weeks 3-4: Return to desk work
Most patients return to desk jobs during this period, though physically demanding work requires 4-6 weeks minimum. Light walking remains the only permitted exercise. You'll wear compression garments continuously.
Week 6: The major milestone
This is typically when you get clearance to:
- Lift over 10 pounds
- Resume light cardio (with surgeon approval)
- Return to sexual activity
- Start feeling more like yourself
Weeks 6-12: Return to normal
Heavy lifting and core exercises usually wait until 8-12 weeks to protect the muscle repair. Isolated core strengthening is often restricted to 12 weeks.
Listen to your body and don't rush: Overexertion can compromise healing.
6 Months: Full results visible
Swelling completely resolves around six months, revealing your final results. Your scars will continue to improve for the next 12-24 months.
HOW MUCH DOES A MOMMY MAKEOVER COST?
Because there's no "one size fits all" mommy makeover, costs vary significantly based on what you include. Here's what to expect:
Realistic price ranges
- Core combo (tummy tuck + breast lift or breast augmentation): Low- to mid-twenties
- Expanded combo (core + multi-area lipo or lift with implants): $25,000 to $35,000
- Extensive makeover (360° lipo, complex repair, multiple procedures): Can exceed $35,000
The national average for mommy makeovers is around $17,722, but this varies widely based on location, surgeon expertise, and procedure complexity.
What drives the cost?
The biggest factors affecting your final price:
- Which procedures you combine – More procedures mean higher costs, but you save by paying operating room and anesthesia fees only once instead of multiple times.
- Extent of work needed – Extensive corrections (like removing significant excess skin or treating multiple areas) take more time and resources.
- Your surgeon's expertise – Cosmetic surgeons with extensive experience charge more, but you're paying for refined outcomes, lower complication risks, and higher satisfaction. The upfront investment is worth it.
- Location – Major metropolitan areas like Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and New York have higher costs, but they're also home to world-renowned surgeons..
Most practices offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans with low or no interest if paid on time. Insurance won't cover elective cosmetic procedures, with rare exceptions for hernias or severe medical conditions.
Don’t bargain hunt
Choosing a surgeon based only on price can cost you more in the long run. Poor results may require expensive revision surgery, and more importantly, your safety is at stake. If you see prices significantly lower than these ranges, that's a red flag.
Read More: How to Pay For A Mommy Makeover
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PLASTIC SURGEON
In California, there’s no law stopping a licensed doctor from calling themselves a “cosmetic surgeon,” even if they haven’t completed formal plastic surgery training.
So, what are the signs that a plastic surgeon is not just qualified but skilled?
1. Start with board certification
When researching doctors, check to make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify surgeons specifically in plastic surgery.
ABPS certification requires:
- Graduation from accredited medical school
- Completion of 5-8 years surgical residency training
- Minimum three years dedicated plastic surgery training
- Approximately 3,000+ procedures during training
- Passing rigorous written and oral examinations
2. Next, look for ASPS membership and FACS designation
Look for:
- ASPS membership (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) - 92% of board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. are members. Critically, members can only perform surgery in accredited facilities.
- FACS designation (Fellow of American College of Surgeons) - Additional verification that education, training, qualifications and ethics passed rigorous evaluation.
3. Check their facility accreditations
Accredited plastic surgery facilities meet strict standards for equipment, staffing, emergency readiness, and cleanliness, the same standards used in hospitals.
During your initial call, ask if surgeon's the facility is accredited by an organization such as AAAASF, AAAHC, or JCAHO, and verify it online. Accreditation ensures your surgery is performed in a setting that’s regularly inspected and held to the highest patient-safety standards.
You can verify accreditation by visiting the following websites:
- AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities)
- AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care)
- The Joint Commission (JCAHO)
4. Questions to ask at your initial consultation
You've already verified your surgeon is board-certified and operates in an accredited facility. That's your baseline.
Now use your consultation to understand their approach to your specific case and what working with them will be like. These questions help you evaluate whether this surgeon is the right fit:
- "What are the specific risks and potential complications for my procedure?"
- Transparency about all risks indicates ethical practice
- Listen for thorough, honest answers rather than dismissiveness
- "What is included in your quoted price?"
- Prevents surprise bills
- Reveals hidden fees
- Get it in writing with an itemized breakdown
- "Can I see before/after photos of patients similar to me?"
- Look for extensive portfolio of actual patients
- Photos should show results that match your body type and goals
- Read More: View Real Before-And-After Mommy Makeover Photos
- "Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?"
- If not, the surgeon cannot continue your care if complications require hospitalization
- "Who will administer my anesthesia?"
- Must be board-certified anesthesiologist or CRNA
- Not the surgeon or untrained staff
- "What is your revision policy?"
- Understanding how they handle unexpected outcomes shows their commitment to patient satisfaction
Red flags that should end the conversation
Get a sense of the doctor's skill, communication style, and ultimately, if they are the type of person you'd like to work with.
Walk away immediately if you encounter:
- Promises of results that sound too good to be true
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Defensive or vague responses about credentials or risks
- Prices significantly lower than other surgeons
- Inability to show extensive before/after photos
- Unwillingness to provide patient references
EMERGING TRENDS: WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN MOMMY MAKEOVERS
The world around mommy makeovers continues to evolve rapidly. Here are trends shaping 2025 and beyond:
The GLP-1 patient surge
With medications like Ozempic and Wegovy becoming more popular for weight loss, plastic surgeons expect a dramatic increase in patients seeking body contouring in 2025-2026. These patients are different from traditional post-bariatric surgery patients.
They're often younger and lost weight rapidly through medication rather than surgery. This is creating a new subspecialty called "post-GLP-1 body contouring" that requires adapted techniques.
The natural aesthetic movement
Patient preferences have also fundamentally shifted. Instead of requesting the standard 350-400cc breast implants that were popular a few years ago, most patients now ask for 250-300cc ranges.
The goal is "barely there" enhancement: breasts that look natural rather than obviously augmented. Downsizing procedures are increasing as patients from the previous era seek revision to smaller, more natural appearances.
Fat transfer and hybrid procedures
Fat transfer to breasts (using your own fat instead of implants) is growing in popularity. It provides dual benefits: body contouring in the areas where fat is removed while enhancing breasts. It's best for patients seeking 1-2 cup size increases.
Hybrid breast augmentation combines implants with fat transfer, allowing for precise shaping and smoother transitions at implant edges that implants alone can't provide.
3D imaging and AI planning
Technology like Vectra 3D imaging systems lets you visualize multiple implant sizes and shapes before surgery. This dramatically reduces post-operative dissatisfaction by allowing data-driven customization. You can actually see what different options will look like on your body.
New types of 'makeovers'
The "Menopause Makeover" is emerging for peri- and post-menopausal women addressing hormonal body changes that are distinct from post-pregnancy concerns.
"Daddy Do-Over" procedures for men are up 2% in 2024, targeting chest and abdomen including "love handles" and gynecomastia (male breast tissue) reduction.
ABOUT DR. JAIME SCHWARTZ, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz MD FACS specializes in mommy makeover procedures.
His credentials reflect a career dedicated to advancing the field while keeping patient safety and natural results at the forefront. After graduating from Georgetown University School of Medicine, one of the nation's most selective medical schools, Dr. Schwartz completed a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at Georgetown University Hospital, performing close to 3,000 procedures during his training.
He then pursued advanced fellowship training at Cleveland Clinic, focusing specifically on face and body aesthetics.
National leadership in plastic surgery
What sets Dr. Schwartz apart is his national leadership in plastic surgery:
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons selected him as one of only 10 surgeons in the entire United States to develop clinical practice guidelines for breast surgeries. He literally wrote the national guidelines that other surgeons follow.
- He leads clinical trials for breast implant safety and scarring reduction, and serves on multiple ASPS committees focused on health policy, patient safety, and clinical trials.
- Other plastic surgeons consult Dr. Schwartz for their most complex cases. He's been featured on "Botched" and "The Doctors" as the expert who fixes what others couldn't.
- He's a RealSelf Top 100 Physician and has received multiple Physician Excellence Awards recognizing both his technical skill and patient care.
Innovative techniques for better outcomes
Dr. Schwartz has developed innovative techniques specifically to improve patient outcomes:
- His Schwartz Scar Secure™ protocol minimizes scarring, a critical concern for mommy makeover patients.
- His Schwartz Rapid Recuperation™ methods help you heal faster and return to caring for your family sooner.
- He's also the developer of the minimally invasive LipoLift procedure for breast reduction and lift.
His Beverly Hills practice reflects his commitment to comprehensive care. The state-of-the-art accredited surgical center is located adjacent to his office, and concierge teams assist international patients with everything from hotel arrangements to recovery suites and transportation. Whether you're coming from Los Angeles or traveling from abroad, you'll experience the same personalized attention.
Read More: Find Out More About Traveling to Los Angeles for Mommy Makeover Procedures
For women considering a mommy makeover, Dr. Schwartz offers something invaluable: a surgeon who not only has world-class credentials but also understands that this decision is deeply personal.
His goal isn't to transform you into someone else. It's to help you recognize yourself again when you look in the mirror.
START THE CONVERSATION WITH AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
Mommy makeover surgery in 2025 is safer and more effective than ever before.
The key to success is choosing a properly qualified surgeon who operates in accredited facilities and carefully selecting the right time in your life for the procedure. When done right, mommy makeovers deliver transformative results that last for decades.
If you're considering a mommy makeover, take your time researching surgeons, ask all the questions, and make sure you're doing it for the right reasons — for yourself, at the right time in your life, with realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot accomplish.
Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Jaime Schwartz to discuss your goals, get expert guidance on your options, and create a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.