Mommy Makeover

New Patient Appointment or 214-645-2353

A “mommy makeover” involves procedures that help restore the body’s shape and appearance after pregnancy and childbirth. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, patients can rely on our plastic surgeons to guide them through a comprehensive range of surgical and nonsurgical options to meet their personal objectives.

What Is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

No two mommy makeovers are alike. We customize the appropriate procedures to meet each patient's unique needs. This typically includes a combination of surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Many include one or more of the following procedures:

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): This procedure tightens stretched abdominal muscles, removes loose skin, and may reduce stretch marks. It’s often used to correct diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that can’t be fixed through exercise.
Breast augmentation: Implants can restore volume and improve the shape or symmetry of the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breast lift (mastopexy): A mastopexy lifts sagging breasts and repositions the nipple and areola for a more natural appearance. It’s often performed with or without implants.
Liposuction: A surgeon removes fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or arms. It’s not a weight-loss procedure, but it can refine shape.
Feminine or vaginal rejuvenation: This includes procedures such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty, which aim to restore comfort, function, or appearance of the vaginal area after childbirth.

Some patients also choose to include nonsurgical treatments, such as skin tightening, injectables, or cellulite reduction, especially if they’re not ready for surgery or plan to have more children.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for a Mommy Makeover?

Our team of plastic surgeons is internationally recognized for delivering outstanding clinical care and conducting groundbreaking research. One of the hallmarks of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas is the accessibility of our doctors to patients before and after the surgery to provide guidance and answer any questions.

What Are the Benefits of Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Mommy makeover surgery offers numerous physical and emotional benefits. While results vary based on the procedures performed, common outcomes include:

Reshape breasts, with options to lift, reduce, or enhance size
Flatter, firmer abdomen through the removal of excess skin and the repair of stretched abdominal muscles
Body contouring by targeting stubborn fat in areas like the hips, thighs, or arms

When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, a mommy makeover can be a safe and effective way to achieve long-lasting results that align with each patient’s personal goals.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for a Mommy Makeover?

Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gaining and losing significant amounts of weight, and other factors contribute to changes that happen to a woman’s body after having children. When exercise and diet programs are not enough to achieve the results patients want, mommy makeover plastic surgery can be an option to achieve the desired results for their bodies.

Because no two women are alike, our Dallas-based plastic surgeons make sure the procedures are appropriate for each individual patient. We recommend options based on the patient, applying the latest technology, products, and techniques to help achieve safe, effective results. Mommy makeovers can be an option for patients as young as their 20s.

What Should Patients Consider When Choosing a Surgeon for a Mommy Makeover?

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in planning a mommy makeover. Key factors to consider include:

Board certification: Make sure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), as it means they have completed rigorous training and passed comprehensive exams.
Experience with post-pregnancy procedures: Ask how many mommy makeovers or similar surgeries the surgeon has performed.
Accredited surgical facilities: Confirm that the surgeon operates in an accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facility.
Before-and-after photos: Review photos of previous patients with similar body types and goals. This can help set realistic expectations and give insight into the surgeon’s aesthetic approach.
Comfort and communication: Choose a surgeon who listens, answers questions thoroughly, and makes you feel at ease.

UT Southwestern’s Department of Plastic Surgery is one of the world’s largest and most respected academic programs, with faculty recognized internationally for their expertise. Our board-certified plastic surgeons bring deep experience in post-pregnancy body procedures and a commitment to natural-looking results.

What Happens During a Mommy Makeover Consultation?

During a consultation, a UT Southwestern surgeon will:

Review the patient’s medical history
Discuss any concerns
Perform a physical exam that often includes the breasts, abdomen, and any other areas the patient is considering for surgery

This is also the time for patients to ask questions, express their goals, and view before-and-after photos of previous patients.

Our team understands how personal this decision can be. We take time to answer every question – whether it's about recovery, results, or which procedures will best support the patient’s goals.

How Long Does a Mommy Makeover Take?

The length of a mommy makeover depends on how many procedures are included. For many patients, the surgery takes 3 to 6 hours.

A standard mommy makeover often combines a tummy tuck and breast surgery, but procedures like liposuction, buttock augmentation, or vaginal rejuvenation may also be included. Each added procedure increases the overall surgery time, though many can still be performed safely during the same operation.

What Is the Typical Recovery Time for a Mommy Makeover?

Because a mommy makeover often combines multiple procedures into a single surgery, patients benefit from just one operation and one recovery period, rather than going through separate recoveries for each procedure.

Most patients need at least 2 weeks off from work and caregiving duties, especially if they have young children. During the first few days, activity should be very limited. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation – but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and core movements are restricted for 4 to 6 weeks.

While early swelling improves in the first few weeks, final results may take several months to appear as the body continues to heal. Scars will also soften and fade over time.

For long-term results, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. We can recommend a diet and exercise plan to help patients maintain the long-term impact of a mommy makeover.

Can Women Still Breastfeed After Getting Breast Implants?

Yes, many women with breast implants are able to breastfeed.

During breast augmentation, implants are usually placed under the chest muscle or behind the breast tissue. This helps protect the milk ducts and glands that are needed for breastfeeding. As a result, many patients are still able to produce and deliver milk.

However, some factors, such as the type of incision or the location and size of the implant, can affect milk supply in a small number of patients.

UT Southwestern plastic surgeons are skilled in techniques that help preserve breastfeeding ability whenever possible. For women who hope to breastfeed in the future, the surgical team works to protect the structures involved in milk production.

Can a Mommy Makeover Address Stretch Marks?

Yes – if the makeover includes a tummy tuck. Stretch marks form in the deeper layers of skin and typically do not respond to creams or laser treatments. However, when a tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin, it often removes many of the stretch marks in that area as well.