Mommy Makeover

The female body goes through a series of amazing changes in order to carry and deliver a child.  Every woman’s journey through pregnancy is different and so are the changes imparted upon the body. Some of these changes revert over time but some are permanent and require surgery to change. It is common to wish to return parts of your body to your pre-pregnancy form and Dr. Marc Everett can help you understand what your options to do so may be. 

A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures performed to restore and rejuvenate a woman’s body after childbirth. It typically includes a tummy tuck and liposuction, some form of breast surgery that may include a breast lift and either an augmentation or reduction and sometimes a vaginal labiaplasty. Highly customizable depending on your individual goals, this combination procedure is created specifically for each patient to contour and shape the different parts of the body changed by your unique pregnancy, all in one surgery.  Another group of patients that require a similar approach to surgical planning are those who have undergone massive weight loss. These patients may or may not have ever had a pregnancy but most of this information still applies to their care plans.

The Everett Clinic is an all-encompassing plastic surgery center with two locations in Manhattan and Queens, NY. Dr. Everett is a talented, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who performs all types of cosmetic surgery for patients in New York and beyond. With exceptional patient care, Dr. Everett helps people achieve their cosmetic desires using the latest techniques with the utmost regard for key safety measures. 

Dr. Everett takes great pride in patient comfort and welfare, making sure each person who sees him is informed and prepared. Schedule your mommy makeover consultation with him today by calling (212) 774-7715.

About the Mommy Makeover

Pregnancy-related changes often lead to the permanent appearance of an extended tummy with excess skin present, caused by weakened and separated abdominal muscles and extra fat collection on the flanks (sides). Some women experience deflated and flattened breasts after breastfeeding but others experience a permanent enlargement of their breasts due to the prolonged exposure to high levels of hormones. The labia minora can become enlarged, long, or discolored and the labia majora can develop an empty appearance. Mommy makeovers aim to address many of these changes in one surgery. Of the popular combinations, mommy makeovers most frequently include abdominoplasty and some form of breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction). When these procedures are performed concurrently, the impact on a patient’s body shape can be transformative, either returning to a form similar to the pre-pregnancy state, or changing or enhancing certain features.  

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Patients can achieve a smoother, flatter midsection with a tummy tuck. Dr. Everett removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and also repairs the abdominal muscles to further contour the area and restore core strength, where necessary. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have developed a full, round-appearing belly even long after pregnancy.  Over 160,000 tummy tucks were performed in the United States last year, representing an increase of over 37% compared to 2019, the last full year before the pandemic. ⁽¹⁾

Dr. Everett starts this procedure with an incision that travels from hip to hip near the bikini line. After separating the loose skin and tissue from the muscle underneath, he creates a flap around the belly button. He then sutures the abdominal muscles back into their original position, removes the excess tissue from the flap, and tightens the remaining skin by suturing the incision.  He repositions the belly button and then moves on to the next surgery. By creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile, a tummy tuck enhances overall body contour and proportions.  This is often accompanied by liposuction of the abdomen and flanks.  Stretch marks on the lower abdomen can also be reduced or eliminated as part of the procedure. 

Breast Enhancement

Breast Augmentation

A mommy makeover frequently includes breast augmentation to add volume to the patient’s breasts. It can also address asymmetry, resulting in firmer, more balanced contours. With either silicone implants or fat transfer, Dr. Everett increases the size and projection of the chest through very small incisions made within the skin fold under the breast. After making his incision, Dr. Everett creates a pocket for the implant below the pectoral muscle and carefully places the implant. He sutures the breast pocket closed in layers once the implants are in the correct position.  If using fat transfer, there is no need for a pocket or even for an incision as the fat is injected directly into the existing breast tissue. 

Breast Lift

Factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging can lead to changes in the breasts, causing them to lose elasticity and firmness. Between 2000 and 2020, breast lift rates increased by 65%. breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is to enhance the appearance of the breasts by correcting sagging (ptosis), improving symmetry, and restoring firmness. Breast lifts can be performed with or without the use of implants. During this procedure, Dr. Everett makes incisions around the nipple, straight down toward the breast fold, and/or along the fold itself to remove breast skin and tissue from the lower pole. Breast lifts also address the nipples, repositioning them higher onto the breast mound.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction addresses various concerns related to large breasts. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, this procedure primarily focuses on alleviating physical discomfort, improving posture, enhancing body proportion, and boosting self-confidence. This procedure also addresses asymmetry or unevenness in breast size, ensuring a symmetrical appearance post-surgery. By reducing the limitations imposed by excessively large breasts on physical activities, this surgery enables patients to engage more comfortably in daily tasks and exercise. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an astronomical 54% increase in the number of breast reductions performed per year. ⁽¹⁾

Liposuction

With liposuction, Dr. Everett uses a long, hollow needle called a cannula to break up and remove fat cells. It can be performed in almost all areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks, back, buttocks, arms, thighs, and neck. 

One of the advantages of utilizing liposuction during a mommy makeover is that after the fat is removed, it can be cleaned by centrifugation and reinjected into a different area of the body. It works well for patients with excess fat stored in the abdomen as this tissue can be harvested and then used to augment the breasts or buttocks as a fat transfer breast augmentation or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

Labiaplasty

After pregnancy, a patient’s labia may become enlarged, causing aesthetic and functional issues. Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that aims to remove small sections of excess labial tissue to relieve patients of chafing or friction problems or to restore confidence This procedure is also performed cosmetically to shorten or even the length of the labia if the patient is dissatisfied with their appearance. ⁽²⁾

There are two popular methods of removing excess tissue from the labia to shorten the length and make patients more comfortable. Known as the trim method and wedge method, Dr. Everett either trims the outer edges of the labia or removes a V-shaped section of tissue from each side. ⁽²⁾

Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

The transformations that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy and throughout the aging process often leave lasting changes that can impact her confidence and self-image. The mommy makeover procedure is a comprehensive and personalized approach to address these changes, offering a range of benefits that extend beyond just physical appearance. These include:

After receiving a mommy makeover, patients feel confident and proud of their bodies.

Massive Weight Loss Patients

This combination procedure is most frequently chosen by patients who have experienced pregnancy. However, these customized treatment plans are also suitable for patients who have undergone massive weight loss through diet and exercise, weight-loss surgery, or medications such as semaglutide. Massive weight loss patients more frequently have goals to meet that require addressing multiple areas of their body with changes that have occurred from their weight-loss journey.  “Mommy Makeover” is really just the commonly used nickname for a strategic combination of multiple procedures performed in one operation.  You need not be a mommy to apply! The customizable nature of a strategy like this makes it a great option for patients who seek comprehensive body contouring.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate is a patient who is not planning for additional pregnancies and has finished breastfeeding for at least 2 months before surgery.  If you are planning additional pregnancies in the future or are unsure about whether you may, we may design a strategy of less invasive procedures that wouldn’t limit your future options to have additional surgery when you are certain to be finished with having children. If you are a massive weight-loss patient, then you should be approaching or already be at your target weight. You must be in good overall health to undergo surgery at The Everett Clinic. You must disclose any underlying conditions during your consultation, especially if they will hinder your recovery. If you smoke, please refrain from tobacco and nicotine use for at least six weeks leading up to and after your surgery. The ideal patient for a mommy makeover also has realistic expectations about what the combination procedure can achieve.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Everett

Dr. Everett will speak with you about your medical history and cosmetic concerns at your personal consultation. He will perform a physical examination of the treatment areas to determine if a mommy makeover will provide the best results for you. He will take time during this appointment to explain the procedures he recommends and how they may help you reach your goals. 

Dr. Everett is an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon who wants the best for his patients. He takes the time to get to know you and to understand what your cosmetic vision is. At the end of this consultation, you will schedule your future surgery and follow-up appointments with a member of the Everett Clinic’s team. 

Preparation

To best prepare for your mommy makeover, you must undergo the necessary lab tests and examinations. Avoid alcohol and aspirin as these can increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. Some herbal remedies and medications can also thin your blood, so we recommend discussing all of your medication with Dr. Everett and stopping nutritional supplements other than vitamins and minerals before surgery.

Mommy makeovers require general anesthesia so you will not be able to drive yourself home. It is also a good idea to prepare a space at home where you can comfortably heal. You may also want to prepare some of your favorite meals beforehand that can be easily reheated. Lastly, pick up all prescribed medications before your surgery date.

Mommy Makeover Recovery & Results

The recovery process after a mommy makeover varies between patients depending on procedure plans. The minimum downtown for a tummy tuck is 2 weeks. Combination procedures that do not have abdominal muscle repairs may allow you to return to work and exercise sooner.  If you receive buttock augmentation during your procedure, your recovery may be longer than someone who only receives a tummy tuck and breast lift combination. Dr. Everett places compression garments around both the abdomen and breasts to support and protect the treatment areas. This also reduces swelling. We provide information on how to care for your incisions and any drains placed during surgery. You schedule your follow-up appointments at the end of your consultation.

Do not lift anything heavy for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover. Your abdomen will be stiff and it will be difficult to straighten your upper body for the first two weeks. This makes it difficult to lay flat in bed and some patients find recovery in a reclining chair or a bed with additional pillows to be helpful for the first few days.  Make sure to avoid straining your incisions. It is important to take short walks often while you recover to aid blood circulation. Avoid any strenuous activity for 6 to 8 weeks or until Dr. Everett tells you otherwise.

Patients typically don’t see their final results until a few months after the procedure. Swelling and bruising are a normal and expected part of your recovery. Please follow the postoperative directions closely to ensure optimal results and safe healing. If you experience any abnormal bleeding or fever, contact Dr. Everett right away.

While individual results may vary, the effects of a Mommy Makeover are designed to be long-lasting. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight after the procedure, women can enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for years to come.

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost in New York City?

The cost of a mommy makeover varies between patients because of its customizable nature. The best way to estimate how much your procedure will cost is to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Everett. Contact us online today or call our offices in Manhattan or Queens, NY at (212) 774-7715.

References

1. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf 
2. Furnas HJ, Canales FL, Pedreira RA, Comer C, Lin SJ, Banwell PE. The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(7):e3660. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003660