As a plastic surgery practice specializing in mommy makeovers, we can tell you it's one of the most sought-after procedures in our field. This transformative surgery targets the bodily changes that often occur post-pregnancy, helping you reclaim your pre-baby body confidence.

Dr. John Burns is renowned for his expertise in mommy makeovers, crafting personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. A typical mommy makeover entails a combination of abdominal contouring, including tummy tucks and strategic liposuction, paired with breast rejuvenation through breast lifts, breast augmentations, or a blend of both procedures.

Here are some lesser-known insights into the mommy makeover journey that you might find helpful as you consider undergoing this life-changing transformation.

Mom guilt is a genuine emotion deeply rooted in the selfless nature of motherhood. Many moms hesitate to invest in themselves, prioritizing their family's needs over their own. Concerns about finances, ongoing responsibilities, and the apprehension surrounding surgical procedures contribute to this internal struggle that most moms battle.

It's crucial to acknowledge that prioritizing your well-being can ultimately benefit both you and your family. By taking steps to boost your self-esteem and address your unexpected body changes, you're investing in your ability to be the best mom you can be in the long run.Pre-planning for your plastic surgery procedure can help alleviate worries about managing household tasks and childcare responsibilities during your recovery period. Utilizing the assistance of family and friends for meal preparation, transportation, and childcare can ease the burden and ensure a smooth transition, especially during your first week of recovery.

While every surgical procedure carries inherent risks, taking proactive measures to mitigate these risks is vital. Establishing a comprehensive post-surgery plan and maintaining open communication with your plastic surgeon and care team are essential steps toward achieving a successful outcome.

Remember, overcoming mom guilt is entirely achievable, and the support you receive from your loved ones may surprise you. Prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish—it's an investment in your ability to thrive as both a mom and an individual.

2. A Mommy Makeover Isn't A One-size-fits-all Procedure

No two moms are exactly alike. You’ll want to be finished having kids before embarking on a mommy makeover. Most procedures are centered around a tummy tuck which reverses the changes pregnancy has on your body:

• Excess skin and fat on your lower abdomen
• Rectus diastasis: stretching of your abdominal wall muscles
• Stretch marks on your abdomen
• A boxy or rectangular appearance to the waist due to the loss of an hourglass shape
• excess fat around your waist and torso: flanks, bra fat, axillary/armpit fat, back fat

The breasts are also different for different women. Some might need a breast reduction to decrease the size of and raise their breasts, while others only require a breast implant to fill out deflated breasts. Here are common breast procedures:

• Breast Augmentation with Implant
• Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
• Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction

Other procedures which are commonly done as part of a mommy makeover also include:

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) via Fat Transfer
• Neck Liposuction
• Botox & Fillers
• Labiaplasty
• Lipo of the Arms and Thighs
• Surgical Thigh Lift
• Arm Lift
• Neck Lift

A consultation is essential in determining the combination of procedures most appropriate for you. Make sure to express your concerns and desired outcomes.

3. Dr. Burns Can Remove Your C-Section Scar

For women who have a c-section scar, Dr. Burns will place your tummy tuck incision below the c-section scar to remove it. You’ll only have one scar which can easily be hidden in most panties or bikini bottoms. Placing the tummy tuck scar low on the abdomen ensures it won’t be visible in clothing. This is called a “bikini incision.”

Learn more: The Corset Tummy Tuck  |  The Tiny Tuck  |  VASER Liposuction  | Skinny BBL  | The Bikini Inciscion  |  Tummy Tuck Scars | Mommy Makeover BBL

4. You'll Need To Do Light Walking After Your Procedure

One of the risks of a mommy makeover procedure is something called a DVT which is a risk for any surgery. Before receiving anesthesia, our nurses place compression stockings and sequential compression devices on your lower legs to keep your blood circulating. The SCDs are like a long blood pressure cuff that pushes blood through your circulatory system and prevents it from clotting. After you wake up our recovery nurses will assist you in getting out of bed with assistance. While recovering, we recommend you walk every 1-2 hours for the first week to ensure that your blood circulates and doesn’t form a blood clot.

In some cases, Dr. Burns will give a blood thinner shot called Lovenox after surgery to lower the risk of a DVT.

5. A Tummy Tuck and BBL Can Be Done Together

Yes, and it’s more common than you think. Liposuction is part of almost every mommy makeover procedure. Typically the fat that is removed is discarded. However, the fat can be repurposed by injecting it back into your butt to give to enhance its roundness and projection, creating an overall better shape. Many moms develop a flat butt after pregnancy or may have never had a round shape. Many moms love this two-for-one procedure that contours while slimming areas like the hips, thighs, and abdomen.

Post-surgery positioning can be more of a challenge since you must lay on your side. You’ll want to invest in a “pregnancy pillow” to support your legs, hips, and back. Turning from side to side helps relieve pressure on your butt that can harm the fat. Keeping a flexed position will also take the pressure off of your tummy tuck incision.

Your Compression Garment

You’ll be in compression garments after surgery to smooth the skin and keep fluid from accumulating under the skin. These garments typically look similar to Spanx or spandex garments. For best results, you’ll wear them for 6 weeks after your procedure. The first three weeks will be in a tighter surgical garment and the last 3 weeks in looser, softer shapewear called Stage II garments. Many women will also use lymphatic drainage massage or endermologie to help with swelling and recovery.  

Getting Adequate Portions of Protein Is Key During Recovery

Good hydration and diet are critical in your recovery. You’ll need more protein to heal than you probably get from your usual diet. Protein supplements in powder form or a drink help you get adequate protein to ensure good healing. Popular supplements are Boost or Ensure drinks.

6. Temporary Numbness is Common and Resolves

Numbness in the abdomen or breasts can occur and is temporary. During a tummy tuck or breast lift your skin is elevated and some sensory nerves are impacted. The nerves regenerate over six months so that sensation will return to your abdomen, breasts, and any liposuction areas. 

7. Be Patient with Your Breast Recovery

Your breasts may require several weeks to assume a more natural look and shape. When a breast implant is placed under the chest muscle, the muscle is tight and pushes the implant up. This is called: “riding high.” While you look great in clothes, you’ll want your breast implants to drop into place. After several weeks, the implants will sit normally and you’ll love the new look.

For breast lifts, a similar process can occur due to tightness in the breasts from tight lifted skin. The incisions will also look more noticeable at first which is concerning for many women. The skin will stretch over time so that the lifted breasts look normal in several weeks while the scars may take a few months to fade. We recommend scar gel, silicone scar sheeting, and post-surgery laser therapy to optimize scar quality.

8. Constipation Is Normal After Surgery

The combination of anesthesia, pain medication, dehydration, and inactivity can cause constipation. Dr. Burns will use a long-acting local anesthetic called Exparel during your procedure to decrease your need for pain medication. Decreasing pain medication, good hydration, walking, and taking laxatives will help relieve constipation.  

9. Packing Your Belly Button Gives The Best Result In The End

Achieving a perfect belly button might require a little work. The belly button is sewn perfectly in the operating room but it can be prone to tight circular scarring called microstomia. This can be prevented by placing a round object such as an ear plug or marble into the belly button as it heals. This keeps the belly button from forming an overly tight scar.

10. Not All Doctors Doing Mommy Makeovers Are Plastic Surgeons

Unfortunately, many doctors who do mommy makeovers are not necessarily best qualified to do them. Make sure you select an experienced plastic surgeon that is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and has years of experience doing mommy makeovers. Ask to see representative photos of their work and look for examples where the before pictures look like you. Ensure your procedure is done in a fully accredited surgery center or hospital and that you have a Board Certified Anesthesiologist doing your anesthesia. It is recommended to ask for references and read their reviews.

Learn more about our accredited Dallas Day Surgery Center and Cloister Recovery