On average, most women gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. This weight is stored as fatty tissue in the breasts, abdomen, flanks (love-handles), hips, lower back, buttocks and thighs. The breasts also grow due to weight gain and to prepare for nursing. But don’t despair, a mommy makeover can help you look your best again.
As the baby grows, so does the abdomen. This may result in a weakening and separation of the abdominal muscles, and stretching of the abdominal skin. This stretching may cause a breakage of the skin collagen, also known as stretch marks. These unsightly marks are purple-red in color and concentrated around the belly button and lower abdomen.
These effects often become even more apparent after childbirth and nursing. A mommy makeover can help reverse these effects.
Many new moms do lose the excess weight – eventually. Unfortunately, the weight loss is not proportional to the amount of fatty tissue in a given area. That means for some, more weight may be lost from the breasts or buttocks than the abdomen and waist.
The result? Smaller breasts despite fullness of the waist and abdomen. In these cases, a mommy makeover may be in order.
Once a woman finishes breastfeeding, the breasts deflate even further and begin to sag. The weak abdominal muscles and the excess abdominal fat appear as fullness and bulging of the belly. Many new moms may still look pregnant even as their child is taking his or her first steps. Once again, a mommy makeover can help.
*Please remember that plastic surgery results can vary.
Before
After
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is performed using a unique combination of plastic surgery procedures designed to counteract the physical effects of childbearing, and restore and enhance your body.
In general, a mommy makeover may include:
Mommy makeovers can include any or all of these body contouring procedures depending on your wishes and needs.
For example, some women need breast augmentation to correct severely deflated “pancake” breasts, while others may need breast implants in combination with a breast lift. Still, some women may actually desire a breast reduction with a lift.
In the abdominal area, many women need a full abdominoplasty with tightening of the muscle layer as well as removal of the excess skin and fat, while some may need a mini-abdominoplasty.
Some women may also benefit from liposuction to sculpt the back, hips and thighs and smooth out their contours.
When Dr. Medalie sees a patient for a mommy makeover consultation he will ask the question, " What bothers you the most?" Starting with that he will branch out to the other parts of the body. Typically a woman will present with the goal of flattening her tummy first and foremost and then lifting her breasts. The most common mommy makeover operation Dr. Medalie performs is Tummy Tuck with rectus diastasis repair and Breast Lift with or without breast implants. Another area that is quite popular to repair is the vaginal and perineal region. Dr. Medalie frequently performs simultaneous labiaplasty (labia minora reduction and sometimes labia majora reduction or fat grafting) and or perineoplasty (vaginoplasty).
Comparison Chart: Mommy Makeover Procedures
| Procedure | Main Purpose | Common Candidates | Surgical Technique | Recovery Time | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation | Restores lost breast volume or enhances size with implants | Women with deflated or small breasts after pregnancy/breastfeeding | Silicone or saline implants placed above or below the muscle | 1 week for light activity, 4–6 weeks full recovery | Restored fullness, improved body proportions, customizable results | Implant maintenance may be needed over time |
| Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts | Women with breast droop due to pregnancy, aging, or breastfeeding | Excess skin removed, nipple repositioned higher | 1–2 weeks for daily activity, 4–6 weeks full recovery | Perkier, youthful breast shape, can be combined with implants | Scarring varies depending on lift technique |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | Tightens abdominal muscles and removes loose skin | Women with stretched skin and muscles after pregnancy | Muscle tightening with removal of excess skin | 2–3 weeks light activity, 6–8 weeks for exercise | Flatter stomach, stronger core, removal of stretch-marked skin | Longer recovery, requires abdominal scar |
| Liposuction | Removes stubborn fat deposits | Women at or near goal weight with localized fat | Small incisions with suction cannulas | 1 week light activity, 3–4 weeks full recovery | Better body contour, targeted fat reduction | Not a weight-loss method; requires stable weight |
| Labiaplasty | Reshapes or reduces enlarged labia | Women experiencing discomfort or cosmetic concerns | Trim or wedge excision of excess labial tissue | 1–2 weeks light activity, 6 weeks full healing | Improved comfort, enhanced confidence in intimacy and clothing | Swelling and sensitivity during early recovery |
For more of Dr. Medalie’s mommy makeover patient photos, please visit his photo gallery.
What Patients are Saying About Mommy Makeover:
" Dr. Medalie did a tummy tuck on me as well as arm lifts and breast lifts with breast implants. This was a very big day for me and one that I had been waiting for for a long time. I have three kids and gained a lot of weight during and after my kids. When I lost some of that weight I ended up with loose skin and really saggy boobs. My right boob was also much bigger and droopier than my left one. I also had lots of stretch marks on my belly. I was so nervous on the day of surgery but Dr. Medalie is cool as a cucumber and seemed completely sure of himself. The operation took around 6 and a half hours, but I was only in recovery for about an hour after that. I had drains in my belly and arms but none in my boobs. I will not lie, that first week was not fun! But I got better pretty quick and his nurse Michelle was super helpful with all my questions. Long story short, I look great! My boobs are even and perky! I actually was not expecting my final results. How can you really picture what you are going to look like after so much time looking a different way. I am so happy. I can not recommend Dr. Medalie and his team enough. You will not go wrong!"
-Sonia B
Where can I get more information?
Please call Dr. Medalie at 216-393-9924. You can also e-mail his patient care manager, Valerie, at valerie@clevelandplasticsurgery.com.
