Mommy Makeover

Overview

The term “mommy makeover” refers to a tailored combination of procedures that address the changes pregnancy and breastfeeding can produce, most commonly involving the breasts and the abdomen at the same operation. The right combination depends entirely on your anatomy and your priorities.

Dr. Altman’s approach

A mommy makeover is not a single procedure; it’s a plan.

• The breast component may include augmentation, a lift, an auto-augmentation lift, or a combination, depending on what changed during and after pregnancy.
• The abdominal component is most often a full or modified tummy tuck with rectus muscle repair, sometimes combined with liposuction of the flanks or lower back.
• Combining procedures into a single anesthetic event reduces total recovery time compared to staging.
• Staging is recommended for patients who are unable to take three full weeks of recovery, who have higher anesthetic risk, or where the breast and abdominal work both require significant time on the table.

Who it’s for

The ideal candidate has completed her family (or is comfortable that future pregnancy is not planned in the near term), is at or near a stable weight, is in good general health, and has support at home for a 2–3 week recovery.

Recovery, week by week

• Week 1: Rest at home with support; walking encouraged from day one for circulation; abdominal drains typically removed by end of week one or two.
• Week 2: More independence; light activity around the house; many patients are off prescription pain medication.
• Weeks 3–4: Return to desk work; longer walks; no lifting over 10–15 pounds.
• Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to aerobic exercise.
• Weeks 6–8: Return to full activity including strength training.
• Months 3–12: Final shape and scar maturation.

Results

A body that better reflects how you feel about yourself after raising a family. The most satisfied patients describe it as “putting things back where they were,” not transformation, but restoration.