Mommy Makeover

Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Garazo specializes in customized mommy makeovers

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but for many moms, it can also cause physical changes that are hard to reverse without help. Mommy makeover surgery offers a comprehensive approach to restoring your pre-baby body.

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address pregnancy-related changes to achieve a firmer, more youthful silhouette and help women regain their confidence. The procedures typically focus on the breasts and abdominal area but can also address other areas impacted by pregnancy & childbirth; your mommy makeover can also include treatments to address separate aesthetic concerns.

Why consider a mommy makeover?

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can have lasting physical impacts on a woman’s body, and some women may find these effects bothersome. Breasts often sag and lose volume, the abdomen can develop loose skin and stretch marks, and excess fat may accumulate in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Stretched abdominal muscles that cannot close on their own after giving birth (diastasis recti) may also limit physical activity, exacerbate a post-baby pooch, and cause discomfort. Mommy makeovers can address all these issues in one comprehensive plan.

“Amazing team! I felt confident I was getting excellent care. I got extremely detailed instructions, and my questions were answered satisfactorily. The procedure’s results were above and beyond my expectations.”
—5-Star Google Review

Procedure options

Each mommy makeover is unique and designed to target your specific concerns and achieve safe, natural-looking results.

Breast augmentation

Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to changes in breast size and shape. A breast augmentation (mammaplasty) procedure can restore lost volume using implants. Breast implants are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for a customized look to increase fullness, balance your proportions, and improve breast symmetry. Dr. Garazo will guide you through your options and help you narrow down the right size and shape implants based on your unique anatomy and preferences.

Breast reduction

If larger breasts are causing you discomfort or limit your physical activity and wardrobe choices, a breast reduction can help alleviate these issues and bring better balance and proportion to your frame.

Breast lift

A breast lift is an excellent option for those who are happy with the amount of natural breast tissue they have but would like their breasts and nipples to sit higher up on the chest. This type of breast enhancement also improves contours by removing excess skin and reshaping existing tissue to achieve firmer, more symmetrical breasts.

Tummy tuck

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal midsection and correct diastasis recti. Dr. Garazo can also correct a herniated belly button during this procedure.

Liposuction

Liposuction (lipoplasty) targets stubborn fat deposits to help sculpt and contour areas such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs to create a slimmer silhouette. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but rather a tool used to refine the results of other body contouring procedures and to remove fat from areas that you have found to be diet and exercise resistant.

How to know if a mommy makeover is right for you

Dr. Garazo would be happy to help you decide if a mommy makeover can safely achieve your aesthetic goals during your private consultation at our Hagerstown plastic surgery practice. In the meantime, you are likely a good candidate for a mommy makeover if you meet the following criteria:

You are in general good health.
You are at or near a stable weight you are happy with.
You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations concerning the surgery results.
You are finished having children or do not plan on having more children within the next two years at least.
You are a non-smoker or are willing to abstain for several weeks before and after your mommy makeover.

Lab testing or an updated mammogram may be needed before surgery in some cases.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon

Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for both your safety and the success of your mommy makeover. Your doctor should be certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, indicating they’ve met rigorous standards in training, ethics, and practice.

In addition to board certification, your surgeon should specialize in the procedures you’re considering and have an abundance of recent before and after photos that showcase their ability to safely achieve aesthetically pleasing results.

Preparing for your mommy makeover

Once you and Dr. Garazo have developed your surgery plan, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare for your mommy makeover:

Complete any lab testing or medical checkups if necessary
Stop taking any medications or supplements as directed by Dr. Garazo that could interfere with surgery
Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery

You will also need to arrange for someone responsible to drive you home after surgery and stay for the first 24-48 hours to help you with medication and daily tasks. If you have small children, you will need to plan for childcare for several weeks as you will not be allowed to lift anything over 5-10 lbs for 4-6 weeks.

The mommy makeover procedure

Your mommy makeover will be performed under general anesthesia at The Galleria Surgery Center—a fully accredited facility. A board-certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. The specifics of your procedure will depend on your individual surgery plan and may take 3-5 hours to complete.

“Having surgery is no small decision, but the staff makes sure that you’re comfortable and supported every step of the way. Dr. Garazo himself is a great surgeon and I’m enjoying my results. Highly recommend.”
—5-Star Google Review

Risks and potential complications

A mommy makeover carries potential risks associated with surgery in general, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, scarring, and anesthesia complications. Choosing an expert board-certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility, as well as carefully following all pre-and postoperative instructions, will minimize these risks and help ensure a speedy recovery and optimal results.

Recovery & Results

Immediately following your procedure

Your recovery time will be based on the procedures you choose and your individual healing process. Dr. Garazo will prescribe medication to ease post-operative pain during the initial healing process; you can switch to OTC pain relievers when you’re ready. Patients typically return to light activities within 1-2 weeks and are considered to be substantially recovered at 6 weeks, with only a few restrictions in place for the final healing time. Here are a few points to keep in mind during the initial recovery period:

You may feel groggy for the first 24-48 hours after surgery as the anesthesia wears off. A caregiver should stay with you during this time.
Some swelling, discomfort, and bruising should be expected and will gradually lessen over the next 1-2 weeks.
Follow all postoperative instructions closely, including wearing an abdominal binder after tummy tuck surgery or a surgical bra after breast surgery to reduce swelling and support tissues to help them heal properly.
Attend all follow-up appointments so Dr. Garazo and his staff can monitor your progress, answer any questions you may have, and clear you for certain activities.

Long-term mommy makeover results

You will notice immediate changes to your body after surgery, and your final results will be visible about 6-12 months after your procedure. Results of a mommy makeover are long-lasting, and most women enjoy their new look for years to come. Maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle will prolong the number of years you enjoy your mommy makeover results; however, your body will continue to age.

“I had a great experience at this office. The staff is super friendly and helpful from the consultation to surgery day to post-op. Very willing to listen and answer any questions I had. Several follow-up appointments after my surgery making for a great recovery. I could not be more happy with the great results. Dr.Garazo is clearly experienced and very knowledgeable making the big decision to have a surgery very easy. Thank you to him and his staff for all their help! I am truly thankful.”
—5-Star Google Review

The cost of a mommy makeover in Maryland

The cost of a Maryland mommy makeover varies widely based on the procedures you include in your surgery plan. We offer financing options to make plastic surgery more affordable for our Hagerstown and Frederick patients with convenient monthly payments.

What is the right age for a mommy makeover?

Some women celebrate the changes their bodies experience with motherhood, and don’t seek a mommy makeover until their kids are grown and aging compounds the effects of childbearing, while other moms prefer to address their aesthetic concerns as soon as possible—both perspectives are completely normal! Exact timing is totally up to you, but you should ideally be done having children. You’ve nourished and cared for others—it’s time to care for yourself. A mommy makeover is an investment in your self-confidence, your comfort, your sexuality, and your overall well-being.

Key Benefits
Glossary

Key Benefits

Customized Treatment Plan: A mommy makeover is tailored to the individual needs and goals of the patient, ensuring that the results address their specific concerns.
Restored Breast Volume and Lift: Combining breast augmentation and/or lift as part of a mommy makeover can restore lost breast volume and correct sagging.
Flattened and Toned Abdomen: A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) included in the makeover can remove excess skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles.
Improved Body Contour: By addressing multiple areas of the body, a mommy makeover can correct disproportions, creating a more balanced and proportionate figure.

Glossary

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, often included in a Mommy Makeover to restore a flat and toned stomach.
Anesthesia: Medication administered to prevent pain during surgery; general anesthesia is commonly used during Mommy Makeover procedures to ensure patient comfort.
Body Contouring: A range of surgical procedures, including those in a Mommy Makeover, aimed at reshaping and refining the body’s contours for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Breast Augmentation: A cosmetic procedure that involves using implants or fat transfer to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts, frequently part of a Mommy Makeover.
Breast Implants: Medical devices placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size and improve shape as part of breast augmentation in a Mommy Makeover.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A surgery that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, often combined with breast augmentation in a Mommy Makeover.
Compression Garments: Specialized clothing worn after surgery to reduce swelling, provide support, and help the body adjust to its new contours, essential for recovery after a Mommy Makeover.
Diastasis Recti: A condition characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles, which can occur during pregnancy and is typically corrected during a tummy tuck.
Drains: Small tubes placed at the surgery site to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling, often used after procedures like abdominoplasty and breast surgery in a Mommy Makeover.
Incisions: Surgical cuts made during cosmetic procedures; the size and placement of incisions vary based on the specific surgeries included in a Mommy Makeover.
Liposuction: A cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from specific body areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, commonly included in a Mommy Makeover to contour the body.
Mommy Makeover: A customized combination of cosmetic procedures designed to address the physical changes experienced by women due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, typically including tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction.
Postoperative Care: The care and instructions that a patient follows after surgery, crucial for healing and achieving the best outcomes from a Mommy Makeover.
Recovery Period: The time needed for a patient to heal after a Mommy Makeover, which varies depending on the specific procedures performed and the individual’s natural healing process.
Scar Management: Techniques and treatments used to minimize the appearance of scars following surgical procedures, an important consideration for patients undergoing a Mommy Makeover.
Stretch Marks: Lines or streaks on the skin, often resulting from pregnancy, that can be reduced in appearance through some of the procedures included in a Mommy Makeover, such as abdominoplasty.

Mommy makeover FAQs

How long after childbirth can I have a mommy makeover?

It’s recommended that you wait at least six months after giving birth before undergoing a mommy makeover. This allows your body enough time to recover from childbirth and return to a stable weight. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until a few months after you’ve weaned your baby to allow your breasts to settle into their new size and shape.

Can I have more children after a mommy makeover?

Yes, it is safe to have more children after a mommy makeover; however, completing your family before a mommy makeover is typically the best choice as pregnancy-related weight gain and stretching of the abdominal muscles may diminish some of your results. You may then need a secondary procedure if your results are significantly impacted. That said, mommy makeover results are durable and often maintain a pleasing appearance even after pregnancy.

What if I only want to improve one area of my body?

While a mommy makeover usually includes multiple procedures, it’s not uncommon for women to only want or need improvement in one area. You can opt for individual procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or liposuction instead of a total mommy makeover.

Does insurance cover a mommy makeover?

Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures like a mommy makeover as they’re typically considered elective and not medically necessary. It’s possible that part of the procedure, such as a significant breast reduction, is deemed necessary for medical reasons and may be eligible for coverage. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider to understand your policy and the requirements for covering a portion of the procedure.

Will I have scars after a mommy makeover?

Yes, scars are a part of virtually every surgical procedure. Dr. Garazo thoughtfully places incisions to be as inconspicuous as possible—often in natural curves and shadows of your body. Incisions for tummy tucks or breast surgeries are placed so that scars are as thin as possible and can be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit. You can minimize your scars by carefully following these scar healing instructions.

Meet Dr. Henry Garazo

Dr. Garazo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience offering aesthetic procedures in the greater Hagerstown, MD area. Known for his thorough, expert, and friendly care, Dr. Garazo is a 5x winner of “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the Herald-Mail Tri-State’s Best! Community Choice Awards. He prides himself on offering comprehensive, informative consultations and ensures every patient always meets personally with him.

Mommy makeover in Hagerstown, MD

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry F. Garazo has helped women in the greater Maryland area restore their pre-pregnancy bodies and rediscover their self-confidence for over 20 years. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about this transformative procedure. Dr. Garazo will listen to your goals and help you choose the right procedures for you. Call (301)791-1800 or contact us online.

References »

Ulubasoglu H, Bakay K, Guven D, Ak S, Yagmur C, Hatirnaz S, Sparic R, Tinelli A. Do Changes in Body Shape Due to Pregnancy Lead to Cosmetic Surgery? A Cross-Sectional Study. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2022 Aug;226(4):251-255. doi: 10.1055/a-1782-7695. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35500598.

Toto V, Scarabosio A, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Albanese R, Persichetti P. Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023 Aug 23. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6.

Stevens WG, Cohen R, Vath SD, Stoker DA, Hirsch EM. Is it safe to combine abdominoplasty with elective breast surgery? A review of 151 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Jul;118(1):207-12; discussion 213-4. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000220529.03298.42. PMID: 16816696.

Khavanin N, Jordan SW, Vieira BL, Hume KM, Mlodinow AS, Simmons CJ, Murphy RX Jr, Gutowski KA, Kim JY. Combining abdominal and cosmetic breast surgery does not increase short-term complication rates: a comparison of each individual procedure and pretreatment risk stratification tool. Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Nov;35(8):999-1006. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv087. Epub 2015 Jul 9. PMID: 26163312; PMCID: PMC6296326.

Shermak MA. Abdominoplasty with Combined Surgery. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2020 Jul;47(3):365-377. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.02.001.