The ABC’s of a Mommy Makeover

Dawn Tongish

March 16, 2018

“A” – for – Appearance 

Women want to feel confidant at all stages of life and becoming a mother can put a dent in how a woman feels about her body. In growing numbers, women are turning to a combo of plastic surgeries called the mommy makeover to restore their body after childbirth. Experts say they are seeing women of all ages opting to have the transformative operation. “This is for a woman in her 30’s 40’s, even her 50’s,” says Dr. Cooper, a board certified plastic surgeon in Jupiter, Florida. Dr. Cooper says even extreme dieting and exercise won’t fix some changes left behind after childbirth. “There will be changes in her breasts and abdomen that she wants addressed after childbirth.”

Cooper says a mommy makeover typically consists of a combination of operations, but each patient is different. “I evaluate each patient individually and focus on what is bothering the patient the most.” Cooper explains most women he sees are concerned about their breasts and abdomen. When patients want both areas improved it’s important to determine how complicated the breast surgery may be.

“B” – for – Breasts 

Breast surgery is typically part of a mommy makeover. If breasts are sagging, or have lost volume, then a breast augmentation may be the the right answer. Saline or silicone implants are used to fill out the deflated skin. Dr. Cooper says this surgery can often be combined with a tummy tuck. “If a woman just needs a breast augmentation, often times its beneficial to combine the breast surgery, with the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.”

Cooper says in cases where the breast surgery is more difficult, when a patient requires a breast lift along with implants, it may be a good idea to split up the surgeries. “When the breast operation is more complicated – typically when a patient needs a breast lift with an augmentation – that’s when I consider dealing with each of the operations separately.” Cooper says the patient will get a better result with two different surgeries. “I find that the best results are often achieved in patients with complex breast augmentation when it’s given it’s own attention from an abdominoplasty procedure.”

“C” – for – Cost 

There are various factors that go into the total cost of a mommy makeover, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, cost of implants and a few other items. The price may vary, but depending on the number of procedures, the surgery can range from $8,000 to more than $20,000. It’s important to remember that it is your body, so don’t go with the cheapest price you find. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Cooper says overall, the mommy makeover is one of his most successful procedures. “The mommy makeover has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our practice,” he shares. He adds that it gives him great satisfaction to complete a transformation because of the happiness experienced by most patients. “I really love doing mommy makeover surgery because I find that the patients are thrilled with the results, and are better able to achieve the body that they desire after childbirth.”