Mommy Makeover

You’ve done everything to care for your family, but pregnancy and childbirth can leave behind changes that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Stretched abdominal muscles, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat can persist long after recovery, making it challenging to regain confidence in your body.

At Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, we offer customized Mommy Makeovers to help you restore your shape and confidence. Whether you want a flatter stomach, lifted breasts, or a more sculpted silhouette, we tailor each procedure to your unique goals so you can feel like yourself again.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

Also known as post-pregnancy surgery, a mommy makeover is any combination of cosmetic procedures that restore your before-pregnancy appearance, typically focusing on the breasts and abdomen. This customizable approach is designed to address the physical changes many women experience after childbirth, such as stretched skin, separated abdominal muscles, breast volume loss, or stubborn fat deposits.

What Is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. It is a fully customizable combination of surgeries tailored to your needs. A typical makeover might include: 

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy. This procedure helps create a flatter, firmer midsection and a more defined waistline.

Breast Procedure 

Depending on your goals, this may include procedures such as a breast augmentation to restore volume, a lift to correct sagging, or a reduction to relieve heaviness and improve proportion. Each option is designed to help reshape and rejuvenate the breasts for a more youthful, balanced appearance.

Liposuction

Liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits in areas like the legs, arms, or trunk—areas that often resist even consistent diet and exercise. This procedure helps sculpt a more balanced, contoured shape by removing excess fat and refining your natural silhouette.

When To Consider A Mommy Makeover

• If your pregnancy has negatively affected the size and shape of your breasts
• If you’re distressed about your sagging tummy and stretch marks
• If pockets of fat on your waist, abdomen, arms or thighs do not improve with diet and exercise

Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

Restored Pre-Pregnancy Body Shape

A Mommy Makeover addresses common post-pregnancy concerns like stretched skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat. It helps restore your body contours to a more youthful, pre-baby appearance.

Tighter Abdominal Muscles

Pregnancy can separate and weaken abdominal muscles, leading to a bulging midsection. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) repairs and tightens these muscles for a flatter, stronger core.

Breast Rejuvenation

Breasts often lose volume or sag after breastfeeding. A lift, augmentation, or combination can restore shape, fullness, and symmetry.

Fat Reduction in Stubborn Areas

Even with diet and exercise, some fat deposits remain resistant. Liposuction targets these problem areas to refine and reshape your figure.

Combined Recovery Time

By combining procedures into one surgery, you reduce the need for multiple recovery periods. This is ideal for busy moms who want to minimize time away from family and responsibilities.

Long-Lasting Results

With a stable weight and healthy habits, results from a Mommy Makeover can last for years. The improvements offer both physical and emotional benefits that last well into the future.

Customizable to Your Needs

No two Mommy Makeovers are alike. Your procedure is carefully tailored to your body and goals. This flexibility allows you to focus on the areas that matter most to you.

Restored Clothing Fit

After surgery, clothing often fits more comfortably and flatteringly. This can make shopping, dressing, and daily life feel more enjoyable.

Enhanced Motivation for Wellness

Seeing positive physical changes can inspire continued self-care and healthier lifestyle choices. Many patients feel motivated to maintain their results through a combination of exercise and a healthy diet.

What to Expect During a Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is a highly customized surgical plan designed to address multiple post-pregnancy body concerns in one session. Here’s what you can expect at each stage of the process:

Anesthesia and Surgical Preparation

The Mommy Makeover is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. After you’re fully sedated, we will clean and mark the surgical sites, carefully planning incision placement based on your chosen combination of procedures.

Procedure Sequence and Incision Placement

Each procedure is performed in a strategic order, commonly beginning with a tummy tuck, followed by breast surgery and liposuction. Incisions are placed in discreet locations (such as along the bikini line, around the areola, or under the breasts) to minimize visible scarring.

Tissue Tightening and Contouring

For the abdomen, loose skin is removed, and separated muscles are repaired and tightened to restore core support. Breast procedures may involve lifting, reshaping, or adding implants to enhance symmetry, while liposuction removes excess fat to sculpt areas such as the flanks, thighs, or arms.

Closing the Incisions

Once the desired contouring is complete, the surgeon will close each incision with layered sutures to support the new body shape. Surgical dressings and compression garments are applied to reduce swelling and encourage proper healing.

Recovery and Immediate Aftercare

You’ll be taken to a recovery suite where your vital signs are monitored as you awaken from anesthesia. Compression garments, support bras, and surgical dressings will be in place to protect your incisions and help reduce fluid buildup during the early healing period.

Recovery and Downtime for a Mommy Makeover

Recovery and Downtime

Understanding the recovery process after a Mommy Makeover can help you manage your expectations and plan effectively. Healing is a gradual process, but most patients experience steady improvements week by week, with final results continuing to refine over several months.

First Few Days

Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common immediately after surgery, particularly in the abdomen, breasts, and areas that have undergone liposuction. Pain management, limited movement, and compression garments are essential during this stage to support healing and reduce discomfort.

1 to 2 Weeks

Most patients feel well enough to return to light activities and possibly desk work within one to two weeks. However, you’ll need to avoid bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous movement to prevent complications and protect your results.

4 to 6 Weeks

By weeks four to six, swelling continues to subside, and your mobility improves significantly. You may gradually resume exercise and more vigorous activities with your surgeon’s approval, depending on how your body is healing.

Scar Maturation and Final Results

Incisions will begin to fade from red or pink to lighter, flatter lines over time. You can assist this process by moisturizing, protecting your scar from the sun, and undergoing scar treatments. With consistent care, your scars can become less noticeable, and your overall body contour results will become more visible and refined.

Preparing for a Mommy Makeover Surgery

Preparing for a Mommy Makeover involves several important steps to ensure your safety and support a smooth recovery. You’ll need to stop smoking and avoid nicotine products at least 4–6 weeks before surgery, as they can impair circulation and increase the risk of complications. 

Your surgeon may also advise you to pause blood-thinning medications, certain supplements (such as vitamin E or fish oil), and over-the-counter pain relievers that could increase bruising. In some cases, medical clearance or lab tests may be required, especially if you have preexisting health conditions.

You’ll also want to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. On the day of surgery, wear loose, front-opening clothing and remove all jewelry, makeup, and nail polish. 

At home, create a quiet, comfortable recovery space stocked with essentials, including extra pillows, blankets, medications, water, healthy snacks, entertainment, and any post-operative supplies your surgeon recommends (such as compression garments or gauze). Following all pre-op instructions carefully will help ensure a safe procedure and set the foundation for a successful recovery.

Risks and Complications for Mommy Makeovers

The term “mommy makeover” may be new, but the procedures involved have a long, successful, and safe track record. However, it does involve multiple surgeries at once, so understanding the risks is an important part of your decision-making process. Being informed can help you prepare for a successful recovery and reduce anxiety around the experience.

Potential complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, fluid buildup (seroma), and reactions to anesthesia. Depending on the procedures performed, other risks may include delayed wound healing, numbness or changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, and blood clots. There may also be limitations on future pregnancy or breastfeeding outcomes, especially after breast surgery or a tummy tuck.

While these complications are rare, especially under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kevin D. Myers, your safety is always a priority. You’ll receive a thorough review of your surgical plan, personalized risk assessment, and step-by-step guidance to minimize complications and support a smooth, confident recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeovers

How soon after childbirth can I have a Mommy Makeover?

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after giving birth and three to six months after stopping breastfeeding before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. This allows your body to fully heal, hormone levels to stabilize, and your breast size to settle, resulting in more predictable surgical results.

Will I lose weight from a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is not a weight loss procedure; it’s designed for body contouring, not scale changes. While you may appear slimmer and more proportionate, it’s best to be at or near your goal weight beforehand for optimal, long-lasting results.

Can I still have children after a Mommy Makeover?

Technically, yes, but it’s strongly advised to wait until you’re done having children. Future pregnancies can reverse or compromise the results of procedures like tummy tucks and breast lifts.

Are the results permanent?

The improvements from a Mommy Makeover can last many years, especially with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, natural aging, hormonal changes, and significant weight fluctuations can affect your results over time.

How much does a Mommy Makeover cost, and are financing options available?

The cost of a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the combination of procedures selected, surgical time, anesthesia, and facility fees. Because this treatment is highly personalized, you’ll receive a detailed quote during your private consultation based on your unique goals and anatomy.

Northstate Plastic Surgery offers financing options through trusted providers to help make your procedure more accessible. Our team will guide you through the available plans and payment structures, enabling you to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Why Choose Northstate Plastic Surgery for Mommy Makeovers?

Patients throughout Chico and the Northstate region choose Dr. Kevin D. Myers for his reputation in delivering subtle, refined results that honor each woman’s natural shape. With advanced surgical training and a deep understanding of post-pregnancy changes, Dr. Myers approaches every Mommy Makeover with precision and respect for your individual goals.

Our practice combines modern techniques with a welcoming, low-pressure environment where your questions are heard and your choices are supported. We prioritize safety, transparency, and results that help you feel like yourself again.  

Your Mommy Makeover Starts Here in Chico, CA

Whether you’re months or years postpartum, it’s never too late to invest in yourself. A Mommy Makeover is more than cosmetic. It’s a personal step toward feeling strong, beautiful, and confident in your skin again. Our team at Northstate Plastic Surgery is here to support you with compassionate care and expert guidance.

Every transformation begins with a conversation; schedule yours with us today. Call us at (530) 345-5900 or contact us online to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kevin D. Myers. We proudly serve Chico, CA and the greater Northstate region.

For more information, visit American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.