Women we consult with who are considering a Mommy Makeover at our Denver practice ask similar questions about the procedure. They’re often the same questions we answer on the RealSelf website, which relies on board-certified specialists such as Dr. Wolfe, Dr. Vath, and Dr. Steinwald to volunteer their guidance to people from around the world who are thinking about plastic surgery.
With this in mind, we thought it made sense to answer 5 of the most common Mommy Makeover surgery questions that we see on RealSelf and hear in our practice. By the way, all 3 of the plastic surgeons at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Denver are recognized as RealSelf Top Doctors.
For those of you considering a Mommy Makeover, we hope these answers help in making a decision.
Should I lose weight before having a Mommy Makeover?
This is one of the most common questions posted on RealSelf by women considering a Mommy Makeover. Losing weight after having children can be very difficult for some women, and they’re frustrated. Most plastic surgeons want patients to have a body mass index (BMI) below 38 to minimize the risk of complications both during the surgery and recovery. If someone’s BMI is less than 38 and she’s in good overall health with a stable weight, undergoing a Mommy Makeover is safe. However, if you intend to lose more than 10 pounds, it is best to have your procedure after that to get the best possible result.
Why do I need to wear a compression garment for so long?
Compression garments worn by tummy tuck patients (including those who get them as part of a Mommy Makeover) provide a number of benefits. The garments—sometimes called binders—support healing tissues and can reduce post-op soreness. They also help minimize swelling, improving the patient’s comfort and enhancing the results. If a patient experiences severe discomfort, she may not be wearing the garment correctly or it may not be the right size.
When can I exercise (go back to work, etc…) after a Mommy Makeover?
It’s understandable that patients want to resume their normal lives as soon as possible after elective surgery. It’s also important to remember, though, that a Mommy Makeover is a significant investment, and rushing a return to the gym can jeopardize the results—and your health. First, follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions. We recommend that patients with jobs that require them to be on their feet most of the time take at least 2 weeks off (3 weeks is even better). Most patients who have a “desk job” are able to return to work after a week. Resume exercise gradually, paying attention to how your body feels. Patients are typically free of restrictions about 6 weeks after surgery.
How soon after I stop breastfeeding can I get a Mommy Makeover?
Some women are interested in scheduling a Mommy Makeover soon after having a baby. If they’re breastfeeding, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon 3-6 months after they stop to discuss the timing of the procedure.
What is the cost of a Mommy Makeover?
The nature of the procedure—which is customized based on the patient’s needs and cosmetic goals—makes it impossible to offer more than a range when it comes to the cost of a mommy makeover. The cost also varies dramatically based on the area of the country where you have the surgery and the surgeon’s experience. At the time of this publication (August 2020), a mommy makeover at our Denver practice can cost between $14,000 and $21,000. The price includes all care before and after the surgery, including the surgeon’s fee, garments, breast implants (if part of the procedure), and fees for the operating room and anesthesiologist.
A Mommy Makeover is a truly transformative procedure that can help women regain confidence in their bodies after having children. You can see in our gallery of before-and-after photos the kinds of results you can expect. If you’re looking for a plastic surgery practice in Denver and want to discuss your options with one of our surgeons, contact us using the online form to request a consultation or call us at (303) 278-2600 (Golden) or (303) 951-2100 (Denver) to schedule an appointment.
I have a mommy makeover scheduled for October. I am 66. With the last two surgeries I’ve had the nurses had difficulty waking me from the anesthesia. I have a lot of anxiety about going under for 4 1/2 hours.
Hi Rosanne,
It is understandable that you would have some anxiety around this. It is important that you discuss this with your surgeon and the clinician who performs your pre-op visit. It would be extremely useful if you could obtain your medical records of the past 2 procedures showing what anesthesia was used. You might also request to speak to the anesthesiologist several days before your procedure (versus night or day-of).
Best of luck!
I am only interested in lifting jowels ?? Been reading about the quick lift
Hi SJ,
The “quick lift” is just a marketing way to say mini-facelift. There is really no way to address JUST the jowls as the skin on entire lower face needs to be “re-draped” to pull that jowl skin up. We have a really great illustration on our website: https://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/face/mini-facelift/facelift-guide-step-1/