Mommy Makeover

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover Surgery

• How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

  Typically, the cost of a mommy makeover will range between $18,500 and $28,500 depending on the type of tummy tuck, whether or not you elect to have a breast implant and whether or not you choose to have liposuction also performed on your belly and flanks. We offer financing in our facility as well.

• How Should I Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?

  To prepare for your mommy makeover, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions carefully. This may include undergoing pre-operative medical assessments, adjusting medications as directed and abstaining from smoking and certain medications that can increase the risk of complications.

  Additionally, ensure that you have a support system in place to assist you during the recovery period, including help with household chores and childcare. Prepare your home environment for comfort and convenience post-surgery, stocking up on necessary supplies and creating a relaxing recovery space. Lastly, mentally prepare yourself for the procedure by understanding the expected outcomes, potential risks and recovery process, and discuss any concerns or questions with Dr. Hess beforehand.

• What Can I Expect During Mommy Makeover Surgery?

  During mommy makeover surgery, you can expect to undergo a comprehensive series of procedures tailored to address your specific concerns and goals. Once you are placed under general anesthesia, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hess, will make incisions strategically placed to minimize visible scarring, then reshape and tighten underlying tissues, remove excess skin and fat, and enhance the appearance of your breasts and abdomen.

  The duration of the procedure varies depending on the extent of your makeover, but you can anticipate spending several hours in the operating room. Dr. Hess will prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the surgery, employing advanced techniques and monitoring equipment to promote optimal results. Afterward, you’ll be closely monitored during the initial recovery period before being discharged with detailed post-operative instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments to track your progress.

• How Long Is Recovery After a Mommy Makeover?

  The length of recovery depends on the extent of the procedure and often differs with each individual. When an abdominoplasty and breast augmentation or breast lift surgery are performed in combination, most women require 10 to 14 days away from work and other responsibilities. Evolve Aesthetic Surgery will provide you with a personalized recovery period estimate when we present your treatment plan.

• What Should I Expect During the Beginning Stage of Recovery?

  During the initial three days after surgery, you may not feel like doing much activity. However, Dr. Jason Hess recommends walking around your home before going to bed each night to promote healthy blood circulation. Other than this, rest is much needed for recovery. Sleeping in an elevated position post-surgery allows easy mobility in and out of bed or a recliner.

• Will I Need to Wear Compression Garments After My Mommy Makeover?

  Evolve Aesthetic Surgery provides leg squeezers after surgery to minimize blood clots. Patients are also asked to wear an abdominal binder, similar to a girdle, for the first four weeks post-surgery to help reduce swelling.

• Will I Have Drains During Recovery?

  Abdominoplasty requires the insertion of drains beneath the abdominal skin that are removed as their output declines. Dr. Hess may use one or two drains. Drains are removed when the output is less than 20 cc in a 24-hour period, which is typically four to seven days post-surgery.

• What Medications or Supplements Should I Take After My Mommy Makeover?

  Patients are discharged from our QUAD A-certified surgery center with pain medications and antibiotics. We recommend our patients take arnica, an herbal over-the-counter supplement, pre- and post-surgery. Arnica has been proven to help with bruising and swelling.

• What Shouldn’t I Do After a Mommy Makeover?

  After a mommy makeover, it’s crucial to prioritize proper care for optimal healing and results. Avoid activities like swimming, as pool and ocean water can introduce bacteria to incisions and irritate the skin due to the chlorine or salt content. Similarly, sitting in jacuzzis or hot tubs poses infection risks due to the heat and moisture. It’s also important to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects to prevent strain on healing muscles and potential complications like hernias. Lastly, abstain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can impair healing and lead to complications such as delayed wound healing and poor scarring.

• How Often Will I Have Follow-Up Visits?

  Most often, once you are discharged from our outpatient facility, we will see you a day or two after surgery. Follow-up appointments are tailored to your needs.

• When Can I Resume Exercise After a Mommy Makeover?

  Patients typically return to normal activities about six weeks post-mommy makeover, including working out. However, it’s important to gradually ease back into your exercise routine and listen to your body’s signals. Start with low-impact activities such as walking or gentle stretching before gradually increasing intensity and duration. Dr. Hess will provide personalized guidance on when it’s safe to resume specific types of exercise based on your individual recovery progress and surgical outcomes. Always prioritize proper form and technique to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body, especially in the early stages of recovery.

• What Breast Procedures Can I Get in My Mommy Makeover?

  A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that often includes a breast procedure. This can be a breast augmentation, a breast lift with no implant, or a breast augmentation and a lift. Each patient is different, but we can address all breast concerns, and Dr. Jason Hess will let you know his recommendations for your breasts based on your goals and anatomy.

• How Long Is the Recovery From Breast Surgery Alone?

  Recovery from the breast portion of a mommy makeover involves less discomfort than if you were also to undergo abdominoplasty. When performed alone, a breast augmentation or lift requires approximately three to 10 days of recovery. For a breast augmentation and lift, there will typically be about 10 to 14 days of recovery time needed.

• When Will I See My Mommy Makeover Results?

  You will typically see your final results within six months of mommy makeover surgery, after most of the swelling subsides. However, some residual swelling can last up to 12 months after surgery.

• Will I Have Scars After a Mommy Makeover?

  Every surgical incision will have some scarring, and each patient heals a little differently. But there are many ways to minimize scarring. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Jason Hess have techniques to properly close incisions so there is less scarring. Also, once any sutures are removed, there are no scabs and the scar line is pink in color. We recommend using a scar treatment with a silicone base to help reduce scars even further. Dr. Hess typically recommends the tape version over the gel because it can be left in place for eight to 12 hours at a time. We like the brands Mepitac and Scar Away.