About the procedure
Pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the abdominal skin, abdominal muscles and breast tissue together. In a mommy makeover, a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation and liposuction are combined under a single anesthesia.
Which procedures are combined is determined by total surgery time and safety limits; if necessary, the plan is divided into two sessions.
The decision to combine procedures is based on total anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, and clot risk; as a general rule, a single session is planned not to exceed 6 hours, and if it would, the breast and abdominal procedures are divided into two sessions. After breastfeeding has fully ended, the breast tissue is allowed to settle; abdominal muscle separation and the area around the navel are assessed separately at the examination. The restriction on lifting a small child after surgery is planned with the family in advance.
- ✓One anesthesia, one recovery period
- ✓A combination chosen for the individual
- ✓Overall cost and travel advantage
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Mothers who, after childbirth and breastfeeding, have abdominal sagging, muscle separation, and breast volume loss or sagging together.
- ✓Those who finished breastfeeding at least 6 months ago, whose weight is stable, and who have completed their family.
- ✓Those in good general health who do not smoke and can arrange support at home for the restricted 4–6 week period.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Those planning a new pregnancy; both the abdominal and breast results can be compromised by pregnancy.
- —Those still breastfeeding or who finished less than 6 months ago.
- —Those with a high BMI or a weight that is still changing; weight stabilization is awaited first.
- —Patients with a history of clots, an uncontrolled chronic illness, or uncorrected anemia.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The abdomen, breasts, and fat deposits are assessed together; which procedures can safely be combined in a single session is determined.
- 02
Planning
Based on total time and the risk profile, a single session or two stages is decided; blood tests and, if needed, internal medicine clearance are completed.
- 03
Surgery
Under general anesthesia, the breast procedure is usually done first, followed by liposuction and the tummy tuck; clot prevention continues throughout the operation.
- 04
Hospital
You stay 2 nights; early walking, compression, and blood thinner injections if needed are used.
- 05
Check-up
Drains are removed and the breast and abdominal incisions are assessed; the use of the garment and sports bra is taught.
- 06
Return and follow-up
Clearance to fly is given on days 10–12; remote photo follow-up continues at months 1, 3, 6, and 12.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
The abdomen feels tight and the breasts feel compressed; you walk slightly bent forward and sleep with a pillow under the knees.
Days 3–5
Drains are removed and showering is cleared; comfort is maintained with pain relievers. Children are not picked up.
Weeks 1–2
The garment and sports bra are worn all day; the arms are not forced above the shoulders. You can return to desk work after week 2.
Weeks 3–4
Upright posture is achieved; light housework and short walks are allowed. The ban on heavy lifting continues.
Weeks 6–8
The muscle repair reaches sufficient strength; picking up your child and exercise begin with the physician's approval.
Month 6 – Year 1
Scars fade and swelling fully subsides; the breast shape and abdominal contour take their final form.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Mommy Makeover are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Because anesthesia time is longer in combined surgery, the risk of clots and blood loss is higher than with a single procedure; this is why time limits and precautions are standard.
- Delayed wound healing and seroma at the abdominal incision; scar widening at the breast incisions.
- Changes in nipple sensation and breast asymmetry; if an implant was used, the possibility of capsular contracture.
- Prolonged numbness in the lower abdomen and dissatisfaction with the shape of the navel.
- Fatigue and a longer overall recovery because healing is under way in several areas at once.