Mommy Makeover

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a highly customizable set of body contouring procedures designed to reverse the effects of pregnancy on your body for a smoother, curvier silhouette. The makeover improves the appearance of stretched skin, loose abdominal muscles, sagging breasts, and excess fat for a leaner midsection and a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Michael Gartner is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who uses advanced surgical techniques to help his patients sculpt their bodies and enhance their curves. He was instrumental in the development of awake breast augmentation and has helped thousands of patients transform their bodies with his innovative techniques. Contact our office in New Jersey to learn more about how a mommy makeover can help you get your old body back in just a few hours:

Before & After Photos

mommy-makeover

About the Mommy Makeover

If you feel dissatisfied with your body after pregnancy, you are not alone. Approximately 68% of women aged 21-45 are not satisfied with their bodies after pregnancy. (1) If you are a mother struggling to reverse the aesthetic effects of pregnancy and delivery on your body, a mommy makeover can help you achieve your body goals. The aim of a mommy makeover is to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy silhouette. If you find that loose skin, a protruding belly, and sagging breasts are not improving for you, a mommy makeover can help you achieve the figure you have always wanted. In just a single procedure, Dr. Gartner can reshape the areas of your body that have been altered by pregnancy, nursing, or weight changes. With a mommy makeover, he can:

  • Repair your abdominal muscles: If you find that your belly protrudes no matter how you target abdominal muscles through exercise, you may have a permanent separation between your abdominal muscles. This is a common occurrence post-pregnancy, known as diastasis recti. (2)
  • Rejuvenate your breasts: Many women find that dramatic size fluctuations, hormonal changes, and breastfeeding can alter their breast tissue. The breast component of your mommy makeover may include mastopexy (breast lift), breast implants, or even a breast reduction. Dr. Gartner can customize the procedure for your desired look to restore your breasts and help you feel good about your body.
  • Enhance the shape of your buttocks: If you have lost volume in your buttocks after pregnancy, we can restore it to enhance your curves and help you fall back in love with your body.

Contact our office to learn how you can recover your body and your confidence with the assistance of a mommy makeover.

Mommy Makeover Procedures

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles for a smoother, slimmer look. Although we can remove excess fat with liposuction to help you achieve your body goals, this procedure is designed to remove excess skin for your desired contour and repair your abdominal muscles if they were separated during pregnancy. During the procedure, Dr. Gartner will make a thin, discrete incision along your bikini line to remove excess skin. The hip-to-hip scar is easily concealed and will fade into your skin for a natural-looking result.

Breast Lift & Augmentation

If you are struggling with sagging breasts or have lost volume after pregnancy, we can enhance the appearance of your breasts with a lift and augmentation. A breast lift repositions your breasts and removes excess skin for a more youthful look. A breast augmentation increases their volume for a curvier contour. Dr. Gartner is well-known for his awake breast augmentation and awake breast lift procedures that can enhance the breasts using only local anesthesia and oral sedation.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring treatment that removes excess fat for a smoother, slimmer physique. If you are struggling with excess pockets of fat that are not responding to diet or exercise, liposuction can permanently remove them to restore your figure and help you achieve your body goals. If you would like to use the excess fat to increase the volume of your breasts with a fat transfer, we can purify it and inject it into your breasts for your desired look. For a more chiseled, athletic look, we can enhance your muscle definition with SMART Liposuction. During your consultation, we will discuss your body goals and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a body contouring treatment that enhances the curves of your buttocks and increases their volume for a curvier silhouette. If you have lost volume in your buttocks after pregnancy or weight changes, a BBL will restore your figure so you do not need to live with those changes. Dr. Gartner removes fat from a predetermined area of the body, then reinjects it into the buttocks for a more voluptuous behind.

Mommy Makeover Benefits

Mommy makeovers are popular because they accomplish so much in one surgery. For many women, the improvements to the abdomen and breasts provide dramatic transformation. Dr. Gartner will help smooth, slim, and lift your body in the areas you need it most. With a mommy makeover, you can:

  • Reclaim the perky and more youthful breast contour you once had
  • Repair separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy
  • Elevate the position of your areolas on the breast
  • Remove loose, overhanging skin and tighten skin on the abdomen
  • Increase the size of your breasts and give you fuller-looking cleavage
  • Boost the shape and size of your buttocks
  • Reduce unwanted fat from your tummy, sides, and hips
  • Rejuvenate your facial contours with aesthetic and injectable treatments
  • Firm and tone your midsection for a flatter, smoother contour

Mommy Makeover Candidates

If you would like to achieve a smoother, curvier contour after pregnancy or weight change, you are likely a good candidate for a mommy makeover. The best candidates have finished with childbearing and breastfeeding. While it is possible to become pregnant again after the makeover, Dr. Gartner does not recommend it. You would risk undoing the benefits of your surgery if pregnancy changes your weight and the volume of your breasts after your procedure. Patients should be strong and healthy before undergoing multiple cosmetic surgery procedures. We are here to help you restore the confidence and the self-image you deserve.

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Gartner will provide personalized feedback and suggestions tailored to your needs and budget. This meeting provides an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and express any concerns you might have. Dr. Gartner believes in open and honest communication with his patients, and he will ensure that you are fully informed about all aspects of the procedure. He will perform a physical examination and ask you questions about your medical history, any prescriptions you take, or conditions that could affect your ability to heal.

How to Prepare for a Mommy Makeover

Preparing yourself physically and emotionally for a mommy makeover is important for a successful outcome. Dr. Gartner will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions, which may require you to:

  • Quit smoking
  • Adjust your medications
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle

It is also essential to have realistic expectations, understand the recovery process, and have a support system in place to assist you during your recovery period.

Mommy Makeover Procedure

Patients who undergo a mommy makeover come from various backgrounds and have different needs, so each procedure will be different from the next. If you receive a tummy tuck during your mommy makeover, Dr. Gartner will remove excess fat in your waist and back with liposuction. This will help to contour your midsection, giving it a more hourglass-like appearance. Dr. Gartner uses progressive tension sutures (PTS) to seal tissues below your skin, minimizing the risk of developing a seroma or hematoma (pocket of fluid) after surgery. PTS also reduce tension on your skin, promoting better blood supply and facilitating your recovery. Dr. Gartner pays special attention to creating a natural-looking belly button that maintains a youthful shape.

After the procedure, you can typically return to light work within a week, and start exercising after 3-4 weeks. However, you should wait for about 6 weeks before lifting weights to ensure proper healing.

Mommy Makeover Recovery

You will be advised to start wearing a bra 2-4 weeks after your surgery, depending on how fast your implants settle. During this time, if you dislike the appearance of your nipples through your clothing, you can wear silicone disc pasties to hide them. You can return to work after 1-2 weeks, depending on your procedure and the requirements of your job. It is necessary to rest and provide sufficient time for the sutures to dissolve and your body to recuperate. You need to take at least a month off from activities like swimming, vigorous exercise, and carrying heavy objects for the best possible recovery. After a month, you may start doing some light activities and can enjoy increased mobility from your new figure.

If you did not receive dissolvable sutures, we will remove them after ten days. Dissolvable sutures should disintegrate after six to eight weeks. When sutures become visible or perceptible, it is very important not to touch them or tug on them in any way to help your body heal. Please contact our office if you are concerned about the condition of your sutures or experiencing any pain.

Mommy Makeover Results

After a mommy makeover, you can enjoy long-lasting results and a beautiful new contour. Many patients discover that exercise and other physical activities are easier after the procedure. At Gartner Plastic Surgery we have helped tons of moms get their pre-baby figure back.

  • You can experience a quick, easy recovery
  • You will enjoy seeing your results faster than with more traditional, surgical techniques.
  • You can expect to feel more confident, vibrant, and feel great in your clothes again

See real moms with real results!

The Cost of a Mommy Makeover in New Jersey

Mommy Makeover

Since a mommy makeover is customizable, we can provide an all-inclusive quote after your consultation. We can also break down the different costs associated and answer questions you might have. In addition to the cosmetic procedure itself, a mommy makeover will have other fees that come with any form of surgery. These include:

  • Anesthesia
  • Location (Hospital/outpatient center or private facility)
  • Assisting staff
  • Any medication prescribed to help you through recovery

The costs required for a mommy makeover can be a lot for a single payment. Fortunately, there are several financing options available that can be used to space out the price into more manageable payments. A mommy makeover can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 on average. This figure leaves a lot of wiggle room but such a large gap between the low and high end is inevitable when dealing with customization. The biggest influences on the cost of a makeover are the number of procedures included and the specifics of each one. Broadly speaking, it is more affordable to combine multiple procedures–especially if they target the same area. Combining a breast lift and breast augmentation, for example, will cost less than the two would individually.

Breast Lift & Augmentation

A breast lift costs about $11,000 but can become significantly cheaper when combined with a breast augmentation. Breast augmentation has a similar price of $9,000 to $15,000. The choice of implants used will also affect the price–saline implants are more affordable than silicone gel and both cost less than fat grafting.

Liposuction

The targeted removal of fat deposits will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the exact area in question and how much fat is being removed. This price is on a per-area basis and will apply each time liposuction is performed as part of a mommy makeover. Alternatively, providers may charge more for the first liposuction area and require a smaller fee for each extra site. Additional costs will come up during grafting since the fat has to be purified before it can be implanted.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty costs begin at around $6,000 and can end at around $15,000. The cost is heavily influenced by how involved the procedure needs to be. Simply removing a bit of excess skin is sometimes known as a “mini tummy tuck” and has the lowest cost. Removing significant amounts of skin, tightening loosened abdominal muscles, or addressing fat deposits will each raise the price. Contact our office to learn more about how we can transform your figure with our customizable procedures:

FAQ

When would be the best time for a mommy makeover?

Surgeons recommend that you wait until you are done having children before undergoing any mommy makeover procedures. It is also strongly suggested that you delay getting a mommy makeover until after you have completed nursing your youngest child. If you wait for six months after you have stopped nursing, your breasts will have had time to settle in shape and size, which will make it easier for us to perform the appropriate surgical examination.

When can I go on a vacation after a mommy makeover?

This may vary from patient to patient, but you should make it a priority to stay put for at least a month following surgery before considering any significant travel. We recommend that you do not fly because it can raise the risk of developing an infection while you are recovering.

Can I undergo a mommy makeover if I plan to have more children in the future?

If you plan to have more children in the future, it is advisable to postpone a mommy makeover until after you have completed your family. Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the results of the procedures, and undergoing a mommy makeover before completing your family may require additional surgeries in the future to maintain the desired outcome.

Is it possible to customize a mommy makeover to target specific areas of concern?

Yes, a mommy makeover is highly customizable to address your specific concerns and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Gartner will evaluate your individual needs and discuss the procedures that can best target your areas of concern, whether it is sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin, or stubborn pockets of fat.

What are the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover?

The most common procedures included in a mommy makeover are breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. However, the specific procedures can vary based on each patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes.

How long does the recovery process take after a mommy makeover?

The recovery process after a mommy makeover can vary depending on the extent of the procedures performed. Generally, patients can expect a recovery period of several weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including information on pain management, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.

Are there any risks of complications associated with a mommy makeover?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a mommy makeover. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Gartner who is experienced in mommy makeover procedures can significantly minimize these risks.

Can I breastfeed after undergoing a mommy makeover procedure?

Breastfeeding after a mommy makeover depends on the specific procedures performed. If you undergo breast augmentation with implants, it is typically possible to breastfeed. However, if you have a breast lift or reduction, it may affect your ability to breastfeed. It is important to discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your plastic surgeon during the consultation.

How long do the results of a mommy makeover typically last?

The results of a mommy makeover can be long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to keep in mind that natural aging and lifestyle factors can still affect your appearance over time.

Can a mommy makeover help with diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles)?

Yes, a mommy makeover can address diastasis recti, which is a common condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. A tummy tuck, in particular, can repair the abdominal muscles, bringing them back together and creating a flatter, tighter abdominal contour.

When will I be able to drive after a mommy makeover?

When you are discharged from the clinic, you will need assistance getting home as well as having someone stay with you for an extra two days so that your recovery may be monitored and you can get assistance with tasks around the house. You should not drive a motor vehicle during this period. After your treatment, a member of our staff will make it a point to review the specifics of your surgery with you to provide you with an accurate time estimate. Before you go behind the wheel, you should wait until you are no longer experiencing pain or discomfort that could restrict your ability to act swiftly behind the wheel.

Will a mommy makeover address excess skin and stretch marks on the abdomen?

Yes, a tummy tuck is specifically designed to address excess skin and stretch marks on the abdomen. The procedure eliminates excess skin and tightens your underlying muscles to create a smoother and more toned abdominal appearance.

What factors should I consider when choosing a plastic surgeon for my mommy makeover?

When choosing a plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover, it is important to consider their qualifications, experience, and board certification. Look for a surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures and has a proven track record of successful mommy makeovers such as Dr. Gartner himself. Additionally, take the time to review before-and-after photos and read patient reviews to get a sense of their expertise and patient satisfaction.

References

  1. Grajek M, Krupa-Kotara K, Grot M, et al. Perception of the Body Image in Women after Childbirth and the Specific Determinants of Their Eating Behavior: Cross-Sectional Study (Silesia, Poland). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(16):10137. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610137
  2. Toto V, Scarabosio A, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Albanese R, Persichetti P. Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online August 23, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6