San Diego Plastic Surgeon Answers Top Mommy Makeover Questions: From Anesthesia to C-Section Scar Removal
Considering a mommy makeover is a big decision, and you deserve clear, honest answers. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and mother, Dr. Gallus has helped hundreds of San Diego women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. Below are answers to the most common questions patients have recently asked her about this transformative procedure, with before-and-after photos of her real patients.
What exactly is going to happen to me under anesthesia?
You’ll be under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be completely asleep (and feel no pain or any sensations) during your surgery. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery Center, your anesthesia care is provided by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, a board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Ibrahim has 20 years of experience providing anesthesia for plastic surgery in outpatient and hospital settings. Before the procedure begins, he’ll administer medication through an IV, and you’ll drift off peacefully within seconds. Dr. Ibrahim monitors you continuously throughout your entire procedure, tracking every vital sign.
When surgery is complete, you’ll wake up gradually in the recovery area. Most patients describe feeling groggy and sleepy, similar to waking from a deep sleep. You’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
How do I fit this major surgery into my life?
You’ll need at least two weeks of taking it easy before returning to work, though this varies based on your job’s physical demands. The first week is by far the most intensive. You’ll need help with daily tasks, childcare, and anything requiring you to lift more than 5-10 pounds. Most patients arrange for a partner, family member, or friend to stay with them during this initial period. The day after surgery, most patients arrive for their follow-up appointment in a wheelchair for convenient mobility. About a week later, when drains are removed, patients are moving better, and by two weeks, most are walking in on their own (though some still request that wheelchair).
At four weeks, you can start walking and increasing your light activity. But if you’re into CrossFit, Orange Theory, or any intense workouts, you’ll need to wait at least six weeks.
Full recovery, including clearance for exercise and strenuous activity, typically takes four to six weeks. Your only job during recovery is to rest and let your body heal. This is an investment in yourself, so don’t rush the process.
What do I need to prepare?
Line up childcare, fill your freezer with easy meals, and create a recovery space where you can sleep propped up. You’ll need loose, button-front clothing (no pulling shirts over your head!), your prescribed medications, ice packs, and plenty of entertainment within arm’s reach.
To make preparation easier, Dr. Gallus created a comprehensive, free downloadable checklist that covers everything from pre-surgery prep to post-surgery supplies.
Will I have scars?
Yes, any surgical procedure will leave scars, but Dr. Gallus places incisions strategically to minimize their visibility. For tummy tucks, the incision runs low along your bikini line, where it’s easily concealed by underwear or swimwear. Breast surgery scars depend on your specific procedure, but are typically placed around the areola or in the breast crease. Your scars will be red and raised initially, but they’ll fade significantly over nine to 12 months.
Restore SD includes three complimentary scar laser treatments with your surgical package, plus BioCorneum scar gel (available only through physician offices) to help optimize your healing. With good scar care and sun protection, most scars fade to thin, pale lines that blend into your skin.
How long until I see my final results?
You’ll notice an immediate difference when you look in the mirror after surgery, but your true final results emerge gradually over several months. Major swelling subsides within six to eight weeks, but subtle changes continue for up to a year as your tissues settle and scars mature. For example, if you had a tummy tuck to repair separated abdominal muscles, you’ll see a flatter, firmer abdomen right away, but the skin will continue to retract and smooth out over the following months. Most patients feel confident in their new shape by the three-month mark and are thrilled with their transformation by six months.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a mommy makeover?
For body contouring, non-surgical options are quite limited. Treatments like Renuvion skin tightening or cellulite reduction can provide modest improvements, but they can’t address separated abdominal muscles, remove significant excess skin, or eliminate stubborn fat deposits the way surgery can. If you’re bothered by facial aging alongside your body concerns, Botox, HA-based dermal fillers, and Sculptra can refresh your appearance without (or alongside) surgery.
For women who are struggling to lose weight before surgery, Restore SD also offers prescription weight loss injections. If reaching your goal weight is what’s standing between you and your mommy makeover, GLP-1s can be a helpful tool. The key is making sure you keep that weight off. The last thing you want is to lose 25 or 50 pounds, have surgery, and then gain it back, which would compromise your results.
The reality is that pregnancy creates physical changes that diet and exercise alone simply can’t reverse, which is why surgical intervention remains the most effective solution for restoring your pre-baby body.
“Dr. Gallus did an amazing job with a 360 look. I never expected the results that I have received. If you are deciding to change your look for the better, then don’t hesitate. She is an amazing surgeon, and I recommend her services to everyone. She delivered above and beyond!”
—Google Review for Dr. Gallus
Will insurance pay for my mommy makeover?
Unfortunately, not likely. In the vast majority of cases, mommy makeover procedures are considered elective cosmetic surgery and aren’t covered by insurance. Since most women’s body changes resulted from pregnancy (not a medical condition), insurance companies view mommy makeovers as a cosmetic enhancement rather than a medical necessity. Even if you have a diagnosed condition like diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), coverage is rare.
Restore SD doesn’t perform insurance-based surgery. However, we do offer several financing options through PatientFi, CareCredit, and Alphaeon, which allow you to break down the cost into manageable monthly payments. Many patients find that financing makes their mommy makeover surprisingly affordable.
Can I include labiaplasty as part of my mommy makeover?
Absolutely! Childbirth can stretch and distort the labial tissues, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. Many mommy makeover patients choose to add labiaplasty to their surgical plan. The major advantage of combining these procedures is that your recovery time is rolled into one. Instead of taking time off work twice and going through two separate recoveries, you heal from everything at once.
Can you fix my C-section scar during a tummy tuck?
Yes, and this is one of the best advantages for many moms! During an abdominoplasty, Dr. Gallus makes her incision low along your bikini line. For most patients, this incision sits below where their C-section scar is located, which means that lower abdominal skin (including the C-section scar) gets removed during the procedure. If your C-section scar sits higher than usual or you have multiple scars, Dr. Gallus will discuss how she can address them during your consultation. The new tummy tuck incision is designed to hide easily under underwear and swimwear. As a bonus, any stretch marks in that lower abdominal area get removed too, and stretch marks above your belly button typically get pulled down and smoothed out.
“I love the fact that the team is run by all females (aside from the anesthesiologist). Everyone that works there is very warm and welcoming. My surgeon, Dr. Gallus, immediately made me feel completely comfortable. She is not only an amazing and impressive physician, but she’s also very down to earth. Not to mention, she did a phenomenal job on my surgery. The results are even better than I could have imagined. The staffing team also came up with a thoughtful and useful care package for the surgery that included items such as arnica (for the bruising and swelling), scar cream, and more. Words can’t even describe how appreciative I am for making the decision to get surgery here. Anyone that is debating having any procedure here, I am telling you with my whole heart and soul, Restore SD is worth every penny.”
—5-star Google Review
Should I do everything at once or stage my procedures?
For most healthy patients, combining procedures into one surgery is both safe and practical. Having everything done at once means one recovery period, one time away from work and family responsibilities, and one anesthesia experience. Dr. Gallus routinely performs comprehensive mommy makeovers that include a breast surgery (such as a breast augmentation with implants or a breast lift), tummy tuck, and liposuction in a single operation. Mommy makeover procedures typically take six to eight hours, which is Dr. Gallus’s operating time limit for safety.
Staging might be recommended if you have specific health considerations, an extensive surgical plan that would require an exceptionally long operating time, or if you prefer to ease into your transformation gradually. Some patients also choose to stage procedures for financial reasons, spreading the cost across multiple procedures over time.
During your consultation, Dr. Gallus will evaluate your overall health, discuss your goals, and recommend the safest, most effective approach for your unique situation. For the majority of mommy makeover candidates, combining procedures offers the best results with the most efficient recovery.
Have a question that wasn’t answered in this post? Check out our mommy makeover episode of All the B’s, our fun, unfiltered plastic surgery podcast!
In this episode, Dr. Gallus and Bri answer questions like:
- Do I need to lose all my baby weight before a mommy makeover?
- What’s usually included in a mommy makeover?
- Are mommy makeovers only for moms?
- Can a mommy makeover fix c‑section scars and stretch marks?
- What’s the difference between mini, extended, and circumferential tummy tucks?
- What happens to your belly button during a tummy tuck?
- Is it safe to go overseas for cheap plastic surgery?
- Does every tummy tuck include a diastasis repair?
- What’s recovery really like after a mommy makeover?
- Can I add arm lipo to my mommy makeover?
As the Director of Restore SD Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, Dr. Gallus has spent over 20 years helping women feel confident and beautiful in their bodies. If you’re ready to see how a mommy makeover can help you reclaim your pre-pregnancy figure, call 858-224-2281 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
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