Mommy Makeover San Diego
What can a mommy makeover correct?
Breast Appearance
Our San Diego plastic surgery practice, Restore SD Plastic Surgery, offers customized mommy makeover procedures to help women restore their breast shape and appearance following having children. Your breasts can increase in size and fullness throughout your pregnancy and the nursing process. However, you can lose this volume over time, which causes your breasts to appear empty or deflated. Many women develop sagging of the breasts, which contributes to an aged breast aesthetic. Breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, or a combination of the two may be the option for restoring the attractive fullness of your pre-baby breasts. Breast implant removal, breast implant revision, or even breast reduction may also be part of the surgical plan.
Flabby Abdomen
The rapid stretching of your belly from your pregnancy can leave you with both skin and muscle laxity. The loss of elasticity can create a flabby abdomen that lacks definition. For some, a weakened abdomen leads to a stomach pooch, which can affect how nicely your clothing fits. The surgeons at Restore SD will help you determine if a standard, extended, or mini tummy tuck will provide you with the abdominal contour you desire.
View mommy makeover before & after photos »
Excess Fat
It is common for women to accumulate fat throughout their body during pregnancy, but it can be difficult to shed these additional pounds postpartum. Unwanted fat can prevent you from having the body shape or definition you desire. Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure to treat a specific problem area, or it can be combined with a tummy tuck to define and contour the abdomen, enhancing your results. Liposuction is the gold standard for permanent fat removal—not only is it highly effective, but it is incredibly versatile, as experienced plastic surgeons can use it to expertly contour a variety of areas all over the body, including the stomach, hips, flanks, arms, thighs, and even the chin.
Dr. Katerina Gallus
Female Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Gallus has over 20 years of experience and is a fully credentialed, board certified plastic surgeon. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
What procedures does a mommy makeover include?
Mommy makeovers can include a custom combination of breast, body, vaginal, and even non-surgical procedures depending on your unique needs and personal goals. In this video, Dr. Gallus discusses how her mommy makeover procedures can address different parts of the body for a complete restoration:
Video transcript »
Mommy makeover: this is a term that’s used to describe multiple surgical procedures that are performed at the same time for women who’ve had multiple pregnancies and or significant weight loss. The best part about mommy makeover is that it’s tailored to you and what your goals are. Most commonly it includes breast enhancement surgery and some sort of body contouring. With regards to breast enhancement this can be a lift to restore shape after breastfeeding; it can involve augmentation to add volume; it can be a reduction to reduce the size of your breasts; or it can be a combination of any of those. Another common enhancement for volume is fat transfer so you have a couple of different options iIf you’re looking to restore volume. When addressing the abdomen, a tummy tuck is the most common body contouring procedure performed with a mommy makeover. In this procedure, an abdominoplasty, excess skin and sagging tissue is removed and the diastasis recti–that separation of your six-packed muscle–is brought back together to kind of reshape your abdomen. It can also include, or might just be limited to, liposuction in the right patient. Additional areas that can be addressed during a mommy makeover procedure includes liposuction to the arms or thighs, fat transfer to the buttocks, and even for some of my patients labiaplasty. The best part about having a labiaplasty at the time of mommy makeover surgery is that your recovery is shortened. This is a common procedure I do as a standalone in office under local, but when you’re combining with surgery then that recovery time is all rolled into one. I look forward to hearing what your goals are and offering a comprehensive approach to address your concerns with mommy makeover surgery at Restore SD.Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation uses implants to increase the size and improve the shape of your breasts. You will work closely with your Restore SD surgeon to design a plan that provides you with the breasts and silhouette you want. We offer a wide variety of implant options to help you achieve a look that nicely complements your frame
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery treats multiple degrees of sagging, which cannot be improved with implants. The breast tissue is lifted and repositioned as your Restore SD surgeon carefully crafts a more youthful and perky breast appearance. Breast lift is commonly performed in conjunction with augmentations for patients who wish to increase their bust size in addition to ridding their breasts of a noticeable droop.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery implements excess skin removal and muscle tightening to help restore a firmer abdominal contour. One of the most common combinations for a mommy makeover is a tummy tuck plus breast surgery. There are three types of tummy tucks:
Standard Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck addresses excess skin accumulation from the navel to the pubic mound and provides muscle tightening.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Other women may benefit from a mini tummy tuck that focuses on the muscles and improves minor skin laxity.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Still, others may want a more dramatic result and opt for an extended procedure that maximizes skin removal, tightens the muscles, and uses liposuction to smooth the flanks and hips.
Liposuction
Liposuction uses gentle vacuum suction to eliminate excess fat from multiple areas of the body. While it can improve the contour of your arms, back, thighs, bra line, and neck, liposuction is often used along the stomach and flanks to improve the abdominal contour. It can enhance the definition of your hips and rejuvenate the overall shape of your physique.
Other surgical and non-surgical options
Ultimately, your mommy makeover procedure plan will be unique to you. Dr. Gallus will create this with you based on your unique body and desired outcomes from surgery. While breast enhancement, tummy tucks, and liposuction are commonly included, other patients have added labiaplasty, as well as facial rejuvenation treatments like Botox, Daxxify, injectables or laser services, or Avéli for cellulite reduction. We also offer weight loss injections as part of our prescription weight loss program.
All the B’s: A Guide to Mommy Makeover
Dr. Gallus and her scrub tech Bri chat all things mommy makeover (with a bit of celebrity gossip) in this episode of All the B’s, their fun and unfiltered plastic surgery podcast!
Your consultation with Dr. Gallus
When you arrive at Restore SD Plastic Surgery to discuss your Mommy Makeover, Dr. Gallus will perform a detailed examination as well as review your medical history and any medications you are taking.
During your mommy makeover consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Prior surgeries
If you are undergoing breast augmentation and are over 40 years of age or have a strong family history of breast cancer, a recent mammogram will be requested. Breast procedure patients will have photos taken with our VECTRA® 3D imaging system, and treatment areas and options will be discussed while viewing your photos series. With our state-of-the-art Canfield software, potential surgical results can be viewed and adjustments can be made, helping you to visualize possible outcomes.
Preparing for your mommy makeover
Once you’ve decided to move forward with your mommy makeover, it’s time to prepare yourself, your family, and your recovery space. To ensure you enjoy a smooth recovery and get the best results possible, Dr. Gallus has prepared a free, downloadable checklist for your convenience. It covers both the pre-surgery prep, as well as the post-surgery supplies, that will be helpful for you during your mommy makeover journey.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Restored Breast Volume and Shape: Including breast lift or augmentation procedures in your mommy makeover can restore lost breast volume and elevate sagging breasts.
- Improved Body Contour: Liposuction and a tummy tuck can remove excess fat, tighten abdominal muscles, and eliminate loose skin, resulting in a firmer, flatter abdomen and enhanced waistline.
- Highly Customizable: A mommy makeover is tailored to your specific needs and goals, allowing for a personalized combination of procedures to address your unique concerns.
- One Surgical Session: Combining several breast and body procedures into a single surgery reduces overall recovery time and exposure to anesthesia compared to having two or more separate procedures.
- Abdominoplasty – Also known as a tummy tuck, this surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
- Anesthesia – Medications used to prevent pain during surgery, which can be local (numbing a specific area) or general (inducing sleep).
- Breast Augmentation – A procedure that involves using implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – A surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts, which may involve repositioning the nipple and areola to a more natural height.
- Breast Reduction – A surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with the body and alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
- Compression Garments – Specialized clothing worn after surgery to reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and help the skin conform to the new body contours.
- Diastasis Recti – A condition characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles, often as a result of pregnancy, which can be corrected during a tummy tuck.
- Incisions – Surgical cuts made during procedures; the size and placement depend on the specific surgeries included in the Mommy Makeover and the techniques used by the surgeon.
- Liposuction – A cosmetic procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body, often used during Mommy Makeovers to contour the hips, thighs, and abdomen.
- Mommy Makeover – A combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore or improve post-pregnancy body contours, typically including a tummy tuck, breast surgery (lift, augmentation, or reduction), and liposuction.
- Non-surgical Treatments – Procedures that do not require incisions or anesthesia, such as laser treatments, injectables, and skin tightening, which may complement the surgical results of a Mommy Makeover.
- Ptosis – Medical term for sagging of the breasts, which can be corrected with a breast lift procedure.
- Recovery Time – The period needed for a patient to heal after surgery, during which activities may be limited and symptoms like swelling and pain decrease.
- Scar Care – Techniques and treatments used to minimize the appearance of scars following surgery, including silicone sheets, creams, and laser therapy.
- Scar Tissue – The fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury or surgery, including the incisions made during cosmetic procedures.
- Stretch Marks – Narrow streaks or lines that occur on the surface of the skin when it is stretched, which can be removed or diminished during abdominoplasty if located on the areas of skin that are excised.
- Subglandular Placement – Refers to breast implants placed over the pectoral muscle but under the breast tissue, chosen based on the patient’s body type, the type of implant, and the desired outcome.
- Submuscular Placement – Refers to breast implants placed beneath the pectoral muscle, often considered in breast augmentation procedures for a more natural look.
How much does a mommy makeover in San Diego cost?
Mommy makeover surgery starts at $17,000 for a typical patient receiving a breast augmentation, breast lift, and tummy tuck. Because mommy makeovers are very personalized procedures, your exact cost will depend on your aesthetic goals and your body type. Factors such as surgical fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees will also affect the ultimate cost of your mommy makeover. Dr. Gallus will give you a more exact price during your personal consultation.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
The extent of your mommy makeover recovery will vary depending on the type and number of procedures you undergo. Most patients will experience bruising and swelling along their treatment area. After two weeks, most patients are able to return to regular activities, like work. However, you will need to limit your physical activities, such as heavy lifting or exercise, for four to six weeks. Dr. Gallus will advise when it is safe to resume all activities. Major swelling should subside within six to eight weeks.
In this video, Dr. Gallus explains what you can expect when recovering from your mommy makeover.
Plan Your Recovery with our Recovery Calculator Tool
Have an idea of when you’d like to achieve your dream look? Simply enter your dates and receive a personal plan in seconds with our recovery calculator tool:
Results and Scars
Breast and abdominal procedures use thin, well-placed incisions designed to limit visible scarring. However, scar development varies based on the patient’s natural healing abilities. Scars take nine to 12 months to fully mature, and scar care with the Restore SD team will be an important part of recovery after your mommy makeover. We may also recommend incorporating lymphatic massage into your mommy makeover recovery plan for an even more comprehensive aftercare approach.
Managing Pain After Surgery
Anesthesia prevents pain during your surgery, and oral pain medication is used to alleviate discomfort following your mommy makeover. Most discomfort only lasts several days.
“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!”
——M. R., actual patient of Dr. Gallus
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns can a mommy makeover address?
A mommy makeover can address a number of needs and concerns women may have following pregnancy, including separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti); fat deposits on the abdomen (belly pooch), hips, flanks (love handles), and thighs; and sagging tissues on the abdomen, breasts, and buttocks. It’s common for mommy makeover to include liposuction to remove excess fat.
What are the benefits of mommy makeovers?
Mommy makeovers offer numerous benefits, including:
- Lifts the breasts and restores breast fullness
- Tightens loose skin
- Removes unwanted fat deposits
- Tightens loose core muscles (as part of a tummy tuck)
- Can improve exercise and posture
- Restores a more youthful, shapely appearance
What factors make good mommy makeover patients?
Good mommy makeover patients are women who want to lift and tighten sagging tissues and remove excess body fat to restore your pre-pregnancy physique, want to repair separated abdominal muscles, have a BMI of 35 or less, are finished giving birth, and are a non-smoker or can refrain from smoking for 2 weeks before and after the procedure.
When is the best time to schedule mommy makeover surgery?
Dr. Gallus discusses the best time to schedule your mommy transformation in this video:
What type of anesthesia is used during mommy makeover?
Mommy makeovers are performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety.
Can I get a breast reduction at the same time as my other procedures?
Yes, breast reduction can certainly be performed at the same time as other mommy makeover procedures. Many women who are frustrated or experiencing discomfort due to oversized breasts find that a mommy makeover is the perfect time to get the breast size they have always desired. Dr. Gallus especially enjoys offering breast reduction surgery, as she finds that her patients are delighted by both the aesthetic benefits as well as the increased comfort and lifestyle improvements that breast reduction offers.
How soon after pregnancy can women have a mommy makeover?
Most mommy makeovers occur at least six months to a year after pregnancy. This is because women often experience changes for up to one year after the birth of a child. You should attempt to lose weight naturally and shouldn’t plan to have any more children in the future before committing to any cosmetic surgery procedure.
How can I minimize post-operative scarring after surgery?
Post-surgical scar care includes applying topical scar creams, sun avoidance (no topless beaches for six to nine months!), scar massage, and fractionated laser treatments. Your scar will go through changes during the healing process, and the Restore SD Plastic Surgery team will help you manage this part of your recovery. A surgical scar will take nine to 12 months to fully mature.
How soon can I travel after having surgery?
We recommend scheduling your surgery on a date that allows enough time to recover and gradually return to your normal activities. Flying, driving long distances, or leaving the immediate area are not recommended until you have been cleared by your surgeon. If you have specific travel needs or require advice for emergency travel soon after a procedure, please let us know, and we will be glad to discuss the details with you.
How can I prepare for my surgical procedure?
If you have close friends or relatives who have had breast or body surgery, start there! A personal story of their journey may guide you toward questions to ask your surgeon, and having someone with a shared experience is invaluable. Educate yourself by reading our procedure page and viewing our educational videos. Other sources of information include RealSelf and WebMD. We will provide you with a specific set of pre-op instructions for you to follow in the time leading up to your surgery. And please remember to wear a button-down front opening shirt on the day of surgery so that your post-operative experience does not include wrestling a shirt over your head!
Do breast implants interfere with mammograms?
With a trained and experienced mammographer, breast implants will not interfere with the quality of your mammograms. Also, multiple studies have shown that breast implants don’t increase your risk of developing breast cancer, nor do they prevent early detection. If you are over the age of 40, you should receive routine breast cancer screenings.
Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?
It is important to ask if your surgeon is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gallus has years of training and expertise in breast and body surgery that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in the procedure(s) you want. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of 23 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. These specialties represent the traditional core of fully trained specialists. Alternative boards have come up over the last several years to lend legitimacy to incompletely trained or poorly trained practitioners. Accept nothing less than a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who preferably is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Aesthetic Society.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallus?
To schedule a consultation, please contact Restore SD Plastic Surgery by submitting a contact form online, or giving our office a call at 858-224-2281.
Your Safety = Beautiful Mommy Makeover Results
Mommy Makeover at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Choose Restore SD Plastic Surgery for your San Diego mommy makeover
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus has over a decade of experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including Mommy Makeover procedures. In addition to operating in a fully credentialed facility, we take the time to listen to your goals and partner with you to develop the best and safest surgical plan that will optimize your results and leave you looking and feeling your best.
Call to schedule your consultation today »
References »
Ulubasoglu H, Bakay K, Guven D, Ak S, Yagmur C, Hatirnaz S, Sparic R, Tinelli A. Do Changes in Body Shape Due to Pregnancy Lead to Cosmetic Surgery? A Cross-Sectional Study. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2022 Aug;226(4):251-255. doi: 10.1055/a-1782-7695. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35500598.
Stevens WG, Cohen R, Vath SD, Stoker DA, Hirsch EM. Is it safe to combine abdominoplasty with elective breast surgery? A review of 151 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Jul;118(1):207-12; discussion 213-4. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000220529.03298.42. PMID: 16816696.
Khavanin N, Jordan SW, Vieira BL, Hume KM, Mlodinow AS, Simmons CJ, Murphy RX Jr, Gutowski KA, Kim JY. Combining abdominal and cosmetic breast surgery does not increase short-term complication rates: a comparison of each individual procedure and pretreatment risk stratification tool. Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Nov;35(8):999-1006. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv087. Epub 2015 Jul 9. PMID: 26163312; PMCID: PMC6296326.
Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020 Jun;87(6):367-375. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097.
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. 2023 Aug 23. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Oct 31, 2024
Mommy makeover blog posts from Dr. Gallus
Everything You Need to Know About Mommy Makeovers, From a Plastic Surgeon and Mother
Take Back the Years With a Mommy Makeover
Mommy Makeover vs. a Tummy Tuck
