ACHIEVE NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS, REGAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE
Bringing a child into the world is an amazing accomplishment. However, the process of pregnancy and childbirth does have its downsides. Pregnancy can drastically change a woman’s body and cause her to become self-conscious about the way she looks. After having a baby, many women develop stretched-out skin, accumulated fat, sagging breasts, and a number of other changes they are not happy about.
The good news is that a mommy makeover procedure can help women achieve their pre-baby bodies by tightening up loose skin, lifting sagging breasts, and getting rid of stubborn fat bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise with a combination of effective cosmetic surgery procedures.
At Seattle Plastic Surgery, mommy makeovers are performed by board-certified surgeons Dr. Craig Jonov and Dr. Tarak Patel.
There are a number of benefits of a mommy makeover. Since pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s stomach and abdominal muscles, a mommy makeover is often designed to deliver a flatter midsection and help the patient feel more confident in clothing and swimwear.
A mommy makeover can also resolve drooping breasts and make them look more youthful. Some women choose to have breast implants placed at the same time as the breast lift for breast augmentation and enhancement. Finally, this procedure can resolve stubborn fat rolls that may remain after pregnancy, despite a healthy diet and exercise routine. A mommy makeover is tailored to each patient’s specific needs, but typically involves a combination of breast and abdomen procedures.
While there are many physical benefits of a mommy makeover, this procedure almost always leads to psychological benefits such as increased confidence and self-esteem. It can help women feel good about the way they look after having children, allowing them to go through motherhood with a renewed sense of self.
One of the benefits of a mommy makeover is that the procedure is completely custom. There are a number of plastic surgery procedures performed in combination during a mommy makeover. Three of the most common include a tummy tuck, breast lift with or without breast augmentation, and liposuction. Less common but sometimes performed procedures during a tummy tuck include Brazilian butt lift and inverted nipple repair. Let’s take a closer look at the goal of each of these procedures and how they are performed.
After having a baby, many women find that they are left with a flabby stomach, regardless of how healthfully they eat or how many crunches they perform. Even if a woman exercises to burn body fat, the skin and tissues that expand during pregnancy may no longer be able to retract to their pre-pregnancy state.
The standard treatment for loose tummy skin and separated muscles is a called a tummy tuck. If only the skin of the lower tummy below the belly button is affected, then a lower or “mini” tummy tuck is performed. For the upper abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck can address this.
If the loose skin extends above the belly button, then a full tummy tuck is recommended. In some cases Dr. Jonov & Dr. Patel may perform an extended tummy tuck. Most often the muscles are tightened when a full tummy tuck is performed. This procedure improves the overall appearance of the abdomen and enhances a woman’s body contours.
The breasts are frequently affected by pregnancy, particularly after nursing. Oftentimes the breast skin stretches out, the amount of overhang of the breast increases, and the nipples may be positioned too low.
Many women will suffer significant atrophy of the breast tissue with a resulting deflation of the breast. If the breast is well-positioned without significant overhang but simply deflated, breast augmentation may be all that is required to restore the youthful shape of the breast.
If the breast has good volume but is stretched and hanging, a breast lift alone may restore its shape. If both sagging and deflation are present, then both breast lift and breast augmentation may be needed. This is called an augment lift. Some women may even require a breast reduction and lift if there is too much breast volume for the patient’s comfort.
Sometimes after a pregnancy, women discover areas of fat distribution that differ from before and are, in a sense, way more difficult to resolve with diet and exercise. These areas may be effectively treated through liposuction, which is a surgical technique that involves suctioning out unwanted fat cells through small incisions. Although not an alternative to weight loss, liposuction may be an effective technique to address specific problem areas.
There’s no one-size-fits-all mommy makeover. Some women only need a tummy tuck. Others need a full combination. The only way to know for sure is a consultation, where your surgeon looks at your body and listens to what bothers you most.
You may be a good fit for a mommy makeover Seattle if you:
Dr. Jonov and Dr. Patel do not recommend this surgery for people who smoke or who plan to get pregnant again soon, since another pregnancy can undo the results. The only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate is to book a consultation.
A mommy makeover may not be right for you if you:
Your surgeon will go over your health history in detail during your consultation to check if surgery is safe for you.
A consultation with Dr. Patel & Dr. Jonov at our Seattle office is the best way for prospective patients to figure out if a mommy makeover is a good option for them. During a consultation, our surgeons will take the time to listen to the patient’s concerns and design a customized treatment plan that can help her achieve a slimmer, more youthful, and contoured body.
While the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction, Dr. Jonov or Dr. Patel may incorporate other procedures into a woman’s treatment plan, depending on her specific needs. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about their treatment plan and educate themselves as much as possible. They may also look at before and after pictures so they have an idea of what types of results to expect.
Getting ready for surgery matters just as much as the surgery itself. Here’s what usually helps:
Always follow the exact instructions that Dr. Patel or Dr. Jonov gives you, since they know your health history best.
Since mommy makeovers at our Seattle office are typically performed on an outpatient basis, patients are usually able to return home after their procedure. Dr. Jonov or Dr. Tarak Patel will begin the surgery by marking where the incisions will be made and explaining his surgical technique. Then, the patient will receive general anesthesia right before the surgery so they won’t experience any discomfort. Your Surgeon will combine surgeries as per the patient’s custom treatment plan to lift and tighten the breast and abdomen areas, enhancing the body’s curves and contours for a more youthful and taut appearance.
Once the patient wakes up, their sutures, bandages, compression garments, and drainage tubes should already be in place. Your Surgeon will go over post-surgical instructions and ensure they understand exactly what needs to be done for a safe and efficient recovery.
Yes, when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility. Combining procedures means you go under anesthesia only once and recover from everything at the same time, instead of doing separate surgeries months apart. This can also lower your total cost. Your surgeon will only combine procedures that are safe for your specific health and body.
Every surgery carries some risk, and a mommy makeover is no different. Knowing the risks ahead of time helps you make a good decision.
Possible risks include:
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), these are the possible risks tied to mommy makeover surgery, and more details are available for each individual procedure that makes up the combination.
The good news: serious problems are rare, and most patients recover without major issues, especially when the surgery is done by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgery center. The Aesthetic Society notes that major complication rates stay low when an experienced, board-certified surgeon performs the operation.
Always talk to your surgeon about your own personal risk, since it depends on your health, your body, and the exact surgeries you choose.
Mommy Makeover Recovery time is different for everyone and depends on which surgeries you have.
Call your surgeon right away if you notice:
Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and will depend on the procedures that Dr. Jonov or Dr. Patel performs. Most women will be able to return to work after two weeks. However, if they work in a physically demanding job, they may require more time off.
Our Surgeons encourage women to engage in light activity like walking while they are recovering in order to reduce the risk of blood clots. In most cases, drains and sutures are removed in about a week. Dr. Patel & Dr. Jonov will provide each patient with a customized timeline that will inform them how to recover safely and efficiently.
Every surgery with incisions leaves some scarring — there’s no way around this. But board-certified surgeons are trained to place cuts in spots that are easy to hide:
Scars are red or pink at first and fade over months. Staying out of the sun, keeping the area clean, and following your surgeon’s scar care instructions all help scars fade faster and become less noticeable over time.
The cost of a mommy makeover in Seattle depends on the procedures included in your treatment plan. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, breast lift surgery starts at $8,995, liposuction starts at $2,995, and a tummy tuck starts at $7,485. Because a mommy makeover combines two or more procedures, the total cost will vary based on which procedures you choose and the details of your surgery. Financing options may also be available for patients who prefer to spread the cost over time. You can review all procedure pricing and discuss the expected cost during your consultation.
Award-Winning Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Craig Jonov has been a cosmetic surgeon for more than 20 years. He works on the breast, body, and face, including the surgeries often used in a mommy makeover. He trained in General Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital and also has extra training in facial and body cosmetic surgery.
When you meet with Dr. Jonov, he will look at how pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding changed your body, like loose belly skin, changes in breast shape or size, or stubborn fat. Based on what you need, he may suggest a tummy tuck, breast lift, breast implants, breast reduction, or liposuction.
Board Certified: American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Double Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Tarak Patel has more than 25 years of surgery experience. He trained in General Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center, then trained in Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years and retired as a Colonel.
Dr. Patel works on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring, all important parts of a mommy makeover, since pregnancy and breastfeeding change both the breasts and belly. He may talk with you about a breast lift, breast implants, tummy tuck, or liposuction, based on what you want.
Board Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Active Member: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
If you are considering a mommy makeover, you should be selective in the surgeon you choose to perform this surgery. Dr. Craig Jonov and Dr. Tarak Patel of Seattle Plastic Surgery has successfully performed countless mommy makeover procedures and helped mothers of all ages feel good about the way they look.
Both surgeons take great pride in treating each patient as an individual and will design a treatment plan based on your particular needs and goals. You can count on Dr. Jonov, Dr. Patel, and their friendly, compassionate staff to help you feel comfortable throughout every step of the mommy makeover process. We also accommodate Vancouver mommy makeover patients.
Dr. Jonov and Dr. Patel believe in educating their patients and will take the time to explain the details of your mommy makeover procedure and answer any questions you may have. With their experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, they use current surgical techniques and technologies to help provide safe, natural-looking results.
Patients who have had cosmetic surgery at Seattle Plastic Surgery have shared positive experiences about their care, communication, recovery, and results. Here are a few patient reviews:
The entire experience and process exceeded my expectations! Staff and nurses were above and beyond caring and helpful. Everyone made me feel comfortable and safe. I am also extremely happy with the results of my augmentation! The quality of work was top level and I’ve received such positive feedback and compliments from my friends and family following my surgery. Would highly recommend Dr. Jonov and his team!
I had a Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck, muscle repair, Lipo of the flanks, breast reduction and breast lift) done in October with Dr. Jonov and I have nothing but nice things to say about him and his staff. He is a very talented surgeon. My results are just phenomenal! My pain was also very minimal. I seriously can’t believe how easy my whole recovery has been. I’m so so beyond happy with how everything is looking and I’m only 10 weeks out.
Choosing Dr. Tarak Patel for my ‘mommy’ makeover was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The entire experience, from the first appointment to the follow-up care, was seamless and supportive. Dr. Patel and his team ensured that every aspect of the process, including scheduling, the surgery itself, and the recovery, was handled with the highest level of professionalism and empathy.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding affect every woman differently. Common concerns include deflated or enlarged breasts, sagging skin, uneven breast size, stubborn belly or hip fat, stretch marks, and a loss of body shape.
Yes, when done by a qualified surgeon. Combining procedures into one surgery can save money and shorten your total recovery time compared to doing them separately.
See the Risks and Safety section above for full details.
Staying at a steady weight helps keep your results. Getting pregnant again or big weight changes can undo them.
It’s usually safe to get pregnant after a mommy makeover, but it will likely undo your results. Most surgeons suggest waiting until you’re done having children.
Most scars fade well on their own. Massaging the scar, using silicone-based scar treatments, and staying out of the sun can all help.
Since a flatter, smoother belly is a main goal of the surgery, your surgeon will often try to improve the look of a C-section scar at the same time.
Some women find it takes longer than normal to urinate for the first few days. If you have real pain or unusual bowel changes, call your surgeon.
Wait about eight weeks so swelling goes down before buying new sizes — including new bras and underwear.
No. Anyone bothered by extra fat or skin in the belly or thighs, or sagging or deflated breasts, may benefit — you don’t need to have had kids.
No. Some women only need one or two of these. Your surgeon will help you figure out what fits your goals.
You can tan or use saunas after getting implants, but it may make scars more visible.
If you’re wondering whether a mommy makeover is right for you, book a private consultation with Dr. Jonov or Dr. Patel. Call 206-324-1120 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you reach your goals.