When 36-year-old US influencer Glory Lu shared her recent cosmetic surgery journey with followers, the response was immediate. Lu had just spent $21,000 on a mommy makeover in South Korea, including a tummy tuck and body contouring procedures.
Her decision to document everything from consultation to recovery sparked thousands of comments from mothers asking: Is it worth it? What does recovery really look like? Lu’s transparency offers insight into why more mothers are considering cosmetic surgery after pregnancy.
Why Glory Lu Chose Surgery
After becoming a mother, Lu noticed physical changes that wouldn’t respond to her fitness routine. Separated abdominal muscles, loose skin, and stubborn fat deposits remained despite regular exercise and healthy eating.
Pregnancy stretches abdominal muscles and skin beyond what natural elasticity can restore. Diastasis recti, the separation of abdominal muscles, affects 6 in 10 women after childbirth, making it one of the most common postpartum conditions. For Lu, these changes were significant enough to impact both appearance and physical comfort.
Lu researched her options for over a year before deciding. She consulted with multiple surgeons, reviewed before-and-after photos, and connected with other women who’d undergone similar procedures. When she finally chose to move forward, she traveled to South Korea, known for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques and competitive pricing.
What is Mommy Makeover?
The term “mommy makeover” describes a specific combination of procedures designed to address post-pregnancy body changes. Most include three main components: breast enhancement (lift or augmentation), tummy tuck, and liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits.
Lu’s treatment plan focused heavily on her midsection. Her tummy tuck addressed the loose abdominal skin and separated muscles that commonly develop during pregnancy. The surgeon also performed additional body contouring for balanced proportions.
During the tummy tuck, the surgeon made a horizontal incision across her lower abdomen, positioned where underwear would sit. Through this incision, excess skin and fat were removed. The surgeon also repaired diastasis recti, the condition where abdominal muscles separate at the midline during pregnancy. The muscles get stitched back together, creating a tighter, flatter core.
Lu’s combined procedures took about four hours in the operating room.
The Recovery Reality
Lu was candid about her recovery, and it wasn’t easy. The first week proved most challenging, with significant swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility.
She couldn’t stand up straight initially. The tightness in her abdomen forced her to walk slightly hunched for the first few days. She wore compression garments around the clock for six weeks to reduce swelling and help skin adhere to newly shaped contours.
By week two, she handled light daily activities but couldn’t lift anything heavier than a coffee cup. For mothers with young children, this limitation requires careful planning and plenty of help.
Lu waited six weeks before attempting real exercise. Even then, she started slowly with walking and gentle stretching. Core exercises came around the three-month mark. Her final results became apparent after six months, once all swelling subsided.
The $21,000 Investment
Lu’s price tag covered far more than surgery itself. The cost included the surgeon’s fee, operating room rental, anesthesia, medical supplies, compression garments, and follow-up appointments.
She chose South Korea partly for cost reasons. In the United States, mommy makeover costs typically range from $9,000 to $30,000, with geographic location dramatically affecting pricing. Procedures in major metropolitan areas like New York City or Los Angeles generally cost more than in smaller markets.
Lu paid out of pocket. Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures. The only exception might be if a surgeon discovers and repairs a hernia during the operation. That component could potentially qualify for coverage.
Who Should Consider This?
Not everyone is a good candidate. Surgeons look for specific criteria before recommending these procedures.
Patients should have finished having children. Another pregnancy will likely reverse results by re-stretching repaired muscles. Most surgeons won’t perform a tummy tuck on someone planning future pregnancies.
Weight stability matters too. Candidates should maintain consistent weight for at least six months before surgery. Good overall health is essential. Smoking disqualifies many candidates because nicotine restricts blood flow and increases complication risks. Most surgeons require patients to quit at least six weeks before and after surgery.
Candidates need realistic expectations. Surgery can remove excess skin and repair separated muscles, but it won’t create a perfect body. Lu spoke openly about having reasonable goals and understanding the procedure’s limitations.
What are the Risks of Mommy Makeover?
Lu experienced a smooth recovery, but complications can occur. Common risks include infection, excessive bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Scarring is guaranteed. The tummy tuck incision runs across the lower abdomen. While surgeons position it strategically, the scar remains visible. It fades over 12 to 18 months but never completely disappears.
Some patients experience numbness in the abdominal area because the procedure severs small nerve endings. Sensation usually returns gradually, though some numbness may be permanent.
Lu chose her surgeon carefully, researching credentials and reviewing patient outcomes. Board certification and accredited surgical facilities serve as important quality indicators.
Making Results Last
Lu’s results look dramatic, but maintaining them requires ongoing commitment. Weight stability ranks as the most critical factor. Gaining or losing more than 10 to 15 pounds can alter surgical outcomes.
Future pregnancies pose the biggest threat to longevity. Physical changes during pregnancy can separate repaired muscles and stretch skin again.
Lu mentioned that surgery motivated her to maintain healthier habits. With proper care, mommy makeover results can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
The Emotional Impact
Beyond physical transformation, Lu spoke about emotional benefits. She feels more confident in clothing and more comfortable during physical activities. Simple things like wearing a fitted shirt or going swimming no longer trigger self-consciousness.
She emphasizes that surgery wasn’t about achieving perfection or meeting societal standards. For her, it was about feeling comfortable in her own body again after pregnancy changed it dramatically.
The decision remains deeply personal. Some women feel perfectly content with their post-pregnancy bodies. Others, like Lu, want surgical intervention to address specific concerns.
Take Your Next Step
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, Lu’s journey offers valuable insights into what the process truly involves. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon provides the best starting point for understanding your options.
Seattle Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive consultations for mothers considering body contouring procedures. Their board-certified surgeons specialize in combining procedures safely while creating natural-looking results. They take time to understand each patient’s unique goals, developing customized treatment plans that address individual needs. Call Us on 206-324-1120 to schedule your consultation and learn whether a mommy makeover might be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mommy makeover surgery take?
A complete mommy makeover typically takes three to five hours, depending on which procedures get combined. Adding liposuction to multiple areas extends the surgical time.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, pregnancy remains possible after a tummy tuck. However, another pregnancy will likely compromise your results. Completing your family first protects your investment and ensures lasting outcomes.
When can I return to exercise?
Walking starts immediately after surgery to prevent blood clots. Light cardio begins around six weeks. Full gym workouts and core exercises typically get cleared at three months post-surgery.
Will I have visible scars?
Yes. Tummy tuck scars run horizontally across the lower abdomen, usually positioned where underwear or swimsuit bottoms hide them. Scars fade significantly over 12 to 18 months but remain permanent.
How much does a mommy makeover cost?
Costs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 in the United States, depending on geographic location, surgeon experience, and specific procedures included. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Craig Jonov is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon serving Lynnwood and the greater Seattle area. He practices in a fully JCAHO-accredited surgical facility, offering advanced surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic treatments. Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jonov is an active member of leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He specializes in face, breast, and body procedures, delivering personalized care and natural-looking results.
