Tummy Tuck + Breast Surgery + Lipo: Your Mommy Makeover, Explained

Considering a “mommy makeover” in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee? You’re not alone! It’s now one of the most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures today. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that are customized to each woman’s body to address multiple areas of concern.

Not sure where to start? In this blog, we’ll break down what’s typically included, who’s a good candidate, how to prepare, and what recovery really looks like — so you can make confident, safety-first decisions with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

What a “Mommy Makeover” Usually Includes (and What It Doesn’t)

As we noted above, a mommy makeover is a personalized combination of surgeries designed to address post-pregnancy changes. Most plans include some mix of:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin and repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis).
• Breast surgery, such as a lift, augmentation, and/or reduction, to restore position and proportion.
• Targeted liposuction for contouring (not weight loss).

Your surgeon can customize these and additional procedures as required to help you meet your goals for your body and your anatomy. Many patients opt to have a combination of procedures in one stage; others benefit from staging (e.g., abdomen first, breasts later) to optimize safety, downtime, and childcare planning.

What it doesn’t do: Note that a mommy makeover is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. You may lose some of the benefits from the procedure if your weight fluctuates due to a lack of exercise and proper nutrition. Certain foods can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to optimize the healing process, while others have the potential to hinder or slow your recovery.

Who’s a Good Candidate? (Straight Talk)

You may be asking yourself, “Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?” The answer depends on your overall health and your body’s “readiness” for multiple plastic surgery procedures.

Ideal candidates are in good overall health, are non-smokers, and are at a stable weight. Smoking and nicotine constrict blood vessels and raise post-surgery risks like delayed wound healing, tissue loss, and other complications after a procedure. In fact, it’s a good idea to quit smoking (or vaping) before any type of surgery, according to the American College of Surgeons.

Timing is also important when it comes to answering the “Am I a good candidate?” question. Are you currently breastfeeding? Many surgeons recommend waiting until your weight plateaus and breastfeeding is complete, so tissues are more predictable. If you’re currently lactating and need anesthesia, current guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists supports resuming breastfeeding as soon as you are awake and alert. Always confirm specifics with your plastic surgeon and anesthesia team.

Goal-setting: Plastic surgery can address issues such as lax skin, muscle separation, and breast volume and position. However, as we noted above, a mommy makeover won’t replace healthy nutrition/exercise or serve as a primary weight-loss method.

A Mommy Makeover Breakdown: What’s Involved

It’s important to remember that not every woman gets a mommy makeover after children, and not every mother wants her exact pre-baby body back. You may have a completely different end-goal. Maybe you want something even better! Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common procedures in a combination makeover.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

• What it addresses: A tummy tuck typically targets loose skin, weakened and separated muscles (diastasis), and lower-abdomen contour.
• Good candidates: Good candidates are healthy, are at a stable weight, and are non-smokers with realistic expectations.
• Variations: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you may be a candidate for a “full” or a “mini” tummy tuck, with or without muscle repair. It’s important to consult with your plastic surgeon to recommend the right approach.

Breast Lift / Augmentation / Reduction

• Lift (mastopexy): A breast lift elevates and reshapes the breast when the position of the breasts (not the volume) is the main concern.
• Augmentation: A breast augmentation adds volume and shape with implants or (in select cases) fat transfer.
• Reduction: This reduces volume and relieves symptoms, such as neck, back, and/or shoulder strain.
• Safety note on implants: The FDA requires a Patient Decision Checklist to ensure you understand benefits, risks, and alternatives. You can expect your surgeon to review this checklist and other safety-related issues during your plastic surgery consultation.

Liposuction (Body Contouring)

• The gist: Liposuction focuses on the removal of stubborn fat cells that just do not respond to healthier lifestyle choices.
• Purpose: This procedure refines your body’s silhouette in areas like flanks, abdomen, back, or thighs.
• Myth check: Liposuction does not tighten loose skin like a tummy tuck; it’s best for shape, not scale.

How to Prepare (30-Day Countdown)

Now that we’ve clarified some expectations and goals for a mommy makeover, below is a pre-surgery checklist and post-surgery timeline that we’ve compiled from industry experts such as the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Your plastic surgeon can provide you with a more detailed list of items to help you prepare for your customized mommy makeover.

4 Weeks Out

• Stop nicotine (including vaping and patches). Ask for cessation support and confirm if it’s necessary to pause any medications and/or supplements with your surgical team.
• Plan caregiver help, school drop-offs, pet care, and set up a recovery space (recliner, pillows, chargers, meds station, etc.).

2 Weeks Out

• Prioritize protein and hydration. This includes completing any pre-op labs and medical clearances.
• Order compression garments and review drain/garment instructions if applicable.

Week of Surgery

Follow fasting instructions from your surgeon and anesthesia team. Be sure to take only the medications approved by your surgeon/anesthesiologist. Arrange day-of transport and an adult to stay with you.

Recovery: A Realistic Timeline (Varies by Procedure Mix)

Many mothers have concerns about recovery times for their mommy makeover. However, the great thing about mommy makeovers is that you can consult with your plastic surgeon to tailor your procedure to your needs. Your surgeon can also provide you with a realistic timeline for your mommy makeover recovery. Here is a quick, high-level example.

Week 1

During the first week, you can walk at short, frequent intervals; no heavy lifting (including children). Expect swelling, tightness, and — if placed — drains and compression.

Weeks 2–4

After a couple of weeks, many patients can resume light desk work and driving, once they are cleared by the plastic surgeon. Activity gradually increases; lifting limits may remain.

Months 2–3

At this point, you should be progressing in your return to exercise. Your surgeon will phase in core work after muscle repair. If you haven’t already, begin your scar care, including sun protection. Full maturation of scars typically takes 12–18 months.

Before-and-After: Setting Expectations

• What you’ll likely see: This is where we get to the fun stuff! After a mommy makeover, patients often see a flatter abdomen, improved waist contour, repaired core strength, and breasts that are lifted and proportionate to the body’s frame.
• What to expect: Swelling can take a couple of months to evolve, so remember that final results take time. Longevity depends on your weight stability, future pregnancies, and lifestyle.

Learn More About Mommy Makeovers at Green Hills Plastic Surgery

While childbirth can be a rewarding, life-changing experience, you deserve to feel just as beautiful after starting a family as you did before — or even more so! If you’re exploring a mommy makeover, learn more by scheduling a consultation at Green Hills Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen M. Davis.

For more than 24 years, Dr. Davis and his team have been helping men and women throughout Nashville look and feel their best. His extensive training, detailed artistry, and attentive care create a one-of-a-kind experience for each one of his patients. Contact us today for a consultation if you’d like to learn more.

This article and all blogs on our website are educational and not medical or legal advice. An in-person consultation is the best way to determine which treatment, device, or timing is right for you.