Mommy Makeover

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Many new moms—as well as those who have been raising children for years—would like to improve their appearance after the physical rigors of pregnancy and motherhood have taken their toll. Considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Houston, Dr. James F. Boynton can help with a Mommy Makeover procedure. A Mommy Makeover is a comprehensive, custom-designed cosmetic enhancement plan that combines a number of treatments into one procedure—performed in a single visit or staged over a series of treatment sessions. With a Mommy Makeover, Dr. Boynton can renew your breasts, eliminate excess fat deposits, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful, contoured, and refreshed look.

Please contact Boynton Plastic Surgery for more information, or to schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation.

Mommy Makeover At a Glance

Potential Benefits: This customized combination of procedures can rejuvenate numerous areas of the body by reducing excess fat pockets, lifting and tightening sagging skin, and enhancing contours for a more youthful and vibrant look.
Popular Mommy Makeover Treatment Options: Breast enhancement, tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, and facial rejuvenation are just a few of the many options that can be selected for a Mommy Makeover.
Procedure: Depending on the number of treatments involved and a patient’s unique needs, a Mommy Makeover can be performed in a single operation or over a staged series of operations. In some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended.
Recovery: Recovery is largely dependent on which procedures (and how many) are included in the personalized Mommy Makeover treatment plan, as well as whether the procedure is performed all at once or over a series of appointments. Since Mommy Makeovers typically involve at least two treatments that require major surgery, patients will need to plan for a period of rest and recovery at home before resuming normal daily routines.
Surgeon: Dr. James Boynton is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been honored with numerous professional recognitions and awards throughout his career. Mommy Makeovers are a strong focus of Dr. Boynton’s practice, and he is extensively skilled and experienced with the treatments available for selection in these procedures.

Explore Topics On This Page

Mommy Makeover Benefits
Mommy Makeover Candidates
Common Physical Changes Caused By Pregnancy
Mommy Makeover Preparation
Mommy Makeover Procedures
Mommy Makeover Recovery
Mommy Makeover Scars
Mommy Makeover Results
Choosing a Mommy Makeover Surgeon
Mommy Makeover Cost
Additional Mommy Makeover FAQs

Patient Results

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What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?

The key “principle” of most Mommy Makeovers is to simultaneously rejuvenate the breasts and abdominal region, though the procedure will ultimately be specifically tailored to address your unique needs. Whether you would like to enhance the appearance of your breasts, minimize signs of age and fatigue that appear along the face, or recontour your body and restore your pre-pregnancy figure, a Mommy Makeover can offer effective options. Benefits of a Mommy Makeover include:

Eliminating extra skin in the breasts that may be causing a sagging appearance
Increasing the amount and variety of tops and swimsuits that fit properly
Lessening the need to wear heavier bras that are often required to support drooping breasts
Tightening the abdominal muscles and smoothing out the skin in the midsection for a flatter, more fit-looking stomach region
Repairing and returning rectus musculature (six-pack muscles) to a proper position for improved core muscle functionality during ab workouts, certain fitness exercises, and various daily movements
Feeling comfortable wearing two-piece bathing suits again
Reducing areas of excess fat that have accumulated in specific body areas (which some studies suggest can also be a good health benefit)
Diminishing signs of age, stress, and fatigue in the face for a more youthful, refreshed appearance
Improving one’s confidence, self-image, and overall self-esteem

Dr. Boynton will be happy to meet with you for an initial consultation to talk with you about all aspects of available treatment options in a Mommy Makeover. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have, and Dr. Boynton can craft a custom-designed Mommy Makeover treatment plan based on your ultimate goals. Together, you and Dr. Boynton will come up with the best options that can meet your needs.

Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Women who are in good health—without certain existing medical conditions—and who are currently at or near the average healthy weight for their body type can often be ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover. It is recommended to wait until family plans are complete before undergoing this combination of cosmetic procedures to ensure the longevity of surgical results. Good candidates are also mentally prepared with realistic expectations agreed upon with their qualified, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Additionally, candidates need to understand and be prepared for the recovery time after surgery. It is also necessary to fully adhere to pre- and post-operative instructions designed to enable proper healing and a successful outcome.

What Are Some of the Common Physical Changes Caused by Pregnancy?

In order for the body to adapt to the necessary requirements of pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing, it must go through certain physical fluctuations to stretch the muscles and skin. These changes typically lead to loose skin around the body and stretch marks (especially around the midsection and breast areas), lax or weakened abdominal muscles and connective tissues, sagging and/or “deflated” breasts, and accumulated fat pockets in the stomach, hips, thighs, and upper arms. Other related physical changes that may occur are overall weight gain, hyperpigmentation, facial volume loss, and effects from fatigue or hormonal changes. A Mommy Makeover is designed to help improve many of these effects for each individual based on their unique concerns and goals for treatment.

How to Prepare for Mommy Makeover Surgery

Dr. Boynton is committed to patient safety—which includes making sure you are fully prepared for your Mommy Makeover. Depending on your medical history, he will usually work with you to get any necessary lab work, EKG, and/or various other tests completed prior to treatment to ensure your well-being during and after the procedure. In addition, Dr. Boynton routinely performs Mommy Makeovers in a fully accredited hospital (Houston Methodist West Hospital), which includes an overnight stay after surgery. Although this may not be a medical requirement, it can provide a break from little ones while further ensuring safety.

As far as what you can do on your own to prepare for your Mommy Makeover, the following tips can be very beneficial:

Be Sure to Have Your Prescriptions Filled Before Surgery

Prescriptions for discomfort following surgery can often be filled before the procedure. Taking this step prior to surgery will save time and energy that you likely won’t want to expend after treatment.

Be Sure to Have Your Home Ready for Your Recovery

It’s best to get as many errands completed and household items in place before surgery so your home is ready by the time you have had the procedure. Having enough food and other necessities already on hand can relieve you of the burden of having to acquire those things during recovery.

As noted below in our Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips section, it’s also important to ask a loved one—or possibly multiple loved ones—for assistance. You will need to spend at least the first few days following surgery resting and recuperating. Having someone help out with children, pets, errands, household chores, or even to just lend a compassionate ear can be vital. In Dr. Boynton’s experience, it is often ideal to have one person manage any kids and one person available to take care of you. Some patients even like to do a “staycation” and have grandparents or other friends/family members take the kids away so they can focus on their recovery. Once your treatment plan is developed, Dr. Boynton will provide you with additional information that can help you experience a smooth recovery from Mommy Makeover surgery.

What Procedures Can Be Included in a Mommy Makeover?

There is a full range of cosmetic enhancement procedures that can help you renew areas of the body commonly affected by pregnancy and years of raising children. These include:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
During pregnancy, particularly with multiple pregnancies, the abdominal muscles can become stretched and pulled apart, and excess fat and skin that has accumulated before and after childbirth can be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, is designed to pull the abdominal muscles taut and redrape the skin for a tighter, smoother, flatter appearance to the stomach area.

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Liposuction
Areas of the body that are retaining excess fat can be improved with liposuction. Dr. Boynton can perform this popular procedure to help you reduce stubborn fat pockets and recontour your body after pregnancy.

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Breast Lift
The appearance of sagging in the breasts after pregnancy or breastfeeding is very common for new moms and can be effectively improved with breast lift surgery (mastopexy). Dr. Boynton can eliminate excess skin in the breasts and tighten the remainder for firmer, more youthful, and “perkier” breasts. This procedure can often be combined with breast augmentation for women who would like to add volume to the breasts in addition to rejuvenating their appearance.

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Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation (enlargement with implants) can help women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy regain fullness in the breasts and attain a more youthful, contoured appearance. Dr. Boynton can help you determine the size, shape, and type of breast implants that may be best for your goals.

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Cosmetic Injectable Facial Rejuvenation
It is very common for new mothers to experience more pronounced signs of age, stress, and fatigue in the face once they begin raising their children. Cosmetic injectable facial rejuvenation can not only reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but some treatments can also augment facial features such as the lips and cheeks for a more youthful and contoured look. Dr. Boynton offers an array of injectable treatments, including BOTOX^® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and much more.

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What Does Recovery from a Mommy Makeover Involve?

Mommy Makeover procedures are typically performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility; therefore, most patients are able to return home for recovery following the treatment. In rare cases, our doctor may recommend staying overnight in a hospital or surgical facility depending on the patient’s age, body mass index, and/or medical history. In addition to one’s natural healing process, the downtime and overall recovery experience following a Mommy Makeover will depend on which procedures are selected and whether they are performed in combination or in separate stages. In general, the abdominal treatment—e.g. tummy tuck and/or liposuction—will determine how long recuperation will be, as recovery from breast enhancement and cosmetic injectables is typically shorter in comparison.

When liposuction is the only abdominal procedure employed, most patients can expect to return to office-based jobs and non-strenuous daily routines within a few days of their surgery. Contrarily, when abdominoplasty is performed, the majority of individuals require approximately two weeks of rest before safely resuming non-strenuous activities without risk of impeding proper healing and compromising their results. Regardless of which body contouring technique is conducted, Dr. Boynton also usually advises that patients avoid any heavy lifting (10 pounds or more), vigorous exercise, and strenuous physical activity—particularly anything that involves the abdomen—for at least four to six weeks.

Some degree of bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness in the treatment areas (abdomen, breasts, and/or face) may occur initially, though these symptoms should resolve over time. Most patients report that any discomfort they experienced was mild, and many say pain medication was not even necessary throughout the recovery process.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

The following tips can aid recovery after a Mommy Makeover and enhance comfort during this important stage of the process:

Arrange for someone to take care of you. Depending on the treatments that you undergo as part of your Mommy Makeover, it is likely that you will need significant rest for at least a few days following surgery. Help from a loved one can be essential during this time, allowing you to concentrate on healing and adhering to your post-operative instructions.
Get some assistance with childcare. If you have small children, it’s important to remember that strenuous activity and heavy lifting must be avoided for several weeks after surgery. Some help with childcare for the first couple of weeks following the Mommy Makeover procedure can be extremely beneficial.
Take steps to minimize pressure on the treated areas. Sleeping in certain positions during recovery can often diminish discomfort and relieve stress on surgical sites. Dr. Boynton can provide you with more information on ideal ways to care for the treated areas during recovery once your individual treatment plan is developed.
Wear post-surgical garments as directed. Some patients may require post-surgical garments to facilitate healing during recovery. These can often be helpful after certain breast surgeries and tummy tuck surgery. It is extremely important to wear these garments as directed by Dr. Boynton and by the post-surgical instructions provided to you by our team.
Don’t smoke. Healing can be significantly impacted by smoking since it can cause blood vessels in the treatment areas to close. It is vital to quit smoking for at least several weeks before and after surgery to avoid major complications.
Take a short walk as often as you can. After surgery, it’s important to move around at least a little bit in order to avoid blood clots. We will provide you with post-operative instructions that detail how much mobility you should undertake following surgery to help facilitate a safe and speedy recovery.
Do not hesitate to contact us. Our care for you does not stop when the treatment is complete. We are here for you throughout the recovery process, and you should always contact us with any concerns you may have. If you experience anything you feel is out of the ordinary, such as increasing levels of pain, swelling, and/or redness, or issues such as shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain, fever, bleeding, heart palpitations, dizziness, or other symptoms that concern you, please contact us immediately.

How Noticeable Are the Scars from a Mommy Makeover?

The visibility of scarring from a Mommy Makeover is dependent on the treatment options selected as part of the procedure. While all surgical procedures result in some level of residual scarring, it is important to note that Dr. Boynton utilizes advanced techniques that can minimize the noticeability of scars. These techniques include the use of state-of-the-art scar creams and suturing methods, as well as creating incisions in areas that are as inconspicuous as possible.

The pages listed in the Mommy Makeover Procedures section above will have more information on scarring from particular treatments. If you would like to learn more, we encourage you to contact us today with any questions you may have.

What Long-Term Mommy Makeover Results Can I Expect?

A Mommy Makeover is intended to produce long-lasting results that can create a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance for many years to come. To help stabilize the outcome, patients are encouraged to live an active lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy, nutritious diet. Weight fluctuations can reverse the long-term results of procedures by stretching and shrinking the skin and muscles, so it’s best to focus on an attainable weight and, as mentioned above, postpone surgery until you are confident your family is complete. The continuing results of a Mommy Makeover vary for each patient based on the procedures that are included in their treatment plan. Surgeries such as liposuction and breast augmentations are designed to have enduring results, whereas injectables and facial rejuvenation may need more regular upkeep. The natural aging process will eventually be a factor, but committing to a healthy lifestyle can often help to delay those effects.

Choosing a Mommy Makeover Surgeon

A Mommy Makeover is capable of significantly enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence; however, the best results and the most effective care largely depend upon the skills, experience, and approach of the plastic surgeon chosen to perform the procedure. To maximize the potential for a safe and satisfactory Mommy Makeover, it is essential to thoroughly research your options during the selection process. The expertise and experience of your surgeon are crucial for achieving optimal results and minimizing the potential for complications. Here are some tips on how to choose the best Mommy Makeover surgeon for your needs:

Verify Credentials and Certification

Ensure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is a strong indication of a plastic surgeon who has gone the extra mile in terms of training and experience, as well as one who has shown a particular commitment to embracing the highest standards of care. Also, review the surgeon’s professional memberships, educational history, and other credentials to get an idea of the doctor’s background.

Assess Experience with Mommy Makeovers

Choose a surgeon who regularly performs Mommy Makeovers and stays updated on the latest techniques to maximize outcomes. You should feel free to ask the surgeon or the practice about their experience with Mommy Makeovers and to provide you with an average number of times they have successfully performed these procedures.

Take a Look at Patient Reviews and Before-and-After Photos

Online reviews of the plastic surgeon and before-and-after photo galleries offer a snapshot of other patients’ experiences at the practice and the results for which the doctor is capable of achieving.

Meet with the Plastic Surgeon for a Consultation

Once you have familiarized yourself with a surgeon’s credentials, reputation, and other aspects of his services, you can schedule an initial consultation to evaluate his approach to care and his communication style. During this meeting, you can get a sense of your comfort and confidence level while explaining your goals and going over your expectations. You should always feel that the surgeon is truly listening to you and addressing any questions and concerns you may have, as well as thoroughly detailing the options and the treatment process.

Ultimately, procedures such as a Mommy Makeover are collaborative efforts between you and your surgeon. They are a partner in your care, and your encounters with them should make you feel confident that they genuinely have your best interests at heart based on your needs and goals.

How Much Does the Mommy Makeover Procedure Cost?

At Boynton Plastic Surgery, the cost of a Mommy Makeover usually starts at approximately $20,000 and upwards; however, the total price will depend on a variety of factors, particularly the amount and type of cosmetic options included, as well as the specific body areas being targeted for rejuvenation. The Mommy Makeover procedure is custom-designed based on the specific treatments chosen by each individual; therefore, the total cost varies significantly from patient to patient. The overall price of a Mommy Makeover will include factors such as the facility fee, the surgeon’s fee, post-surgical garments that may be necessary during recovery, the number and type of cosmetic enhancement options that are part of the treatment plan, and other expenses. When your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation with Dr. Boynton, a member of our staff will compile the costs of each aspect of your treatment and produce a total cost estimate. We can also answer any questions you may have about the convenient payment options available at our practice, and talk with you about plastic surgery financing arrangements that can help make the cost of treatment as budget-friendly as possible.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover

Is a Mommy Makeover safe?
Cosmetic surgery procedures, including Mommy Makeovers, can generally be considered safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Boynton, who has advanced training and knowledge for both surgical techniques and patient safety. However, there are certain risks involved with any surgery, including infection, severe bleeding and/or bruising, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and other complications. Choosing a surgeon that thoroughly examines your medical history and evaluates your candidacy can help to mitigate these risks, along with ensuring you follow all of the necessary surgical instructions provided by your surgeon before and after the procedure(s).
Will my Mommy Makeover be performed in a single surgery?
The surgical plan for a Mommy Makeover will be determined based on the individual’s unique needs, including whether the treatments can be performed in a single surgery or if it is more ideal to schedule them in stages. Dr. Boynton will carefully evaluate the types of chosen procedures, any risk factors, and individual personal or medical needs to ensure the appropriate timeline is decided. In general, if four or more procedures are selected, it may be more likely that a Mommy Makeover will need to be performed in multiple operations.
How long does a Mommy Makeover procedure take?
One of the many benefits of a Mommy Makeover is the ability to customize your chosen procedures based on your specific cosmetic concerns and goals. Because of this, the length of Mommy Makeover surgery will vary greatly for each patient. Once you have decided on the procedures you would like to include in your Mommy Makeover, Dr. Boynton will be able to discuss the anticipated surgical plan and estimated length of the procedures that will occur either all at once or during multiple surgeries.
Should I get a Mommy Makeover or a body lift?
While Mommy Makeover and body lift procedures are both designed to address more than one aesthetic concern, they are each generally intended for different purposes. Mommy Makeover patients tend to include those who wish to address areas affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as the breasts and abdomen, whereas “body lift” patients are generally those who would like to improve certain aesthetic effects that can occur after significant weight loss, such as sagging, excess skin and fat in the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, or other regions.

Instead of a full body lift, Dr. Boynton’s preference is to perform a “two-part” procedure for safety’s sake. He essentially performs an extended tummy tuck with posterior lipocontouring, which allows him to enhance shape in the torso all the way around the body but typically without the need for a 360-degree circumferential incision (which is the common technique in traditional “body lifts”). Dr. Boynton feels that it is generally best to try to place incisions in areas that can be concealed in the natural contours of the body, and that will ultimately depend on how each patient's body distributes fat and which areas have skin that is exhibiting more laxity. In cases that have severe posterior laxity, Dr. Boynton can often perform a hip lift, a “completion body lift,” or a posterior body lift as the second part of the procedure.

Dr. Boynton will be sure to review all of your concerns during a consultation to determine the best treatment plan for your desired physique.

Schedule a Mommy Makeover Consultation

For more information on our Mommy Makeover procedures, please contact Dr. James F. Boynton to schedule a consultation. Dr. Boynton will be happy to meet with you and answer all of your questions about procedures that can help you meet your goals.