Mommy Makeover at a Glance

Type of anesthesia:
General
Recovery time:
1-2 weeks off work (non-strenuous jobs); 6 weeks before resuming exercise
Time in surgery:
4 to 6 hours
When you go home:
Day of operation
Often Combined With:

*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your experience may vary.

No matter how much you exercise or watch your diet, completely reversing the physical changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth is often impossible. These changes typically include sagging abdominal skin and deflated breasts. A mommy makeover at our San Antonio, Texas, practice can restore your body and confidence. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Ablavsky specializes in body contouring procedures, producing consistent, natural-looking results. 

What Is a Mommy Makeover? 

The phrase mommy makeover describes a combination of aesthetic surgery procedures commonly performed to address physical changes after having children. The procedures most often associated with a mommy makeover include:

Dr. Ablavsky customizes mommy makeover surgery based on each patient’s concerns and cosmetic goals. If a patient tells Dr. Ablavsky she’s concerned about other areas, he’ll discuss options he can include in her treatment plan. 

Can You Benefit From a Mommy Makeover?

Women considering a mommy makeover should be in good overall health and are at or near the weight they want to maintain. A mommy makeover is a body contouring surgery, but it isn’t a weight loss procedure. In many cases, patients lead active lives and want to feel more comfortable and confident when exercising or wearing more revealing clothes.  

You should wait to schedule a mommy makeover if you plan to have more children.  

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

At our San Antonio practice, the cost of mommy makeover surgery starts at $17,235. We base this price on a procedure that includes a breast lift with implants, a tummy tuck, and liposuction. The cost of your procedure can vary significantly depending on your specific needs and goals. Dr. Ablavsky discusses your options during the consultation and recommends which combination of surgeries will best achieve your goals.  

The cost for your mommy makeover procedure includes the following: 

  • OR / surgery center fee 
  • Surgeon’s fee 
  • Anesthesia fee 
  • Cost of breast implants 
  • Post-surgery compression garments 

After Dr. Ablavsky creates a customized treatment plan based on your input, our office will provide a detailed price quote for you to review. 

Mommy Makeover Payment Plans

Financing the cost of a mommy makeover is no different than setting up payment plans for any other significant purchase, such as a car. We partner with several companies that specialize in elective health care financing. Our Resources page includes more details about the various payment plans.

How Long Is Recovery After a Mommy Makeover? 

Every mommy makeover recovery is unique because each procedure plan is customized. However, most include a tummy tuck, which requires more downtime than other procedures. Dr. Ablavsky provides detailed post-op instructions to help you recover safely, minimize complications, and achieve the best possible results.

Week 1: Rest & Gentle Movement

  • Plan to rest and focus on healing during the first week.
  • Expect tightness, swelling, and moderate discomfort, especially in your abdomen.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed and avoid any bending, lifting, or twisting.
  • Begin gentle walking—at least 10 minutes every waking hour—to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
  • You may shower 24 hours after surgery, but avoid soaking in a bath or pool.

Week 2: Early Healing

  • Most patients feel more mobile and comfortable.
  • Swelling and bruising remain but should start to subside.
  • You can usually return to light daily activities and a non-strenuous job about two weeks after surgery.
  • If surgical drains were placed, Dr. Ablavsky will remove them once fluid drainage tapers off.
  • Continue wearing your compression garments as instructed.

Weeks 3 to 4: Continued Recovery

  • You’ll notice steady improvement in comfort and mobility.
  • Dressings over your incisions are typically removed around 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
  • You may feel ready for light errands or short outings, but still avoid heavy lifting or exercise.
  • Swelling continues to diminish, and incisions begin to heal.

Weeks 5 to 6: Increasing Activity

  • Energy levels rise as your body heals.
  • Most swelling and bruising have significantly improved.
  • With Dr. Ablavsky’s approval, you can begin more active movement and gentle exercise.
  • You’ll see continued refinement in your body contours as swelling subsides.

After 6 Weeks: Full Activity & Ongoing Healing

  • Most patients can resume strenuous exercise, lifting, and complete daily routines.
  • Residual swelling gradually resolves, and scars continue to mature and fade.
  • Final results take shape over the next few months, revealing a smoother, firmer, and more youthful figure.

Mommy Makeover FAQ

What are the risks associated with a mommy makeover?

All surgical procedures include some risks. Our preoperative appointments include a review of surgical consent forms and a comprehensive discussion of what to expect. We’ll also thoroughly explain the risks involved with a mommy makeover, such as infection, bleeding, seroma, poor scarring, contour abnormalities, blood clots (pulmonary embolism), and risks associated specifically with breast augmentation and breast lift procedures. 


 

How can I prepare for a mommy makeover? 

Being in as good shape as possible before surgery can help you heal more quickly. You can prepare for your recovery by planning ahead—fill any prescriptions you have, arrange for reliable child care, prepare ready-to-heat meals, and create a “nest” where you’ll have access to electronic devices, reading material, and other essentials. 


How long does mommy makeover surgery take? 

The time it takes to complete the surgery varies, depending on the procedures involved. You can expect the surgery to last from 4 to 6 hours. 


What is the ideal weight for a mommy makeover? 

There isn’t a specific “ideal” weight for a mommy makeover, but Dr. Ablavsky recommends staying close to your goal weight—typically within 10 to 15 pounds—and maintaining it for several months before surgery. Being at a stable, healthy weight supports a safer surgery, smooth healing, and results that last.


What’s the best way to sleep after a mommy makeover? 

After a mommy makeover, the best way to sleep is on your back with your upper body slightly elevated, often using extra pillows or a wedge cushion. This position helps reduce swelling, protect your incisions, and prevent strain on treated areas, such as the abdomen or breasts. Dr. Ablavsky recommends maintaining this “beach chair” position for the first few weeks.


Can a mommy makeover include thigh lift or other skin removal procedures? 

While a mommy makeover can be customized to address multiple areas, Dr. Ablavsky typically does not include procedures like a thigh lift or other extensive skin removal surgeries in the same operation. These procedures add significant surgical time and recovery demands, increasing the risk of complications.

Request Your Consultation

If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in San Antonio to perform mommy makeover surgery, request a consultation with Dr. Ablavsky using the online form or call our practice at  (210) 942-6672 to schedule an appointment.

ZO Skin Health Skincare Products now available at Ablavsky Plastic Surgery

Now Offering ZO® Skin Health Skincare Products at Ablavsky Plastic Surgery

Prep your skin prior to surgery to soften and smooth your skin’s appearance for optimal results.

Contact us at (210) 942-6672 to learn more.

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