251-929-7850
Mommy
Makeover
Mommy Makeover
Motherhood can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman’s lifetime, as well as one of the most challenging. Although being a mom can have a tremendous positive impact on your life in many ways, the physical impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding may unfortunately take an unwelcome toll on your body. A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures that’s specifically designed to help you feel sexy and vibrant again.
Recognized as body contouring specialists, Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner are some of the top cosmetic surgeons near the Mobile-Pensacola metro area. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures for women who want to get their pre-baby body back, and we are known for our caring commitment to a patient-first approach while achieving absolutely excellent results.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover includes a customized combination of cosmetic procedures, most frequently aimed at targeting the breasts and abdomen – two areas most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. The specific procedures that are included in a mommy makeover vary from woman to woman and are personalized to meet the unique needs and cosmetic goals of each individual.
- For many women, this means combining a tummy tuck, to remove lax skin and repair separated muscles, with a breast lift, to perk up sagging breasts and restore a more youthful placement.
- Breast implants can be included to restore lost volume as well.
- Other women may opt for liposuction to fine-tune their figure or even nonsurgical med spa treatments to rejuvenate their facial appearance.
Your surgeon will talk extensively with you about your goals for surgery to ensure that he can help you choose the procedures that will work best for your body.
Are You a Candidate?
If you’re unhappy about the changes you’ve noticed in your body since having children, you might be a candidate for a mommy makeover. While the specific concerns may vary — one woman may feel self-conscious about stretched or separated abdominal muscles, while another may feel frustrated by the deflated appearance of her breasts — a mommy makeover can address multiple areas at once.
For women looking to augment their breasts, it is important to have discontinued all breast feeding or pumping of milk for 4 to 6 months prior to surgery. If the breasts are not given adequate time for the milk to dry up, placement of an implant can stimulate milk production and result in a galactocele (milk cyst), infection or increased risk for capsular contracture.
The best candidates for mommy makeovers should:
- Be in good general physical and mental health
- Have already reached and maintained a healthy target weight for several months
- Have realistic expectations about their procedures.
- Have already completed their families.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Mommy Makeover Costs
At our Fairhope practice, the cost of a mommy makeover varies, as it consists of several procedures and pricing will depend upon which procedures are included. Please call for more detailed information. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about cosmetic surgery pricing and help you fully understand the costs associated with your mommy makeover.
Your Consultation
Because of the uniquely individualized approach that’s taken during a mommy makeover, scheduling a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner is an important first step before surgery. During your initial meeting, your surgeon will discuss your options with you, as well as explain the limitations of some procedures (for example, liposuction can’t improve skin laxity) and the benefits of others so you can choose the perfect combination for you.
Options for a mommy makeover can include:
- A tummy tuck, to remove loose skin and repair separated abdominal muscles
- Breast implants to boost cup size and eliminate a “deflated” breast appearance
- A breast lift, with or without implants, to restore a firmer, perkier profile
- Liposuction to complement other procedures or address specific problem spots
- Nonsurgical med spa treatments like BOTOX® to help you look younger and more refreshed
Your surgeon may recommend some or all of these options, which may be performed at the same time or in stages.
The goal of every mommy makeover is to adopt a combination approach that targets your specific concerns and delivers a beautiful outcome from head to toe. During your consultation, Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner will go over the details of each procedure and explain how the effects can complement each other to ensure that you see the best possible results from your mommy makeover.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Your Mommy Makeover Procedure
Because each mommy makeover is customized, your exact surgical plan will determine how long your procedure lasts, but most range from 3 to 6 hours. Mommy makeovers are performed under general anesthesia and are typically outpatient procedures, meaning you will be able to go home the same day.
You can expect to arrive early for pre-operative preparation, meet with your surgical team, review your plan and confirm any final details. After surgery, you’ll spend time in the recovery area, where nurses will manage your comfort, review your initial care instructions and determine when you’re ready to head home. Your surgeon will make sure you understand what garments, activity restrictions and follow-up appointments are needed so you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
Risks and Complications
The risks associated with a mommy makeover are generally low, and side effects will vary depending on which procedures are performed. Possible side effects include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection or changes in sensation. Minor complications such as contour irregularities are possible, although these are rare when your surgery is performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner. Part of your consultation time will include going over all the risks and benefits of your mommy makeover in detail so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
Most people take around two weeks off work and other obligations to recover from their mommy makeover. However, recovery times can vary based on which specific procedures you chose to include as well as your body’s healing response. Some women may take more than two weeks off work to recover.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness or soreness are expected during the first few weeks after your procedure. Discomfort is typically managed with medication, and you’ll likely wear compression garments to support healing and reduce swelling. Light walking is encouraged early on, but you will need to limit strenuous physical activity for several weeks.
Under the guidance of your surgeon, you will be able to gradually start to add low-intensity exercises back into your routine over the coming weeks. Around 4 to 6 weeks after your mommy makeover, you should be able to resume your normal workout routine. Your surgeon will discuss your recovery guidelines in more detail before surgery.
Your New Look
You should see an immediate difference in your body after your mommy makeover, although initial swelling can temporarily disguise these early results. Be patient with your body as it continues to heal and results gradually improve over time. Separated tummy muscles should feel firmer and flatter, and issues with loose or excess skin and tissue should be resolved. Breasts should look higher, firmer and sexier, with an increase in cup size if breast implants were included.
Most women start to see noticeable improvements within the first few weeks as swelling subsides, but it can take several months to a year for your final results to fully take shape. Maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy lifestyle and keeping up with your surgeon’s long-term care recommendations can help you to maintain those beautiful results. While aging and gravity will continue naturally, healthy habits and good skin care can help your results last for many years.
Mommy Makeover FAQs
How can I find the best mommy makeover cosmetic surgeon near me?
Choose a cosmetic surgeon for your mommy makeover based on their experience, credentials and ability to listen to your goals and create a customized surgical plan for you.
Start by searching online for cosmetic surgeons in your area, looking for medical training, affiliations with accredited medical associations and before and after mommy makeover photos. Schedule an in-person consultation with your top one or two picks before making a decision.
What are the best procedures to include in a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover can include a variety of cosmetic procedures, and the best ones for your procedure will depend on your needs and goals. Some of the most common procedures to include in a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast enhancement.
Is a mommy makeover performed all at once?
In many cases, yes, your mommy makeover procedure can be performed during a single surgery. If you’ve chosen to include a large number of cosmetic procedures or if your safety is at risk for any reason, your surgeon may recommend that your mommy makeover be split up into two separate surgeries.
Will a C-section affect my ability to get a mommy makeover?
No, having had a C-section in the past should not hinder your ability to get a mommy makeover. In fact, many women choose to include a tummy tuck in their mommy makeover to help better camouflage C-section or hysterectomy incisions. Discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation if this is a concern for you.
How much time should I take off work to recover from my mommy makeover?
Most people take around two weeks off work and other obligations to recover from their mommy makeover. However, recovery times can vary based on which specific procedures you chose to include as well as your body’s healing response. Some women may take more than two weeks off work to recover.
How painful is a mommy makeover?
Some tenderness, swelling, bruising and discomfort are to be expected directly after your mommy makeover. While pain tolerance varies from person to person, most people find that pain after their mommy makeover is well managed with prescription and over-the-counter pain medication. Wearing a compression garment can also help to make you feel more comfortable and reduce swelling while you recover.
When can I exercise after a mommy makeover?
Generally speaking, you should plan to limit physical activity for the first two weeks after your mommy makeover. Gradually start to add low-intensity exercises back into your routine over the next weeks and months. Around 4 to 6 weeks after your mommy makeover, you should be able to resume your normal workout routine. Your surgeon will discuss your recovery guidelines in more detail before surgery.
Will I have scars after a mommy makeover?
Yes — any surgical procedure will leave a scar, including those for cosmetic purposes. However, your surgeon will do his best to place your mommy makeover incisions in such a way that they can be easy to conceal beneath a swimsuit. The specific procedures you include in your mommy makeover will affect the placement of any resulting scars.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: December 2nd, 2025
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