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Dr. Megan Dreveskracht
Oct 7, 2023
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Motherhood is one of the most amazing and exhausting journeys we as women undertake. While there is so much beauty to celebrate through pregnancy, birth, and after the baby is here, there is a tremendous amount of structural stress that the body is put under through it all. Some changes resolve after birth or breast feeding, but many of them are now permanent alterations that we feel we must adapt to and live with. Unfortunately, many of these changes leave us feeling self-conscious, unsexy, and longing for our pre-pregnancy bodies. Sprinkle in some mom guilt and we are left feeling vain or self-absorbed by even the consideration of surgery. While changes such as ribcage or pelvis expansion tend to be permanent, many of the changes our bodies undergo to carry and feed our children can be addressed with surgery. Fortunately, we have come strides in realizing there is no shame in wanting some or all of your pre-baby bodies back or in taking the steps to achieve it. As a Female plastic surgeon in Seattle AND a mother of two, I take personal and professional pride in helping women realizing it is OK to prioritize themselves and their self-confidence.
for moms
MOMMY MAKEOVER
JUST LIKE EVERY PREGNANCY IS DIFFERENT AND EVERY WOMAN'S BODY CHANGES DIFFERENTLY WITH MOTHERHOOD, A "MOMMY MAKEOVER" IS NOT A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL PROCEDURE. BELOW ARE THE MOST COMMON PROCEDURES THAT FEMALE PLASTIC SURGEON DR. MEGAN PERFORMS AS PART OF A MOMMY MAKEOVER.
1
Breast Augmentation
2
Breast Lift
3
Liposuction
4
Diastasis Repair
5
Tummy Tuck
6
Labiaplasty
What is a Mommy Makeover?
WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?
A common question patients ask is what exactly is a Mommy Makeover? Well, a Mommy Makeover is different for each Mom because every body changes in slightly different ways with having children. In general, the two areas that are involved in a Mommy Makeover are the Abdomen and the Breasts. Pregnancy and breast-feeding often cause the breasts to lose volume, cause the skin to stretch out, and change the overall shape and appearance of the breasts. The top of the breasts, or what we refer to as the Superior Pole, is the most susceptible to volume loss and gives the breasts a deflated appearance. In patients who simply lose volume but maintain skin integrity and breast shape, a Breast Augmentation alone will help restore their pre-baby breasts. When patients are unhappy with the shape of the breasts and the skin quality, a Breast Lift with or without an implant is usually the procedure of choice.
In the abdomen, pregnancy and the weight changes associated with it often leave women with loose, baggy skin, stretch marks and stubborn fat deposits. The abdominal muscles which move apart during pregnancy to accommodate our growing bellies may or may not have returned to their midline position after birth. When the muscles fail to return to the midline we call this a Rectus Diastasis, and this contributes to the “mom pouch” and widening of the waist. To address any one or all of these factors, a Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, and a muscle repair are all surgical options.
The abdomen and the breasts are not the only two areas where patients seek improvement as part of their Mommy Makeover plastic surgery journey. For some it also involves procedures such as Liposuction of the chin or a Labiaplasty. The most important aspect of a Mommy Makeover--whatever procedures it involves--is to make each patient feel confident, empowered and sexy after surgery.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover is in good overall health and has a relatively stable weight. A thorough discussion needs to be had with each patient in regards to where they are at in their family planning. We recommend that women wait until they are done having children in order to begin their Mommy Makeover journey. Another factor to consider is the age of her children. Restrictions after surgery include no heavy lifting for at least four weeks postoperatively so ideally the children would be of the age where picking them up is not absolutely necessary. When this is not the case, good family support is needed during her recovery period.
BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION:
To make the most of your Seattle Mommy Makeover consultation, Dr. Megan recommends that patients spend a little time reflecting on their goals and doing a bit of research beforehand. While no homework is required, understanding the basic components of a Mommy Makeover—such as tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction—can help create a more personalized and productive consultation experience.
Many patients find it helpful to bring in “wish pics” that reflect the aesthetic they're hoping to achieve, especially when it comes to breast shape or abdominal contouring. These visual aids help Dr. Megan better understand your surgical goals and tailor a plan that fits your body and lifestyle.
Because a Mommy Makeover often combines multiple procedures, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that makes physical examination easier, such as a two-piece outfit or sports bra. This allows for a more accurate and comfortable assessment during your Seattle plastic surgery consultation.
THE CONSULTATION:
A Mommy Makeover consultation is comprehensive and typically unfolds in two phases. During your first visit, Dr. Megan will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic concerns and post-pregnancy body changes, and perform a detailed physical exam. Based on this, she will outline a personalized surgical plan that may include a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and/or liposuction.
Because Mommy Makeovers are highly individualized, there’s a lot to consider—skin quality, abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), breast volume and symmetry, and more. For this reason, Dr. Megan often approaches these consultations in two parts. The first is for education, evaluation, and initial planning; the second, held closer to your surgery date, is when all surgical decisions are finalized.
Throughout both appointments, Dr. Megan encourages open communication and will guide you through every option—whether it’s implant sizing, scar placement, or recovery expectations—to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your plan.
THE PROCEDURE:
A Mommy Makeover is a customized, combination procedure designed to restore and rejuvenate the body after pregnancy and childbirth. It is performed as an outpatient surgery in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art Surgical Suites and typically includes some combination of a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction. Most patients will undergo general anesthesia (completely asleep) administered by our experienced and compassionate anesthesia team.
The exact steps of the procedure will vary depending on your personalized surgical plan. For a tummy tuck, Dr. Megan will begin by making a low, hip-to-hip incision carefully hidden beneath the bikini line. Through this incision, she will repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and remove excess skin and fat to create a flatter, firmer abdominal contour. For the breast portion, whether a lift, augmentation, or both, incisions will be tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals—often placed around the areola and/or under the breast fold.
Liposuction may be added to contour the flanks, thighs, or back, enhancing the overall silhouette. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Megan prioritizes balance, symmetry, and natural-looking results. Once the surgical work is complete, incisions are closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin, and gentle dressings or garments are applied.
After a short recovery in our post-anesthesia care unit, patients are discharged to recover in the comfort of their own home with detailed post-op instructions and support.
AFTER SURGERY:
Recovery after a Mommy Makeover will depend on the extent of your procedure, but most patients should plan for approximately 10–14 days of dedicated downtime. Soreness, tightness, and fatigue are common during the initial days, especially after a tummy tuck. Prescription pain medications are provided to keep you comfortable in the early recovery period. You will be asked to walk short distances the day after surgery to support circulation and healing.
You may wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support your healing body. Showering is typically allowed after your first post-operative visit with Dr. Megan. Most patients are able to resume light daily activities within two weeks, but lifting anything over 10 lbs—including young children—should be avoided for a full 4–6 weeks.
Swelling and bruising are expected and may persist for several weeks. Breast implants (if placed) may initially appear high and firm but will gradually settle over the following months. Tummy tuck results will continue to refine as swelling resolves and your body adjusts to its new shape. Final results can usually be appreciated around the 3–6 month mark.
Dr. Megan and her team will follow you closely throughout the healing process to ensure a safe, smooth recovery and beautiful outcome. Typical follow up timeline in our Seattle office includes 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months and 1 year post Mommy Makeover procedure.
MOMMY MAKEOVER GALLERY
01
Can I Have Multiple Procedures At The Same Time?
Many patients combine procedures to minimize cost and downtime. Generally, keeping surgery time to under 6 hours in an outpatient setting is considered safe for patients.
02
Is Mom Guilt Real?
Mom guilt, especially regarding plastic surgery procedures, is VERY real. It's important to have support from those around you & always remember your WHY.
03
How Long Before I Can Pick Up My Child After My Surgery?
Patients should wait a minimum of 4 weeks before lifting > 10/15 lbs after plastic surgery. This can be even longer in the face of multiple plastic surgery procedures or delays in healing.
04
What Is The Cost Of A Mommy Makeover?
Because a 'Mommy Makeover' is not the same procedure for every mom, the cost will be individualized for each seattle plastic surgery patient. You will receive a detailed cost analysis at the end of your consultation for your review.
MOMMY MAKEOVER
FAQ
MOMMY MAKEOVER FAQ
MOMMY MAKEOVER VIDEO
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