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Practical Information
Plastic Surgery
Postpartum recovery (breast lift and/or reduction of body fat and skin laxity)
It depends on the procedures performed.
General Anesthesia
It depends on the procedures performed.
1 to 4 weeks (depending on the procedures performed).
What is Mommy Makeover?
Mommy Makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures designed to help women fully restore the silhouette and body harmony they had before pregnancy, addressing common post-partum changes such as skin laxity, excess skin, and localized fat deposits.
How is it performed?
The procedure is tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. The most commonly performed surgeries include:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. In many cases, it can also correct rectus diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles) by repositioning the muscles, helping achieve a firmer abdomen. Around the navel, small hernias or shape changes may sometimes be present and can also be corrected.
- Breast lift (mastopexy): aims to improve the appearance of sagging breasts through a breast lift and repositioning of the areola and nipple. This procedure may or may not include breast implants (breast augmentation).
- Liposuction: localized fat is a common concern after pregnancy. In these cases, liposuction can be performed on the affected areas, which may include the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, “bra bulges,” double chin, mons pubis, or other areas.
Naturally, the surgeries performed depend on the patient’s clinical case and specific goals, and other procedures may be included beyond this list. In some women, for example, pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to an increase in breast volume, which may be considered unattractive and can cause discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the neck and shoulders, potentially leading to the need for breast reduction surgery.
One of the main advantages of a mommy makeover is the possibility of combining procedures on the same day, which can help reduce costs and shorten the overall recovery time, while keeping the surgical plan aligned with the patient’s safety and well-being.
Who is this surgery for?
During pregnancy and after childbirth, a new mother’s body undergoes several changes. Therefore, after the baby is born, it is natural for women to wish to regain the silhouette they had before becoming pregnant.
Mommy Makeover is mainly intended for women who feel bothered by:
- A significant increase in breast volume followed by a sharp decrease, resulting in sagging breasts (breast ptosis) or atrophy of the mammary gland;
- Postpartum belly sagging and excess skin, which may sometimes create the appearance of a “hanging belly”;
- Stretch marks in the abdominal area (skin that has been stretched during pregnancy may not have enough elasticity to return to its original position, leading to stretch marks);
- Localized fat – after childbirth, some women are unable to return to their pre-pregnancy weight or may retain localized fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, and back.
Living Clinic considers the ideal candidate for a mommy makeover to be a woman who has already had children and does not plan to become pregnant again, as future pregnancies may compromise the aesthetic results achieved with these procedures.
Expected Results
From an aesthetic standpoint, the goal of a mommy makeover is to help restore the new mother’s body to a shape close to her pre-pregnancy figure, focusing on the areas that typically change the most during pregnancy – namely the abdomen and the breasts.
In our experience, beyond the aesthetic transformation, women who undergo a mommy makeover often experience significant emotional benefits as well, reporting a noticeable increase in self-esteem and self-confidence.
Mommy Makeover Post-Surgery and Recovery
Although the recovery period always depends on the number of procedures performed, mommy makeover recovery typically ranges from 1 to 4 weeks.
For a faster recovery, it is important to get plenty of rest, especially during the first week. In addition, during the first month after surgery, you should avoid any type of physical exertion.
It is also important to follow a balanced, healthy diet and drink plenty of water. It is essential to comply with all medical instructions regarding medication, lymphatic drainage sessions, the use of a compression garment/support bra, and other postoperative care.
By following these recommendations, recovery from breast procedures and liposuction is generally well tolerated by patients. Abdominoplasty, however, may cause a bit more discomfort (which will be minimized with painkillers prescribed by the doctor) and may require more rest.
What is the scar like after Mommy Makeover?
Scarring after a mommy makeover will always depend on the type of procedures performed. Living Clinic’s plastic surgeon will do everything possible to ensure the scars are as small and discreet as possible.
However, postoperative care is also important to help ensure that, over time, scars become thinner and lighter.
Here are some possible scars, depending on each procedure:
- Mastopexy or breast augmentation: periareolar, vertical, or inverted T scar;
- Abdominoplasty: the scar is placed along the bikini line and may be longer or shorter depending on how much skin is removed. A peri-umbilical scar is also required, except in mini-abdominoplasty.
- Liposuction: scars are very small – just a few millimeters – and are usually placed in hidden areas or within the body’s natural folds.
If you would like to improve your silhouette without scars, you can also choose non-invasive treatments, such as the Non-Surgical Mommy Makeover Pack, which includes procedures such as CoolSculpting, EMSCULPT NEO, and EMTONE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of anesthesia is used?
All the procedures mentioned are performed under general anesthesia.
How long is the hospitalization?
The recommended hospitalization period for a Mommy Makeover is 24 to 48 hours, depending on the procedures performed and their extent.
How long after childbirth can a Mommy Makeover be performed?
Although postpartum recovery varies from case to case, we estimate that a mommy makeover should only be performed at least 6 to 12 months after childbirth. It is important that the body has enough time to fully recover from pregnancy and delivery, which usually takes at least 6 months.
It is also important to note that the patient should no longer be breastfeeding at the time of the procedure.
What are the contraindications?
Mommy makeover procedures are not recommended for:
- Smokers;
- Obese women or those who are overweight;
- Patients with autoimmune diseases;
- Women with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
Plastic Surgeon
[Medical License #53318]
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He completed his degree in Medicine at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto and the Internship in Specific Training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery took place at Hospital de São José (Lisbon) and Hospital de São João (Oporto).
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho performed several internships, namely on Oncology Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology – Oporto and a fellowship of Hand Surgery, organized by the Portuguese Society of Hand Surgery. He also performed international internships in Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema at the Clinic Planas – Barcelona, at the University Hospital of Brussels and at the Villa Sant’Apollonia Clinic – Bergamo, having contacted with references in Plastic Surgery such as Dr. Jaume Masià, Dr. Moustapha Hamdi and Dr. Enrico Robotti.
Currently, he is also a plastic surgeon at the Hospital de São João – Oporto, and a Invited Lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto.
In the field of cosmetic surgery, he has a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery, breast cosmetic surgery, body contouring surgery and vaginal cosmetic surgery.
What is the Price of Mommy Makeover?
The price of a mommy makeover varies depending on the number of procedures performed, among other factors, so a prior assessment is always required before providing a quote. Schedule a consultation with Living Clinic’s plastic surgeon to have an evaluation, receive a personalized quote, and clarify all your questions.
Financing options: At Living Clinic, we want to ensure that all patients have access to the treatment they desire. That is why we provide financing options (interest-free financing for up to 12 months), allowing you to undergo your surgery in a more affordable way, without compromising the quality of the procedure and care.
Plastic Surgery Testimonials
“Dr. Francisco Martins De Carvalho doesn’t forget the smallest detail. He seeks perfection and finds it. A unique and sublime talent. I woke up with the body of a teenager (I’m 41). Thank you for making me smile.”
“Very attentive doctor, very helpful and friendly receptionist. Welcoming and pleasant environment.”
“I had a gynocomastia surgery about two weeks ago, performed by Dr. Carvalho. The surgery went exactly as he outlined during the consultation. The process was very smooth and painless. Even though it’s only been two weeks, it feels like I never had surgery, and the result is truly flawless. Dr. Carvalho provided very detailed […]
“One of the best surgeons, I’m so grateful for the excellent work he did with me! A perfectionist!! I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you, Dr. Francisco Carvalho!”
“Dr. Francisco Carvalho is undoubtedly the best plastic surgeon with a very promising future ahead. His dedication, responsibility, professionalism, concern for patients, sensitivity, and humility are second to none. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Dr. Francisco, and the entire team for everything, but especially Dr. Francisco Carvalho. I recommend this plastic surgeon to anyone […]
LOCATION
Where to have Mommy Makeover in Porto?
Have your Mommy Makeover at Living Clinic with maximum safety and natural results! We are located at Av. da Boavista 117 6th floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal.
Schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon to hear his recommendation for your specific case and clarify all your questions.
