What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover, also called a mummy makeover, is a tailored combination of cosmetic procedures that address the changes pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can leave behind. These often include loose skin on the abdomen, separated stomach muscles, stubborn fat around the waist, and breasts that have lost volume or dropped.
There is no single version. Your plan is designed around your concerns and may include:
tummy tuck to remove loose skin and repair separated abdominal muscles
breast lift, augmentation or reduction to restore shape, position or size
liposuction to refine the waist, hips, flanks or thighs
Doing these together means one trip, one anaesthetic and one recovery period.
Who is a mommy makeover suitable for?
You may be a good candidate if you:
have finished having children
are at least 6 to 12 months past your last pregnancy and have stopped breastfeeding
have a stable weight close to your goal
are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop for several weeks
understand the scars and recovery involved
If you are still planning a pregnancy, it is wiser to wait, as another pregnancy can undo much of the result.
Procedures and planning
Tummy tuck
A low incision from hip to hip, hidden by underwear, lets the surgeon tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. The belly button is repositioned to suit the new contour.
Breast surgery
A lift raises sagging breasts, implants restore lost volume, and a reduction helps if your breasts stayed larger and heavier after pregnancy. Lift and implants are often combined.
Liposuction
Small incisions are used to remove fat from areas such as the flanks and hips, helping to define your waist.
How the operation is done
Consultation and tests
The day before surgery you have blood tests and an ECG, meet your surgeon and confirm the final plan. Incision lines are marked while you stand.
Anaesthesia
The operation is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many procedures are included.
Surgery
Breast surgery is often done first, followed by liposuction and the tummy tuck. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid building up.
Waking up
You wake in a support bra and abdominal compression garment. You are monitored closely and encouraged to move your legs and get up within hours.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–7
You stay in hospital for 6 nights. Walking slightly bent forward protects the tummy tuck incision. Pain is controlled with medication.
- Weeks 1–2
Drains are removed and swelling and bruising start to fade. You will need help at home, particularly with children and household tasks.
- Weeks 2–6
Most women return to desk work after 2 to 3 weeks. You keep wearing your garments and avoid lifting, including children, until about week six.
- Months 3–12
Swelling settles, the breasts soften into shape and scars gradually fade.
Aftercare
wear your support bra and compression garment for around six weeks
sleep slightly raised with your knees bent for the first weeks
walk several times a day to reduce the risk of clots
take prescribed medicines, including blood thinners if prescribed
avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and baths until your surgeon allows them
eat protein-rich food and drink plenty of water
Risks and side effects
Combining procedures means a longer operation, and your surgeon will explain the risks carefully. They include:
bleeding, haematoma and seroma
infection
blood clots in the legs or lungs
delayed wound healing, particularly at the tummy tuck incision
noticeable scars
changes in sensation of the abdomen or nipples
asymmetry or contour irregularities
implant-related problems, if implants are used
reactions to the anaesthetic
Preparing for surgery
A combined operation needs good preparation. Before you travel, stop smoking and alcohol at least two weeks beforehand, pause blood-thinning medicines and supplements as advised, and stop the contraceptive pill about a month before surgery if your surgeon recommends it. Arrange childcare and help at home for at least the first two weeks after you return, and prepare loose, front-opening clothes for the journey home.
Results
You can expect a flatter, firmer abdomen, a more defined waist and breasts with a lifted, fuller shape. Results are long-lasting as long as your weight stays stable and you do not become pregnant again.
Mommy makeover in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send photos and your medical history, including details of your pregnancies. The surgeon reviews them and you receive a personalised plan. Stop smoking, alcohol and blood-thinning medicines about two weeks before surgery.
In Istanbul
Arrive a day early for tests. VIP transfers, the hospital stay, a translator, medication and meals are included, and a companion can stay with you at no extra cost.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp, follows your recovery and passes your photos and questions to your surgeon.
What the Mommy Makeover package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 6 nights, 7 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Mommy Makeover FAQ
Which procedures are included in a mommy makeover?
There is no fixed list. Most plans include a tummy tuck and a breast procedure, such as a lift, augmentation or reduction, often with liposuction. Your surgeon recommends a combination after reviewing your photos and goals.
Is it safe to have several procedures at once?
For healthy patients, combining procedures is common and means a single anaesthetic and recovery. Surgeons limit the total operating time, and if your plan is extensive they may suggest dividing it into two stages.
How long should I wait after having a baby?
Most surgeons advise waiting at least 6 to 12 months after giving birth and at least 3 to 6 months after you stop breastfeeding. This allows your body and breasts to settle and your weight to stabilise.
Can I have more children afterwards?
It is possible, but a later pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin again and change your breasts. It is best to wait until you have completed your family.
Will I be able to look after my children during recovery?
You will need help, especially for the first two weeks. Lifting children, including toddlers, should be avoided for around six weeks.
How long will I stay in Turkey?
Plan for 7 days in Istanbul. Combined operations come with a full hospital stay of 6 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. This covers tests, surgery and a check-up before your flight.
Will a mommy makeover fix stretch marks?
Stretch marks on the skin that is removed during a tummy tuck, usually below the belly button, disappear. Those that remain on other areas may look a little flatter but are not removed.
