Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Mommy Makeover (2025)

A mommy makeover can be nothing short of life-changing, restoring confidence and making women feel more like themselves again after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. But while the results are usually well worth it, many patients learn things along the way they wish they had known in advance.

This guide combines real patient insights with Dr. Liland’s expertise to emotionally, physically, and financially prepare you for surgery.

The Real Costs Beyond Surgery Fees

Many women go into a mommy makeover focusing only on the quoted surgeon fee. But the full cost of surgery is more layered. Here’s what patients often overlook:

Time Off Work – Most need at least 1–2 weeks before returning to desk work, and longer if the job is physically demanding. Lost income can add up if you don’t have paid leave.
Compression Garments – These support healing and contouring but are typically not included in the initial quote.
Medications & Scar Care – Pain medications, antibiotics, scar creams, and supplements can cost several hundred dollars.
Childcare & Household Help – With restrictions on lifting and activity, you’ll likely need help with young children, pets, or housework during the first two weeks.
Financing Fees – Tools like CareCredit, Alphaeon, or PatientFi are popular for breaking costs into payments, but interest and fees add to the bottom line.

See the full breakdown of mommy makeover costs in Dallas.

What Recovery Really Feels Like

Recovery is among the most important and most neglected aspects of a mommy makeover.

While every woman’s recovery varies, here is what patients usually experience:

Week 1: Pain, bruising, and swelling usually peak. Even mundane tasks like getting out of bed may need assistance. Most surgeons recommend sleeping in a reclined position, especially if a tummy tuck is done.
Weeks 2–3: Discomfort lessens, and most patients change from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter medication. Some return to light desk work, but heavy lifting is still not allowed.
Weeks 4–6: Energy gradually returns. Swelling decreases, and results begin to appear through. Most surgeons advise against lifting children or anything more than 10–15 pounds until cleared.
Months 2–6: Healing continues. Scars begin to fade, and results are more pronounced. Swelling may remain, particularly in sections where liposuction or tummy tuck was done
Months 6–12: Final results are typically evident, as swelling fully resolves and scars continue to mature.

Explore Dr. Liland’s detailed mommy makeover procedure overview.

The Emotional Side of a Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is not just a physical transformation; it carries emotional transformations as well.

Patients often describe the recovery process as an emotional rollercoaster:

Body Image Changes: Seeing swelling, bruising, or scarring in the initial phases of recovery can be discouraging, but these are temporary changes.
The “Regret Phase”: It is not unusual to feel some regret in the first few weeks when pain is severe and results are not yet visible. This phase usually resolves as healing progresses.
Confidence Transformation: Most women see a dramatic improvement in self-esteem between 6–12 months after their body has settled into its new form.

Knowing these stages are normal can keep you upbeat and patient during your recovery.

How to Avoid Surprises

Preparation is the key to less stress and higher satisfaction with your result.

Here’s how:

Choose the Right Surgeon – Seek board certification, a history of mommy makeover experience, and a track record of success. Dr. Liland, with more than 30 years of Dallas experience, is a body contouring specialist with natural, balanced outcomes.
Review Before-and-After Galleries – Pay special attention to patients with body types similar to your own in order to have realistic expectations.
Use Consultation Tools – Most practices offer 3D imaging or implant sizing to view results beforehand. Ask all your questions until you feel fully confident.
Plan Your Support System – Arrange childcare, grocery delivery, or family/friend help ahead of time so you can truly focus on healing.

What Patients Say They’d Do Differently

“I wish I had waited until I was done having children.” – Pregnancy after surgery can undo results, so the majority of surgeons recommend completing your family first.
“I wish I had asked more questions.” – Patients often say they did not fully understand details like scar care, recovery time, or implant size until after surgery.
“I wish I had planned more help.” – Most didn’t realize how limited they’d be during those first two weeks. Having meals, childcare, and errands lined up in advance makes a huge difference.

Is a Mommy Makeover Worth It?

The short answer: for most women, is yes.

High Satisfaction: Mommy makeovers have a steady 95–96% “worth it” rating on RealSelf.
Life Impact: Patients consistently remark on not just physical improvement, but also on increased confidence in work, relationships, and daily life.
Expert Care: Under the care of Dr. Liland’s patient-first philosophy, Dallas women can rest assured they are in the hands of a board-certified surgeon who prioritizes safety and realistic expectations.

FAQs

What do patients regret about mommy makeovers?
Common regrets include not planning enough help during recovery or not waiting until after having children.

How painful is a mommy makeover?
Pain peaks during the first week but is manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief by the second week.

How long until you see results?
Early improvements are noticeable within the first month, but final results usually take 6–12 months as swelling resolves.

Key Takeaway

A mommy makeover can be one of the best things you’ll ever have done, but it does require planning and an idea of what to anticipate. By preparing for unexpected costs, having your care team in place, and choosing a talented board-certified surgeon like Dr. Liland, you can achieve successful recovery and long-lasting results.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Liland today

External References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Mommy Makeover
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Risks of a Mommy Makeover
Realself – Mommy Makeover Reviews

Disclaimer

Please note: All materials on the Site, such as text, treatments, outcomes, photographs and images and any other material provided on the Site are for information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site.

Though the content of this blog has been carefully prepared, the author of this content is not a medical doctor and the content has not been reviewed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Unless specifically stated, patients referred to in this blog have not received a liposuction procedure from Dr. Liland. This blog does not endorse the work of any doctors or surgeons mentioned. Stories relating to patients’ personal experiences of liposuction procedures should be treated as anecdotal only.

Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and his, her, or their responsibility.