Mommy makeovers can deliver truly incredible results, but it’s natural to feel nervous before making such a big decision and undergoing a surgical procedure. Many women wonder whether they’ll experience mommy makeover regret after surgery, or feel anxious about all the things they think could go wrong.
The good news is that most women who undergo a mommy makeover report high satisfaction with their results and would choose to do it again. That said, like any big decision in life, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re signing up for. In this guide, we’ll explain what you can do to make your mommy makeover surgery as successful as possible to prevent any regret after surgery.
Do Patients Experience Mommy Makeover Regret After Surgery?
One of the best ways to evaluate whether or not patients experience mommy makeover regret after surgery is to look at the success rates. Here, we’ve broken down the success rates of some of the surgical procedures that are commonly included in a mommy makeover:
| Satisfaction Rates for Common Components of a Mommy Makeover | |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Satisfaction Rate |
| Breast Augmentation | 85-98% |
| Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | 80-90% |
| Breast Reduction | 85-95% |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 85-95% |
| Liposuction | 75-85% |
| Fat Transfer (e.g., to Breasts or Buttocks) | 70-90% |
| Body Lift (Extended Tummy Tuck, Lower Body Lift) | 80-90% |
As you can see in the table above, and as we covered in our mommy makeover satisfaction rate guide, patient satisfaction rates for mommy makeovers are consistently very high. Regret following a mommy makeover is very uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and the patient has realistic expectations.
Not only is regret rare, but the surgical procedures involved are all considered highly safe and low-risk. Complications are uncommon, and the few that do occur are generally associated with anaesthesia. The mommy makeover death rate is extremely low, and it’s considered as safe as most other standard surgeries, like having your wisdom teeth removed.
Most women choose a mommy makeover to restore their bodies after pregnancy and breastfeeding, often combining procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction. For many, the results are life-changing, with women citing not just physical improvements but positive changes in their mood, confidence, and social lives.
In the rare cases where a patient experiences mommy makeover regret, it’s usually because their expectations weren’t clearly aligned with what’s realistically achievable, or caused by a communication breakdown with the surgeon. Below, we’ll discuss how you can help ensure you’re among the many women who feel empowered and satisfied by their mommy makeover experience.
How to Avoid Mommy Makeover Regret After Surgery
By doing your homework and being proactive, you can feel confident about your decision, and your results. Here’s how to help ensure your mommy makeover is a success story, not a regret.
Read Reviews and Do Your Research
When you’re choosing a surgeon and looking into different procedures, start by gathering as much information as you can. Read patient reviews, look at before-and-after photos, and visit reputable medical websites to learn about the procedures commonly included in a mommy makeover.
Focus on real patient experiences, especially from women with similar body types and goals to yours. This will give you a better sense of what to expect and help you identify red flags if a provider doesn’t have consistent, positive reviews.
Consult With a Trusted, Experienced Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing mommy makeovers. Don’t be afraid to ask how often they perform the procedure, how they handle complications, and what outcomes you can expect based on your body and goals. A trustworthy surgeon will be honest, transparent, and never pressure you.
Ask Questions About the Procedure
Go into your consultation with a list of questions, remembering that no concern is too small. You might like to ask:
- Which procedures do you recommend for me as part of a mommy makeover?
- What surgical techniques do you use for tummy tucks, breast procedures, or liposuction?
- Will these procedures be done all at once or staged separately?
- How long will the surgery take from start to finish?
- What are the most common complications with this type of surgery?
- How do you handle revisions or touch-ups, if needed?
- When can I return to work, exercise, and lifting my children?
- What kind of pain, swelling, or bruising should I expect, and for how long?
- Will I need help at home during recovery, and if so, for how long?
- Will there be visible scarring, and how can I reduce it?
The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel, and the less likely you’ll be to experience surprises later on.
Make Sure You Understand the Full Cost
Financial surprises can cause regret, even if your results are great. Mommy makeovers can be costly, especially when combining multiple procedures. Be sure to get a full breakdown of the cost, including:
- The surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia
- Operating room charges
- Follow-up visits
- Any garments or medications you’ll need afterward
Ask about payment plans or financing options if needed, and clarify what’s included versus what might cost extra.
Learn More About the Recovery Process
Recovery is a big part of a mommy makeover. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you plan for time off work, childcare, help around the house, and emotional ups and downs. Your surgeon should provide clear guidance on healing timelines, physical limitations, and signs of complications to help you understand the recovery process, set realistic expectations, and avoid frustration as your body heals.
Understand What a Mommy Makeover Can and Can’t Do, and Manage Expectations
A mommy makeover can tighten your abdomen, lift your breasts, and improve body contour, but it can’t make you look 21 again or completely erase every imperfection. Having realistic, achievable goals is key to avoiding mommy makeover regret after surgery. Your surgeon should help you align your expectations with your personal anatomy and healing capacity.
Avoid Mommy Makeover Regret – Consult With Harris Plastic Surgery
While it’s important to be aware of the risks, the take-home message is that mommy makeover regret after surgery is extremely low. The best way to make your mommy makeover a success story is to start by consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Harris.
With thousands of successful surgeries performed, Dr. Harris has the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals. Take a look at this before and after gallery to see what’s possible from a mommy makeover at Harris Plastic Surgery, then start your own journey whenever you’re ready to take the next step.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.