Whenever patients come in seeking information about plastic surgery after pregnancy, mommy makeover scars are one of the main topics they want to learn more about. In fact, one of the first questions they usually ask is, “Does a mommy makeover leave scars?”
And the answer is: “It’s difficult to say.”
In general, yes, mommy makeover procedures will result in scars because incisions create scars, and mommy makeovers require incisions.
However, what type of scars you have, where they are located, and how noticeable they are will depend on which procedures you choose for your mommy makeover.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Involve?
Common mommy makeover procedures can include any of the following individual surgeries:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery)
- Liposuction
- Breast lift surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Vaginal rejuvenation
Typically, patients choose from this list based on their major concerns and how they want to look after surgery, how challenging they are okay with their mommy makeover recovery being, and what their budget is.
We can help you visualize what types of scars will generally result from each of these procedures. But naturally, we need to determine which procedures you want to undergo first.
Scars After Mommy Makeover Surgery
Again, scars from mommy makeover surgery vary depending on the surgery. So, let’s take a look at the typical scars that will result from each of the mommy makeover plastic surgery procedures:
Tummy Tuck Scars
A full tummy tuck requires a lateral incision from hip to hip on the lower abdomen as well as a virtually invisible incision around the belly button.
With an extended tummy tuck, the lower incision will be longer on either side. With a fleur de lis tummy tuck, an additional tummy tuck incision is required, which runs vertically from the belly button down to the lower abdominal incision.
Liposuction Scars
Liposuction incisions only need to be large enough so that your plastic surgeon can use their cannula instrument to suction out fat from each one. This means that each incision only needs to be less than a centimeter long (on average) to minimize scars.
Furthermore, the best plastic surgeons always make sure to locate liposuction incisions in hard-to-see areas.
Breast Lift Scars
There are three main types of breast lift incision patterns with this kind of breast surgery. Incision placement depends largely on how much excess skin you have. The first only requires one incision to be made around the outer edge of the areola.
The second pattern, often called the lollipop incision pattern, involves the outer edge of the areola incision as well as another incision running from the bottom of that circular incision down to the breast crease. And finally, the anchor incision pattern is the lollipop pattern with the addition of an incision running along the best crease or inframammary fold.
Breast Augmentation Scars
In order to insert your breast implants for an augmentation breast procedure, your surgeon will need to make incisions large enough for the actual size of the implants. So, if your breast implants are very large, the incisions will need to be larger as well. So the breast enhancement scars will depend on that.
Incision placement depends on your anatomy, the opinion of your plastic surgeon, and what type of breast implants you have.
Brazilian Butt Lift Scars
BBL scars are usually only present where you have liposuction. And again, lipo scars are quite small (see above). The injection of grafted fat will not result in noticeable scars.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Scars
The type of scars that result from vaginal rejuvenation surgery depends on what type of rejuvenation you choose. For most procedures, however, scars will be well-hidden within the folds and color changes of your natural anatomy.
Mommy Makeover Scars FAQ
Do mommy makeover scars go away?
Mommy makeover scars don’t completely disappear, but they fade significantly over time through natural wound healing processes. Scars begin fading within 6 to 12 months, with full maturation taking up to a year or longer.
A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rachel Mason strategically places surgical incisions in hidden areas to minimize visible scarring. Proper wound care during recovery, including avoiding sun exposure and following post-operative instructions, helps optimize final scar appearance as it blends with surrounding skin.
What does a mommy makeover scar look like?
Scar appearance progresses from initial red or raised marks to thin, flat lines that blend with the surrounding skin. Tummy tuck scars appear as horizontal lines just above the pubic area, easily hidden by clothing.
Breast lift scarring follows a “lollipop” pattern around the areola and down to the breast crease. Liposuction creates small, discreet marks at incision sites in natural folds. The wound healing process gradually helps flatten scars over time, with genetics, age, and care affecting final results.
How painful is a mommy makeover?
The first week brings the most intense pain, peaking during days 1-5 when surgical incisions and incision sites are most tender. Pain transitions to manageable soreness by week two, with sharp discomfort becoming rare after week three.
Visible scarring and swelling persist for about two months while tissues heal. Most patients return to work after two weeks, with full activity resumption around six weeks. A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Rachel Mason follows proper wound care protocols to minimize both pain and optimize healing for better scar tissue appearance.
Is there an age limit for a mommy makeover surgery?
There is no age limit for mommy makeover surgery – women in their twenties through sixties and beyond can be good candidates, as the determining factors are health and individual circumstances rather than age. While most patients are typically between ages 30-45, the key qualifications include being in good physical health, maintaining a stable weight, being finished having children, and having realistic expectations.
Do tummy tucks leave big scars?
Abdominoplasty surgery can often result in the most visible scars when compared with other mommy makeover procedures. Nearly all tummy tuck surgeries will require a lower abdominal incision, and some tummy tuck procedures may also require a vertical incision extending from the belly button down to the lower abdominal incision.
Wounds heal faster and scars fade better when silicone sheets or gel are used. So, if you opt for a tummy tuck, your surgeon will likely recommend one of these scar tissue treatment options.
How much is a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeover cost tends to vary based on geographic location, your choice of provider, what procedures you are specifically seeking, the extent of your surgery, what anesthesia you choose, and local hospital or surgical facility costs. Please request a consultation appointment with Dr. Rachel Mason to learn more about mommy makeover pricing.
What are the cons of a mommy makeover?
Likely the largest drawback to mommy makeover surgery is the extensive recovery time. Many months of swelling and some bruising, and pain are common after most mommy makeovers. You will need to take several weeks off from work and refrain from physical activity for at least one month or more.
Of course, mommy makeover surgeries can also be expensive and may result in some scarring. For most mommy makeover patients, however, the pros far outweigh the cons.
How can I minimize scar visibility?
Achieving minimal scar visibility while restoring your pre-pregnancy figure involves a comprehensive approach to scar management that begins immediately after surgery. The key to better wound healing lies in combining proper post-operative care with targeted scar therapy techniques.
Protecting scars from sun exposure is essential, as UV rays can darken newly formed scars and increase scar visibility. Gentle scar massage once incisions have fully healed can improve texture and break down excess collagen, while maintaining proper hydration and avoiding smoking will support your body’s natural healing processes. With consistent scar management and a commitment to healthy diet principles, most patients find their horizontal scar becomes barely noticeable while successfully achieving their desired pre-pregnancy figure through the transformative results of their mommy makeover.
Can nutrition help with my scars?
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in promoting better wound healing and can significantly enhance healing outcomes. Focus on protein-rich foods essential for tissue repair, along with vitamins A, C, and zinc, which are particularly important for wound healing and immune support. Anti-inflammatory foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and herbs like turmeric can reduce swelling and support the healing process.
When can I return to cardio exercises after mommy makeover?
Strenuous cardio exercises should be avoided for at least four to six weeks after mommy makeover surgery. Light walking is encouraged starting day one, but aerobic exercises, sports, and high-intensity cardio must wait until your surgeon provides clearance around week six. Always start slowly when resuming cardio activities
Book a Mommy Makeover Consultation
Looking for the best mommy makeover surgeon in Las Vegas? Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason performs mommy makeover surgery at her Las Vegas practice.
Let Dr. Mason and her team help you look and feel your very best. Contact us today to set up your personal consultation appointment for mommy makeover surgery.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-will-your-mommy-makeover-scars-look-like