Body
Overview
About Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover typically combines one or more procedures addressing the breast, abdomen, back (love handles), thighs, and buttocks. Pregnancy and nursing can change the body in ways diet and exercise alone can't fully reverse.
Which procedures are best depends on your body type and individual goals. Dr. Guarda designs each plan collaboratively, so your results look natural and feel like you.
✚ Medically reviewed by Dr. Helena Guarda, MD — Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery. Last reviewed August 2026.
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Combines
Breast + body procedures
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Anesthesia
General
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Initial Recovery
2–3 weeks
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Plan
Fully personalized
Every plan is individualized — the details above are typical ranges and are confirmed during your consultation.
Why Patients Choose It
Benefits at a glance
- ✓One recovery for multiple procedures
- ✓A plan built around your body
- ✓Natural-looking results
- ✓Compassionate, education-first care
Is It Right for You?
Are you a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate for mommy makeover if some of the following apply. The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Guarda.
- ✓Pregnancy or nursing changed your breasts or abdomen
- ✓You have loose skin or separated abdominal muscles
- ✓You are finished having children
- ✓You are at a stable weight
- ✓You are healthy and a non-smoker
- ✓You'd prefer one recovery for multiple procedures
What to Expect
Your journey, step by step
1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Guarda to share your goals, review your health history, and design a plan tailored to you.
2
Preparation
Receive clear pre-operative instructions — and any needed lab work — so you feel fully prepared for the day of surgery.
3
Procedure
Your procedure is performed with meticulous care in an accredited surgical setting, prioritizing safety and natural results.
4
Recovery & Results
Follow a guided recovery with scheduled follow-ups as your final results gradually take shape.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
A general guide to what recovery looks like. Dr. Guarda provides a personalized timeline based on your body and your plan.
First 24–48 hours
Rest at home with support nearby. Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and managed with prescribed medication.
First 1–2 weeks
Most patients return to desk work and light activity. Follow-up visits confirm you're healing well; avoid strenuous movement and heavy lifting.
Weeks 2–6
Gradually resume exercise as Dr. Guarda clears you. Swelling continues to subside and your new contour becomes more defined.
3+ months
Final results settle as tissues fully heal and any scars continue to soften and fade.
Preparation
How to prepare
- ✓Complete a thorough consultation and any required lab work or medical clearance
- ✓Stop smoking well before and after surgery to support healing
- ✓Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed by Dr. Guarda
- ✓Arrange a ride home and help at home for the first few days
- ✓Fill prescriptions and set up a comfortable recovery space in advance
Safety
Risks & safety
As with any surgery, mommy makeover carries some risks — which may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility significantly lowers these risks. Dr. Guarda reviews your complete medical history and discusses every risk — and how it is minimized — during your consultation, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Results
Results & longevity
Results from mommy makeover are designed to look natural and last. While aging, pregnancy, and major weight changes can affect your outcome over time, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results for many years.
Questions & Answers
Mommy Makeover FAQs
Answers to questions patients ask most. Have another? We're glad to help.
Which procedures are included in a Mommy Makeover?
It's fully customized, but commonly combines a breast procedure (augmentation, lift, or reduction) with a tummy tuck and/or liposuction. Dr. Guarda tailors it to your body and goals.
Should I wait until I'm done having children?
Yes — future pregnancy can undo abdominal and breast results, so it's best to complete your family first.
Can everything be done in one surgery?
Often yes. Combining procedures means a single anesthesia and recovery. Dr. Guarda will confirm what's safe and appropriate for you.
Local Care
Mommy Makeover in Suffolk & Hampton Roads
Dr. Helena Guarda proudly serves patients across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the greater Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our practice is located at 5131 River Club Drive, Suite 110, Suffolk, VA 23435 — convenient to coastal Virginia communities seeking mommy makeover with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Considering Mommy Makeover?
Your individual consultation with Dr. Guarda awaits. Call or send a message with any questions you may have.