Dr. Saber’s Blog
Long-term Maintenance After a Mommy Makeover: How to Support Lasting Results
A mommy makeover can be a transformative journey, helping you regain your pre-pregnancy body and boosting your self-confidence. This combination of cosmetic surgery procedures often includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast implants, or breast reduction, and body contouring. Most people see the full results of their mommy makeover within 6 to 12 months. At that point, it’s normal to wonder how best to maintain your new look long-term.
Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and incorporating skincare routines that support your surgical results are all a part of a holistic, long-term mommy makeover maintenance routine. By prioritizing these practices, you can enhance your appearance, support your abdominal muscles, and improve overall well-being, making the most of your investment in yourself.
What long-term maintenance is needed after a mommy makeover?
While surgery can deliver transformative results, the real key is what comes after. Long-term care involves maintaining a consistent fitness routine, a healthy diet, and adhering to Dr. Saber’s post-operative guidelines. By managing your weight and avoiding fluctuations, you can protect your body contouring and help your makeover last for years.
Step 1: Adhering to post-op guidelines
The mommy makeover procedure can include treatments such as:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Breast implants or breast reduction
- Liposuction and fat removal
- Body contouring enhancements
Each procedure has specific recommendations for post-op care. Making sure that you are following Dr. Saber’s advice during the recovery and post-op period is crucial to achieving and keeping your results long-term. Check out these tips for a smooth plastic surgery recovery here. Once you are healed, you can adapt to lifestyle changes that will help ensure ongoing success and satisfaction with your transformation.
Step 2: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Think of your mommy makeover as a fresh start. The procedure sets the stage, but your everyday routines determine how the story continues. By paying attention to what you eat, how you move, and how you manage your weight, you can make those results last and feel even better in your body over time.
- Nutrition and diet. What you eat directly affects how your body heals and how well you maintain your results. A healthy diet rich in lean proteins, colorful vegetables, fruits, and whole grains helps preserve tummy tuck results and supports your abdominal muscles. Staying hydrated is equally important, since water improves skin elasticity and aids recovery. Limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol can also reduce inflammation and prevent the buildup of new fat cells. Think of food as fuel for your long-term transformation.
- Exercise recommendations. Movement plays a huge role in sustaining mommy makeover results. Once Dr. Saber clears you for activity, a mix of strength training and cardiovascular workouts will help keep stubborn fat from returning while toning your body. Cardio, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, supports heart health and burns calories, while strength training builds muscle to support your abdominal core and enhance overall body contouring. Flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates can also improve posture, ease tension, and complement your recovery.
- Weight management strategies. Perhaps the most important factor in maintaining results is keeping your weight steady. Large fluctuations, whether from weight gain or rapid loss, can stretch the skin and impact the outcomes of procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction. Instead of fad diets, focus on long-term, sustainable habits such as portion control, mindful eating, and regular activity. Tracking your progress and setting realistic goals can help you stay accountable. By maintaining a stable weight, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy the long-term benefits of your mommy makeover.
Step 3: Caring for your skin and scars
After pregnancy and surgery, it’s completely normal to notice changes in your skin, including things like stretch marks, scars, or areas of excess skin. While these are part of the healing process, consistent care can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels long-term. Keeping scars clean and moisturized helps them heal more smoothly, while daily hydration supports skin elasticity.
Sunscreen is another must. Protecting scars from UV rays prevents them from becoming darker or more noticeable. Gentle massage with oils or silicone gels can also improve circulation and soften scar tissue over time. These small, steady steps won’t erase every mark, but they can greatly improve cosmetic surgery outcomes and help your results look even better as the months go by.
Step 4: Taking care of your mental health
A mommy makeover changes more than your body; it can also affect how you feel about yourself. It’s common to have moments of doubt or to feel impatient as your body heals. Many women ultimately describe the procedure as “worth it” because of the boost in confidence and relief from things like back pain, stretched abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat that never seemed to budge.
Having supportive friends, family, or even online communities can make the recovery process easier. And don’t overlook the importance of healthy habits, such as eating well, staying active, and practicing self-care, all of which play a role in how you see yourself after surgery. If you treat your makeover as part of a bigger journey toward wellness, the emotional benefits can be just as transformative as the physical ones.
Step 5: Managing expectations
One of the keys to long-term satisfaction is understanding what your mommy makeover can—and can’t—do. Results vary depending on your body type, weight loss history, and lifestyle. While surgery can remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscles, and smooth body contours, it won’t stop natural changes that come with aging, future pregnancies, or weight fluctuations.
Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding significant weight gain are essential for protecting your results. And it’s important to remember that scars, stretch marks, or subtle shifts in shape over time are normal. When you go in with realistic expectations, you’ll be much more likely to feel happy with your transformation years down the road.
When to seek professional help
Even with careful planning and good habits, sometimes your body needs extra support. Always contact board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Saber, if you notice unusual pain, signs of infection, or anything that feels “off” during recovery time. In some cases, Dr. Saber may recommend revision cosmetic surgery or minor body contouring touch-ups to refine your results. Others may benefit from non-surgical treatments like skin tightening or fillers to complement their original procedures. Staying in touch with Dr. Saber and attending follow-up visits ensures that if you ever need help, you’ll get it quickly and safely.
CALL (818) 770-7050 OR CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE ONLINE
Considering a mommy makeover? Talk to Dr. Saber
Maintaining your mommy makeover results isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Focusing on healthy habits, caring for your skin, and nurturing your emotional well-being can help you enjoy your transformation and the confidence that comes with it for years to come.
Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, offers a more sensitive female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Saber brings years of specialized experience, guaranteeing patient safety and satisfaction.
Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her reconstruction and plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate areas of hand surgery and microsurgery.
To request a consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.
The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA, for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park. Online consultations are also available.
Frequently asked questions about long-term mommy makeover results
Can a mommy makeover help with weight loss?
A mommy makeover is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring approach that removes excess skin, addresses stubborn fat through liposuction, and repairs abdominal muscles with abdominoplasty. Patients should be at or near a stable weight before surgery.
Will future pregnancies affect my mommy makeover results?
Yes. Pregnancy can stretch skin, impact abdominal muscles, and create new stretch marks, which may compromise tummy tuck results or breast enhancements. Dr. Saber often recommends waiting to do your mommy makeover until you’re done with future pregnancies.
Are the results permanent, or can weight gain change them?
Long-term results depend on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weight gain can create new fat cells, alter body contouring, and reduce the benefits of liposuction or abdominoplasty.
How does breastfeeding impact breast implants or reduction?
Breastfeeding may change breast shape and breast size, potentially affecting the look of breast implants or breast reduction results. Discuss with Dr. Saber how these factors might influence your outcome.
Sources
Impact of nutrition on skin wound healing and aesthetic outcomes: A comprehensive narrative review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10874171/
The Psychological Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35766540/
Healthy Eating as a New Way of Life: A Qualitative Study of Successful Long-Term Diet Change
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9016560/
Breast Surgery and Breastfeeding
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/illnesses-conditions/breast-surgery.html
Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
Categories
Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS
👩🏻⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
🏥 Encino, CA
☎️ (833) 215-0500
💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com
Beautifully sculpted, naturally refined ✨
Arm liposuction helps slim and contour the upper arms by...
✨ New chapter, same beautiful confidence ✨
2 months post-op and glowing! 💕 This transformation...
We love hearing feedback from our patients ✨🫶🏼
Our favorite kind of memories: together 🥰
✨ 3 Months Post Lipo 360! ✨
Our patient is looking fantastic just three months...
✨An amazing Before and after gender-affirming body contouring with liposculpting ✨
We are absolutely thrilled...
✨Another happy patient. We will always go above and beyond to make sure you are...
So excited for fun in the sun ☀️
What patients say about Dr. Saber …
I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.
I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.
I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!
I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3
Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.
Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.
Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!
Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!
Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.
Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.
Articles for you from our blog
Dr. saber, a Proud Member & Affiliate of:
The Aesthetic
Society
member
american society of
plastic surgeons
certified by
american board of
plastic surgery
ASSOCIATION FOR
TRANSGENDER HEALTH
stanford university
American college
of surgeons
university of
southern california
NYU langone
health