The most-requested mommy makeover combination. Subfascial breast implants restore breast volume; abdominoplasty with diastasis repair addresses post-pregnancy abdominal changes. Typical operative time 4–5 hours. Recovery 6–8 weeks.
What this combination includes
- Breast augmentation: Subfascial silicone implants placed via inframammary fold incision. Premium implant brand at patient's choice. Operative time 60–90 minutes within the combined operation.
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Low horizontal incision. Removal of excess skin and fat below the umbilicus. Umbilicus repositioned in correct anatomical location. Multilayered closure with progressive tension sutures.
- Diastasis recti repair: Continuous internal sutures from xiphoid to pubis, plicating the medial edges of the rectus sheath. Restores abdominal core integrity.
- Liposuction (optional): Often added — flanks, lower back, or other localised areas. Adds 30–60 minutes to operative time. Significantly improves waist-to-hip silhouette.
Who is this combination for?
This is the most-requested mommy makeover combination, suitable for women who:
- Have lost breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding (deflated breasts) but whose nipple position has not descended significantly — meaning lift is not required.
- Have abdominal skin laxity below the umbilicus, with or without diastasis recti.
- Prefer to address both areas in a single operation rather than two separate surgeries.
- Have a body mass index (BMI) under 32 and stable weight.
How the procedure is performed
The operation typically takes 4–5 hours under general anaesthesia at a JCI-accredited Istanbul hospital. The sequence is structured for safety:
Tummy tuck with diastasis repair
Low horizontal incision, hidden by underwear. Excess skin and fat removed. Continuous internal sutures repair any rectus muscle separation. Umbilicus repositioned. Drains placed.
Breast augmentation
Patient repositioned semi-upright. Inframammary fold incision. Subfascial implant placement is the default — implants placed beneath the pectoral fascia for better tissue coverage and natural feel without animation deformity. Premium implants (Mentor, Motiva, or Polytech) at patient's choice.
Closure and dressings
All incisions closed in layers. Compression abdominal binder and surgical bra applied in theatre. Recovery room, then inpatient.
Implant selection
For mommy makeover patients, conservative implant sizing is generally appropriate. Most patients receive 200–350cc subfascial implants, sized based on:
- Chest base width (the most important anatomical measurement).
- Existing breast tissue thickness.
- Patient's frame and proportions.
- Lifestyle considerations.
Larger implants (above 400cc) are technically possible but increase tension on the skin envelope, which combined with the abdominal portion of the operation can extend recovery time.
Why not add a breast lift?
If the nipple position is at or above the inframammary fold, augmentation alone restores volume effectively. Adding a lift when one is not anatomically required would mean unnecessary additional scarring (a vertical scar from the areola to the fold) without benefit.
However, if the nipple has descended below the inframammary fold, augmentation alone will not produce an acceptable shape — it will create a "rock in a sock" appearance with the implant sitting high and the breast tissue draped below. In this scenario, the appropriate combination is augmentation-mastopexy + tummy tuck, not augmentation alone.
Scars
- Tummy tuck scar: Horizontal, low across the abdomen, hidden by underwear and bikini bottoms. Length depends on amount of skin removed (typically 30–45 cm).
- Augmentation scar: 4–5 cm in the inframammary fold, hidden beneath the breast.
- Umbilical scar: Around the recreated belly button.
All scars fade significantly over 12–18 months with the structured scar care protocol — silicone tape, sun avoidance, gentle massage from week 4.
Recovery
Hospital 1–2 nights. Drains 3–5 days. Compression garment 6 weeks (abdomen) and surgical bra 4–6 weeks (breasts). Walking from day 1, no lifting >5kg for 8 weeks. Return to desk work week 2, gym week 6, full activity week 8. Final shape settles 6–12 months.
For the complete week-by-week protocol see the recovery page.
How long does the operation take?
Typically 4–5 hours under general anaesthesia. Total operative time is kept under 6 hours for patient safety. The exact duration depends on individual anatomy and whether liposuction is added.
Why is the implant placed under the fascia and not the muscle?
Subfascial placement (under the pectoral fascia, above the muscle) provides better tissue coverage than purely subglandular while avoiding animation deformity (implant movement during muscle flexion). It also has shorter recovery and less post-operative pain than submuscular placement, which matters when recovery is shared with abdominoplasty.
Can liposuction be added to this combination?
Yes. Liposuction of the flanks and lower back ('360 contouring') is commonly added to this combination at the same operation, adding 30–60 minutes to operative time. This produces a much improved waist-to-hip silhouette beyond what tummy tuck alone achieves.
What about C-section scars?
Existing C-section scars are usually within or very close to the planned tummy tuck incision and are typically removed during the operation. The new tummy tuck scar is generally finer and lower than the original C-section scar.
Will I be able to breastfeed if I have another child?
Subfascial implant placement preserves the breast tissue and milk ducts entirely. The inframammary incision does not cross any glandular tissue. Breastfeeding remains possible. However, mommy makeover is generally recommended after family completion because subsequent pregnancy can stretch the abdominal repair.
