The most comprehensive single-operation correction for post-pregnancy body changes. Combines augmentation-mastopexy (lift + implants), abdominoplasty with diastasis repair, and 360° liposuction. Operative time 5–6 hours. Reserved for healthy candidates with BMI under 30.
What this combination includes
- Augmentation-mastopexy: Breast lift with simultaneous implant placement. Vertical or anchor lift pattern. Conservative implant size (220–320cc subfascial).
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Standard or extended depending on skin excess. Diastasis repair with continuous internal sutures. Umbilical relocation.
- Diastasis recti repair: Continuous internal sutures from xiphoid to pubis.
- 360° liposuction: Flanks, lower back, optional thighs. Tumescent technique. Custom compression garment.
Who is this combination for?
The full mommy makeover is the most extensive combined operation, suitable for women whose post-pregnancy changes affect both breasts and abdomen comprehensively:
- Breasts are both deflated AND ptotic — they have lost volume AND descended. This requires both implants AND lift (augmentation-mastopexy).
- Abdominal changes include skin laxity, diastasis recti, AND localised fat deposits at the flanks/back.
- Patient wants comprehensive single-operation correction.
- Excellent overall health, BMI under 30 ideally, no significant comorbidities.
- Stable weight for at least 6 months.
- Has completed family — no further pregnancies planned.
Why "full"?
This combination integrates four distinct procedures:
- Breast augmentation (implants for volume).
- Breast lift (mastopexy for shape and position).
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck for skin, fat, and muscle).
- 360° liposuction (flanks, lower back, optional thighs).
Adding the lift to augmentation is what differentiates "full mommy makeover" from "augmentation + tummy tuck" — it addresses both volume and position of the breast simultaneously.
How the procedure is performed
Total operative time 5–6 hours under general anaesthesia. Dr. Erdal keeps total time under 6 hours for safety; if anatomical complexity would require longer, the operation is split into two stages a few weeks apart.
Tummy tuck with diastasis repair
Patient supine. Standard or extended abdominoplasty depending on skin excess. Continuous suture diastasis repair. Umbilical relocation. Drains placed.
360° liposuction
Patient repositioned (lateral or prone). Tumescent infiltration of flanks and lower back. Powered liposuction. Compression applied progressively.
Augmentation-mastopexy
Patient repositioned semi-upright. Skin de-epithelialisation according to lift pattern (vertical or anchor). Inframammary pocket creation, implant placement (subfascial, conservative size 220–320cc). Nipple-areolar complex elevation. Skin closure under appropriate tension.
Closure and dressings
Compression abdominal binder, custom compression garment for liposuctioned areas, supportive surgical bra all applied in theatre.
The technical challenge of augmentation-mastopexy
Augmentation-mastopexy is one of the most technically demanding aesthetic breast operations. The implant adds volume that needs to fit within a reshaped skin envelope; if the skin is closed too tightly around the implant, healing complications can occur. If too loosely, the lift effect is compromised.
For mommy makeover patients, conservative implant sizing is appropriate — typically 220–320cc subfascial. Larger implants increase complication risk in this combined setting. Dr. Erdal's published research informs his approach to this technical balance.
Recovery from a full mommy makeover
Recovery follows the same overall timeline as other combinations but with somewhat more pronounced early symptoms due to the larger total operative footprint:
- Hospital 2 nights typically.
- Pain peaks at days 2–3, then progressively improves.
- Drains 4–6 days.
- Stay in Istanbul 8–10 days.
- Desk work return week 2.
- Light cardio week 4.
- Full exercise week 8–10.
- Final shape settles 6–12 months.
Cost perspective
The full mommy makeover involves more procedures and longer operative time than other combinations, so the cost is higher. However, compared with performing all four procedures separately over 12–18 months, the combined approach typically saves 30–40% on total cost — primarily by paying hospital and anaesthesia fees once instead of three or four times.
When not to do all four together
Full mommy makeover is not suitable for every candidate. Splitting into two stages (typically 6–12 weeks apart) is safer when:
- BMI is above 30 — complication risk increases substantially.
- Total operative time would exceed 6 hours based on anatomy.
- Patient has cardiac, pulmonary, or thrombotic risk factors.
- Patient has poor scar history or prior wound healing complications.
- Patient prefers a more conservative approach for personal reasons.
Dr. Erdal evaluates suitability for combined vs. staged approach during consultation.
Recovery
Hospital 2 nights typically. Drains 4–6 days. Compression garments for chest, abdomen, and liposuctioned areas worn 6 weeks. Walking from day 1, no lifting >5kg for 8 weeks. Pain peaks days 2–3 then progressively improves. Stay in Istanbul 8–10 days. Desk work week 2, full exercise week 8–10. Final shape 6–12 months.
For the complete week-by-week protocol see the recovery page.
How long is the operation?
5–6 hours under general anaesthesia. Total operative time is kept under 6 hours for patient safety. If the anatomical complexity would require longer, the operation is split into two stages 6–12 weeks apart.
Why is the implant smaller in augmentation-mastopexy?
When skin is being lifted and tightened around an implant, conservative implant size (220–320cc) reduces tension on the skin closure and lowers the risk of healing complications. Aggressive implant size in augmentation-mastopexy is associated with higher complication rates.
What's the difference between this and 'breast aug + tummy tuck'?
The difference is the breast lift component. Augmentation alone is appropriate when nipple position is acceptable; if the nipple has descended significantly, augmentation alone produces a poor shape. The lift adds the necessary skin tightening and nipple repositioning.
Can I have a baby after a full mommy makeover?
Pregnancy after mommy makeover is medically possible but not ideal. The diastasis repair and tummy tuck closure can stretch again with pregnancy, and breast shape can change. For this reason, full mommy makeover is generally recommended after family completion. If pregnancy occurs afterwards, revision surgery may be needed.
Is this safer than three separate operations?
For appropriately selected candidates (BMI <30, healthy, non-smoker, no major comorbidities, total operative time <6 hours), the safety profile of combined mommy makeover is comparable to single procedures and superior to three sequential general anaesthesias. The key is candidate selection — combined surgery is not safer for everyone.
