Mommy Makeover in Gig Harbor, WA
Restore your pre-pregnancy body with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can bring significant and lasting changes to the body — changes that diet and exercise alone often can't fully address. A mommy makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic surgical procedures designed to restore the breasts, abdomen, and body contour in a single surgical plan. Rather than a fixed set of procedures, it is tailored entirely to each patient's anatomy, concerns, and goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A mommy makeover may be appropriate for patients who:
Have completed their family and are not planning future pregnancies
Have loose, sagging, or excess skin on the abdomen following pregnancy
Notice changes in breast volume, position, or shape after pregnancy or breastfeeding
Have stubborn fat deposits that haven't responded to diet or exercise
Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
During consultation, Dr. Larsen evaluates your anatomy and individual concerns to design a surgical plan that addresses your specific goals safely and effectively.
Procedure Overview
A mommy makeover is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility. Because it combines multiple procedures, surgical planning is carefully individualized.
Commonly included procedures:
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal contour
Breast lift (mastopexy) — restores a firmer, more elevated breast position
Breast augmentation — restores lost volume using silicone or saline implants, or fat grafting
Liposuction — addresses stubborn fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, hips, or thighs
Not every patient requires all procedures. Dr. Larsen works with you to identify which combination will achieve the most meaningful improvement for your body.
Surgery duration varies based on the procedures combined — typically 3–6 hours
Performed under general anesthesia
Patients return home the same day
Where the scope of desired improvement is extensive, Dr. Larsen may recommend staging procedures across two separate surgical sessions to optimize safety and recovery.
Recovery
Recovery from a mommy makeover is more involved than a single procedure and requires dedicated time and support at home. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common across treated areas. Rest is essential. Assistance with childcare and daily tasks is strongly recommended for at least the first week. A compression garment is worn.
Weeks 1–2 Discomfort gradually improves. Most patients are mobile and managing comfortably at home. Avoid lifting, including young children, and any strenuous activity.
Weeks 3–4 Energy and mobility improve noticeably. Light daily activities resume. Dr. Larsen advises on appropriate activity based on the procedures performed.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and exercise can resume. Full results continue to develop as swelling fully resolves.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery.
Results
A mommy makeover addresses multiple areas of concern in a coordinated surgical plan, delivering a more complete transformation than any single procedure alone.
Swelling resolves gradually over several weeks to months
Final results are typically fully apparent at 3–6 months
Results are long-lasting when weight remains stable and future pregnancies are avoided
Many patients describe the outcome as feeling like themselves again — with a body that reflects how they feel on the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which procedures I need? During your consultation, Dr. Larsen will assess your anatomy and listen to your concerns to recommend the combination that best addresses your goals. There is no fixed set of procedures — your plan is entirely personalized.
When is the right time to have a mommy makeover? Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months after finishing breastfeeding and until your weight has been stable for several months. Patients who are planning additional pregnancies are advised to wait, as future pregnancies will affect results.
Why combine procedures rather than doing them separately? Combining procedures means a single anesthesia, a single recovery period, and a more coordinated overall result. For patients with concerns in multiple areas, it is often the most practical and efficient approach. Where safety requires it, Dr. Larsen may recommend staging across two sessions.
Will I need help at home during recovery? Yes. Having a support person available — particularly for childcare — for at least the first one to two weeks is strongly recommended and will significantly improve your recovery experience.
What does a mommy makeover cost? Pricing depends on the procedures included in your individual plan. Financing options are available — learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if a mommy makeover is right for you.