April 5, 2022

5 Things You Need To Know About Mommy Makeover Surgery

Few plastic surgery procedures are as transformative as a Mommy Makeover, which provides surgeons with the opportunity to address multiple aesthetic concerns in a single procedure. Increasingly popular with women who want to reverse the physical toll of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, a Mommy Makeover typically combines a breast lift with or without implants and a tummy tuck. In Atlanta, our board-certified plastic surgeons have the expertise needed to perform these complex procedures.

If you’re considering Mommy Makeover surgery, you should be fully aware of what it involves and have realistic expectations, not only about the procedure itself but also the recovery process. Mommy Makeovers aren’t cookie-cutter operations and not all patients are good candidates for a surgery that combines multiple procedures. Here are 5 things you should know about the Mommy Makeover:

  1. It’s a Customized Procedure : A Mommy Makeover is as unique as each patient. It’s a procedure that surgeons customize based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and anatomy. Some of the factors involved in creating a surgical plan include a patient’s age, if she recently had a child, if she’s going through menopause, and whether she breastfed her child or children. A patient may have sagging breasts that have also lost volume, so she may opt to combine a lift with breast augmentation. Or a patient could opt to include nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation as part of a Mommy Makeover. Discuss the options with your surgeon at your consultation.
  2. Timing Is Important : Some women want to schedule their Mommy Makeovers soon after having a baby. Others postpone the procedure for years. Each person’s circumstances are different and the choice to undergo any cosmetic surgery is highly personal. Some things to keep in mind regarding the timing of your surgery: Wait until you’re finished having children. (You can get pregnant after a Mommy Makeover, but it’s likely that the results will be compromised.) Postpone surgery for at least 6 months after having a baby or 6 months after you’ve weaned a child. (Your body needs time to fully heal after pregnancy, and breasts continue changing for months after you stop breastfeeding.) Remember that you won’t be able to lift infants or toddlers for about 2 weeks after the procedure. (This can be emotionally trying for mothers.)
  3. Have a Reliable Support System : You’ll need more rest than you expect after having a Mommy Makeover, and you’ll need to count on friends or family to help out with child care, meal prep, running errands, and housework during your recovery. Having a few people involved lightens the load on any one person and usually works well.
  4. Be at a Comfortable, Sustainable Weight : The body contouring procedures typically included in a Mommy Makeover, such as a tummy tuck and liposuction , are not weight loss procedures. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and repairs abdominal muscles, while liposuction removes pockets of fat. It’s important that patients maintain a fairly stable weight to realize the benefits of a Mommy Makeover.
  5. It’s OK To Do Something for Yourself : Many mothers are used to putting their families’ needs ahead of their own. It goes against their habits to ask for help or take time for themselves—which is what a Mommy Makeover requires. The decision is one each person needs to make for herself, but it’s useful to remember that there’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself—and your appearance.

Discussing your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step. You can request a consultation with one of our surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South using the online form or by calling (770) 421-1242 to schedule an appointment.

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April 15, 2026
In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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