A Mommy Makeover is a specialized approach to cosmetic surgery that addresses the physical changes a woman’s body often undergoes following pregnancy and breastfeeding. This suite of procedures is a custom combination of surgeries intended to restore the contours and shape of the torso and chest. The goal is to correct issues like stretched abdominal skin, separated muscles, and volume loss or sagging in the breasts. Because this is an elective cosmetic service, the entire cost is typically the patient’s responsibility, making a clear understanding of the financial commitment an important first step.
Defining the Scope of a Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a highly individualized surgical plan, meaning the specific procedures included determine the overall complexity and price. The combination nearly always focuses on the two areas most impacted by motherhood: the breasts and the abdomen. Breast surgery may involve a lift, known as mastopexy, to raise and reshape the tissue, often paired with augmentation using implants to restore lost volume.
The abdominal component generally includes an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, which removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles that may have separated (diastasis recti). Liposuction is frequently added to contour adjacent areas like the flanks or hips. A patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcome dictate the selection and extent of these procedures.
Average Cost Ranges in Tennessee
The total price for a Mommy Makeover in Tennessee can vary significantly due to the customized nature of the operation. Patients should expect the combined cost of the procedures, facility fees, and other charges to range broadly from approximately $12,000 to over $30,000 for complex cases involving multiple procedures.
Geographic location within the state also plays a role in the final expense. Practices in Nashville and Memphis, for example, tend to have overheads that place them in the middle to high end of the state’s pricing spectrum. Conversely, a more limited Mommy Makeover in a smaller Tennessee city like Chattanooga might start closer to $12,000. The average price for a comprehensive procedure often settles between $18,000 and $25,000.
This range typically covers a full tummy tuck and a combination breast procedure, such as a lift with implants, which are the most common elements. A simpler combination, such as a mini-tummy tuck with minor liposuction and a breast lift without implants, would place the cost at the lower end. Conversely, a patient requiring extensive muscle repair, a full abdominoplasty, and multiple areas of body contouring will find their cost approaching the upper limits of the range.
Factors Influencing the Final Surgeon’s Fee
The plastic surgeon’s professional fee is the largest component of the total bill, reflecting the provider’s experience and reputation. Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery typically command higher fees. This fee accounts for the surgeon’s time spent in pre-operative consultations, the execution of the surgery, and post-operative care.
The complexity of the surgical plan is a primary determinant of the surgeon’s fee. An operation involving extensive abdominal muscle repair for severe diastasis recti is more time-consuming and technically demanding than one requiring only a simple skin excision. Combining a breast lift with a reduction or augmentation also adds complexity compared to a standalone procedure. The expected duration of the surgery is a direct measure of this complexity, as longer operating room times increase the surgeon’s charge.
Essential Non-Surgical and Hidden Costs
Beyond the surgeon’s fee, several mandatory costs must be factored into the total budget.
- Anesthesia fees are a significant expense, as a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist must be present for the duration of the multi-hour procedure. This fee is often calculated hourly and varies depending on the type of anesthesia used.
- Facility fees cover the use of the operating room, surgical equipment, and the nursing staff required for patient safety and recovery. The rate depends on whether the surgery is performed in an accredited, private surgical center or a hospital setting.
- Patients also incur costs for pre-operative medical clearances, which include lab work and sometimes an EKG or mammogram to ensure they are fit for surgery.
- Post-operative costs include prescription medications for pain management and antibiotics, as well as specialized compression garments required for several weeks to promote proper healing.
Practical Payment and Financing Options
Since a Mommy Makeover is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, it is almost never covered by medical insurance, meaning patients must arrange for full self-payment. Most surgical practices offer various financial options to make the expense more manageable. Patients often utilize third-party medical financing companies, such as CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit, which provide specialized credit lines for healthcare expenses.
These financing plans frequently offer promotional periods with deferred or reduced interest for qualified applicants, allowing the patient to pay off the balance in monthly installments. Some plastic surgery offices also offer in-house payment schedules or accept personal loans from banks. It is advisable to explore all financing terms during the initial consultation to understand the total payment commitment and select the most suitable option.