When you decide to have a tummy tuck and breast lift is a significant one. Abdominoplasty, also called tummy tuck, and a breast lift, or mastopexy, are surgical procedures designed to improve how your abdomen and breast will look. While often performed separately, they can also be combined for a more comprehensive body contouring.

Several considerations must be made before the surgery, including the cost. While a detailed consultation is the only way to provide a precise figure, we will share insights into the factors influencing the costs and other details you need to know before the surgery.

Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift Surgery: What these surgeries are all about?

Tummy Tuck Procedure

First, we want to share details about each surgery: Tummy tuck is a procedure to improve the abdomen’s appearance by removing excess skin and fat. It can also tighten the abdomen walls. This surgery is often sought after by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy, which results in weakened abdominal muscles and saggy skin.

How does a tummy tuck work?

During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen, removes extra skin and fat, and tightens the abdominal muscles. This surgery also includes repositioning the navel. The resulting scar is typically located in the lower abdomen but can vary depending on the extent of the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who have:

• Significant excess skin and fat in the abdominal area
• Weakened abdominal muscles
• Difficulty losing stubborn belly fat through diet and exercise

It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution. Patients should be at a stable weight before considering the procedure.

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck comes with risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to minimize complications and optimize healing. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but typically involves several weeks of restricted activity.

Regarding the cost, a tummy tuck in the US ranges from $6,000 to $8,000. However, this can vary based on the surgeon’s experience, the extent of the procedure, and geographical location. While in Tijuana, Mexico is significantly lower, ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

Breast Lift Procedure

This surgery corrects sagging skin from your breast by repositioning the breast tissue and removing residual skin. It can improve the shape and fullness of the breasts. Breast lifts are often performed on women who have experienced significant breast changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight fluctuations.

What Does a Breast Lift Involve?

During a breast lift, the surgeon removes extra skin and repositions breast tissue to create a more lifted and youthful appearance. And, if you desire, the procedure can be combined with breast implants to increase breast volume.

What is the recovery period?

Breast lift procedure requires a period of recovery, which typically involves some discomfort and limitations on physical activity. Patients can typically expect long-lasting improvements from a breast lift procedure, but it’s essential to maintain a stable weight to preserve the outcome.

How long does the breast lift last?

Generally, patients can expect their breast lift results to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, this is just an estimate, and individual experiences may differ. Factors influencing the duration of results include age, genetics, weight fluctuation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and surgical technique.

Sustaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential to help prolong the results of your breast lift. While a breast lift cannot stop the aging process completely, it can significantly improve the appearance of your breasts for an extended period.

What is the average cost of the procedure?

The average cost for a breast lift in the US is around $7,900. However, this cost can fluctuate based on the surgeon’s expertise, the extent of the lift needed, and other factors. In Tijuana, Mexico, the average cost for a breast lift is approximately $4,100, offering significant savings compared to the US.

It’s important to mention that a breast lift is not necessarily cheaper than procedures like breast augmentation because this will depend on the complexity of each case, plastic surgeon experience, etc.

Now, there are occasions when both surgeries are necessary; we will tell you the details about them.

Combining Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift: Mommy Makeover Surgery

The term “mommy makeover” has become synonymous with the transformative journey many women undertake to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.

Many women, for example, choose to combine breast lift surgery and tummy tuck to address the changes in their bodies after childbirth. This approach provides a more comprehensive body contouring and can improve self-esteem. However, you must consult board-certified plastic surgeons to determine if this combined procedure suits you.

Mommy makeover procedure involves multiple procedures and several combinations of surgical procedures designed to address the physical modifications that occur during and after childbirth, like the ones below:

Breast Augmentation surgery

Many women present changes in breast size and shape due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and this kind of breast surgery can help address these concerns.

Why Consider Breast Augmentation in a Mommy Makeover?

• Volume Loss: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can decrease breast volume, resulting in a less whole appearance. 
• Asymmetry: Breastfeeding can cause uneven breast size and shape. 
• Complementary Enhancement: Breast augmentation can complement a tummy tuck by creating a more balanced and proportionate body contour.

What Types of Breast Augmentation exist?

• Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline solution, offering a more natural feel and appearance. 
• Silicone Breast Implants: this means they are filled with silicone gel, providing a softer, more natural feel. 
• Implant Placement: Implants can be placed behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or the chest muscle (submuscular). The choice depends on factors such as breast tissue volume and desired outcome.

Factors to keep in mind:

• Not all women desire breast augmentation as part of their mommy makeover. The decision should be based on personal preferences and goals. 
• It’s essential to go to a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your expectations and determine the best approach.
• Breast augmentation typically involves a shorter recovery period compared to a tummy tuck. However, combining the two procedures may extend the overall recovery time.

By combining breast augmentation with a tummy tuck, many women significantly improve their body confidence and overall appearance.

Liposuction: part of mommy makeover surgery

Liposuction sometimes is incorporated into a mommy makeover to refine the body contour and address areas where you have fat that is difficult to get rid of with exercise and diets. But, you need to keep in mind that this is not a substitute for weight loss, liposuction can complement procedures like tummy tuck and breast lift for a more comprehensive result.

In a mommy makeover, liposuction can be used to target areas such as:

• Flanks (love handles): Removing excess fat from the sides of the waist can enhance the overall body contour.
• Back: Liposuction can address fat deposits on the back, improving the appearance of the upper body.
• Thighs: Removing excess fat from the thighs can contribute to a more balanced and toned appearance.
• Arms: Liposuction can reduce fat deposits on the upper arms.

 How do you know if these procedures are you?

As we mentioned, there are times when mommy makeover procedures would be ideal for you, but this will depend on the following:

• Individual Needs: The decision to undergo either or both procedures should be considered on personal goals and expectations.
• Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are associated risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring.
• Recovery Time: We don’t have an estimated period, but remember that combining surgeries may extend this period.
• Cost: Mommy makeover costs can be significant, and additional expenses such as anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care must be factored in.

Factors Affecting Mommy Makeover Cost

Several elements contribute to the final price of a Mommy makeover surgery.

• Geographic Location: Cosmetic surgery costs vary significantly based on where the procedure is performed. For example, undergoing surgery in the US would be more expensive than in Tijuana, Mexico. If you undergo these surgeries in Tijuana, México, you will have potential savings of 50-70% compared to the United States.
• Surgeon’s Expertise and Experience: A surgeon with extensive training and a proven track record typically charges higher fees. Their expertise, reputation, and artistry directly impact the cost. Your surgeon must be a board-certified plastic surgeon.
• Extent of the Procedure: The complexity of the surgery influences the price. A full tummy tuck, for example, includes removing fat and excess skin and tightening abdominal muscle is more costly than a mini tummy tuck. Similarly, a breast lift that requires significant tissue repositioning will be priced higher than a less extensive procedure.
• Surgical Facility: this impacts the overall cost. Hospitals generally charge higher fees than outpatient surgical centers.
• Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia administered, from local to general, can affect the overall expense of the surgery.
• Other Procedures: The costs will increase if other surgeries, like liposuction or breast augmentation, are combined with the tummy tuck or breast lift.
• Medical Tests and Labs: Pre-operative tests and lab work are often necessary. 
• Prescriptions: Medications prescribed for pain management and recovery.
• Post-Operative Care: Follow-up appointments and any necessary treatments.

It’s important to mention that if you undergo this surgery in the United States, the cost would be approximately 70% higher than in Tijuana, México. In the US, these are the mommy makeover costs:

• Breast Augmentation: $9,000 – $11,000
• Mastopexy Augmentation: $16,000 – $18,000
• Liposuction (abdomen & waist): $5,500 – $8,500
• Tummy Tuck: $15,000 – $17,000
• Mini Tummy Tuck: $9,000 – $12,000

The cost of a mommy makeover in Tijuana is around $ 5’850 which is the price of the full package, which includes several procedures. The amount mentioned above solely applies to mommy makeover operations.

You are counting additional fees, such as the surgeon’s fees, medications, anesthesia, lodging, local transportation, consumables, etc., into the final price. The overall average cost for a mommy makeover in Vida is $6,200 after accounting for all of these additional expenses, but even like that, your final price will be lower than in the US; you need to consider that the cost of a mommy makeover will be different depending on the procedures that you have.

Financing Options

Most patients explore financing options to make the cost of these surgeries more manageable. At Vida Wellness and Beauty, we want you to have the quality of life you deserve, so we have several options for you:

• Medical Financing: Some plastic surgery practices offer financing plans with varying interest rates. In Vida, we have alliances with companies that can help you pay for your surgery, depending on where you are located.
• We work with e-financing solutions, where you will receive an online decision immediately, no impact on your credit score for pre-approval, terms from 24 to 84 months, interest rates starting at 7.99% APR, there is no need of a down payment or upfront fees, loan funds in 2 to 3 days.
• Personal Loans: credit unions or banks may provide personal loans for medical expenses. 

Consultation is Key

It’s crucial to consult your qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and budget. The surgeon can provide a personalized cost estimate based on your needs during the consultation.

Remember, the cost of these surgeries is an investment in your well-being and confidence. Choosing a qualified surgeon and understanding the associated costs will help you make informed decisions.

Please request a free consultation with us to have more details.