Mommy Makeover in Medellín: Quick Facts
A Mommy Makeover isn't a single procedure—it's a customized combination designed to address the changes pregnancy and breastfeeding leave behind. In the U.S., these combinations can easily exceed $25,000 when you add up individual procedure costs. In Medellín, the same transformation costs $7,000-$12,000—and often includes extras that would be billed separately stateside.
This guide breaks down exactly what's included, the most common combinations, realistic recovery expectations, and how to plan your trip.
What This Guide Covers
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover combines multiple procedures—typically addressing the breasts and abdomen—performed in a single surgery session. The goal is comprehensive restoration: fixing separated abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, lifting or augmenting breasts, and contouring areas resistant to diet and exercise.
The "mommy" label is marketing—these procedures are popular with anyone who's experienced significant body changes, whether from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. But the combination approach offers real advantages: one anesthesia session, one recovery period, and combined surgical fees that cost less than procedures done separately.
Core Components
Breast Procedures
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Raises and reshapes sagging breasts
- Breast Augmentation: Adds volume with implants
- Breast Reduction: Removes excess tissue
- Lift + Augmentation: Both lift and add volume
Body Procedures
- Tummy Tuck: Removes excess skin, repairs muscles
- Liposuction: Contours flanks, back, thighs
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Addresses lower abdomen only
- BBL Addition: Transfers fat to buttocks
Common Procedure Combinations
Most Mommy Makeovers in Medellín follow one of these patterns. Your surgeon will customize based on your goals, but these represent the most requested combinations:
Classic Mommy Makeover
$7,000 – $9,000The most common combination addressing the two areas most affected by pregnancy.
Mommy Makeover + Augmentation
$8,500 – $11,000For those wanting to restore or increase breast volume along with lift.
Full Body Transformation
$10,000 – $15,000Comprehensive package including buttock enhancement. May require staging.
Mini Mommy Makeover
$5,500 – $7,500Less extensive option for those with modest concerns. Shorter recovery.
Complete Pricing Breakdown
Understanding pricing helps you budget accurately and spot red flags. Here's how Mommy Makeover costs compare:
| Component | Medellín | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Tummy Tuck | $4,000 – $6,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Breast Lift | $3,000 – $4,500 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Breast Augmentation | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Liposuction 360 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| If Booked Separately | $13,000 – $21,000 | $25,000 – $46,000 |
| Package Price | $7,000 – $12,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Why packages cost less: By combining procedures, you share anesthesia costs, facility fees, and the surgeon's time. One 5-hour surgery costs less than two 3-hour surgeries on different days.
✓ What's Typically Included
- • All surgical fees (surgeon + anesthesiologist)
- • Operating room and clinic fees
- • Implants (if applicable—Mentor, Allergan, or Motiva)
- • Pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray)
- • Compression garments (Stage 1)
- • 1-2 nights hospital/clinic observation
- • Post-operative medications (first week)
- • Follow-up appointments during your stay
+ Usually Extra
- • Recovery house stay ($85-$150/night × 14-21 nights)
- • Lymphatic massage sessions ($40-$80 × 10-15 sessions)
- • Stage 2 compression garments ($100-$200)
- • Additional medications beyond first week
- • Airport transfers ($30-$50)
- • Flights ($300-$600 from most US cities)
Total Trip Budget: Real Example
Here's what to budget for a Classic Mommy Makeover (tummy tuck + breast lift + lipo) with a 17-day stay:
| Surgical Package | $8,500 |
| Recovery House (17 nights @ $100) | $1,700 |
| Flights (from Houston) | $450 |
| Lymphatic Massage (12 sessions) | $600 |
| Stage 2 Garments + Surgical Bras | $250 |
| Food, Transport, Misc | $500 |
| Total Investment | $12,000 |
| USA Equivalent | $22,000 – $30,000 |
Recovery Timeline
Mommy Makeover recovery is significant—you're healing from multiple procedures simultaneously. Plan accordingly and don't underestimate what your body needs.
Most difficult period. Drains in place, significant discomfort, limited mobility. 24/7 nursing essential. You'll be hunched over due to tummy tuck tension—this is normal.
Transfer to recovery house. Short walks encouraged. Drains often removed day 5-7. Swelling peaks then begins decreasing. Lymphatic massage starts. Still hunched but gradually straightening.
Most bruising fades. Can stand fully upright. Light activities around recovery house. Daily lymphatic massage continues. Energy returning but still tire easily.
Final follow-up with surgeon. Clearance to fly. Transition to Stage 2 compression. Light sightseeing possible. Most patients fly home day 17-21.
Return to desk work (week 3-4). No heavy lifting (>10 lbs). Continue compression garment 8-12 hours/day. Resume driving. Swelling continues decreasing.
Resume exercise (start light). Final results emerging as swelling resolves. Scars maturing. Full activity at 8 weeks. Final breast position at 3-6 months.
⚠️ Plan for Real Recovery Time
- Minimum stay in Medellín: 14 days (17-21 strongly recommended)
- Time off work: 2-3 weeks minimum for desk job; 4-6 weeks for physical work
- Childcare: You cannot lift children for 4-6 weeks. Plan help at home.
- Driving: No driving for 2-3 weeks minimum
Safety Considerations
Combining multiple procedures increases complexity. Reputable surgeons in Medellín follow strict safety protocols:
✓ Safety Protocols to Verify
🚫 When Staging Is Required
A responsible surgeon will recommend splitting procedures into separate surgeries if:
- • Combined surgery would exceed 6 hours
- • Adding BBL to extensive body work (too much trauma)
- • BMI over 30 (higher complication risk)
- • Significant health conditions present
- • Previous major abdominal surgery
A surgeon who agrees to everything without discussion of limits is not prioritizing your safety.
Planning Your Trip
Timeline to Surgery
3-6 Months Before: Research & Consult
Research surgeons, verify credentials, schedule virtual consultations with 2-3 surgeons. Get quotes and compare what's included.
2-3 Months Before: Book & Prepare
Select surgeon and pay deposit. Book flights and recovery house. Begin any required lab work. If smoking, quit now (4+ weeks minimum before surgery).
1 Month Before: Final Prep
Complete remaining pre-op testing. Stop blood thinners, supplements that increase bleeding (vitamin E, fish oil, ibuprofen). Arrange childcare and home help. Pack recovery essentials.
Week Of: Arrival
Arrive 1-2 days before surgery. In-person consultation and final measurements. Pre-operative appointment. Rest and hydrate.
What to Pack
Recovery Essentials
- • Loose, front-opening clothing (no pulling over head)
- • Slip-on shoes (no bending to tie)
- • Travel pillow for flight home
- • Medications you take regularly
- • Phone charger with long cord
- • Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones)
Documents
- • Passport (valid 6+ months)
- • Travel insurance documents
- • Surgeon contact information
- • Medical records if relevant
- • Credit card for incidentals
- • Emergency contact info
Are You a Good Candidate?
✓ Ideal Candidates
- • Done having children
- • At or near goal weight (stable 6+ months)
- • Good overall health, non-smoker
- • Realistic expectations
- • Can take 3+ weeks off responsibilities
- • Have help at home for return
✗ Wait If
- • Planning more pregnancies
- • Actively losing weight (wait until stable)
- • BMI significantly over 30
- • Currently breastfeeding
- • Cannot arrange adequate help at home
- • Major surgery in past year