More and more women in their 40s and beyond are choosing to undergo a mommy makeover — a combination of procedures that helps restore the body after pregnancy and aging. At Levesque Plastic Surgery in Austin, we understand that cosmetic needs change with age, and that a woman in her 40s often has different goals, skin characteristics, and recovery expectations than someone in her 20s or 30s.
Why Your 40s May Be the Best Time for a Mommy Makeover
- You're likely finished having children — your results won't be reversed by future pregnancies
- Your children may be old enough to care for themselves with a little support
- You're more emotionally and financially prepared
- You've prioritized your family — now it's time to focus on yourself. If not now, then when?
How Is a Mommy Makeover Different for Women Over 40?
Skin Elasticity
Collagen production slows with age and skin elasticity decreases. This means procedures like a breast lift or tummy tuck may require more extensive skin removal and muscle tightening to achieve smooth, firm results.
Hormonal Changes
Perimenopause or early menopause may contribute to weight distribution changes, thinner skin, or slower healing. We consider hormone-related changes when customizing your surgical plan.
Health Considerations
We carefully review blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiovascular health, thyroid function, and smoking history. Labwork may be ordered, and in some cases an EKG or notes from a cardiologist may be required — but we evaluate each patient individually rather than ordering everything by default.
Popular Procedures for Women Over 40
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
We often perform a full abdominoplasty combined with liposuction for women over 40 — a lipoabdominoplasty — addressing the entire abdomen and also contouring the flanks for a more defined result. High-definition liposuction with Dr. Hoyos techniques can create gentle S-curves rather than an unnaturally flat abdomen.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) With or Without Implants
Options include a lift only (if happy with current volume), adding implants for fullness, replacing or removing old implants, or fat transfer for volume enhancement.
Liposuction
Hormonal changes in your 40s often cause fat to accumulate in flanks, back, bra roll, and thighs. Liposuction during a mommy makeover contours these areas effectively.
Optional Enhancements
- Labiaplasty for improved comfort and confidence
- Arm or thigh lift, especially after weight loss
- CO2 laser or RF microneedling for skin tightening
- Renuvion for additional skin tightening
Recovery Expectations After 40
- Weeks 1–2: Rest, light movement, compression garments — extra help at home is crucial
- Weeks 3–4: Gradual return to desk work and light household tasks
- Weeks 5–6+: Resume exercise; results continue to develop — patience is key, as full healing takes up to a year
Realistic Results in Your 40s
A flatter, firmer abdomen. Perkier, more youthful breasts. Better-fitting clothes. Renewed confidence. Many patients also notice improvements in lower back pain and stress incontinence as a result of stronger abdominal muscle repair.
Results typically continue improving for a whole year and can last many years with a healthy lifestyle. We've performed mommy makeovers for women in their 70s — if you're ready to invest in yourself, it's never too late.