When Sandra Madonia turned 40, she had a moment of clarity: “I’m going to find myself again.” Now 47, the content creator has been on a journey of transformation, focusing on exercise and healthier eating to get in the best shape of her life. But despite her progress, some changes she wanted to address required more than lifestyle adjustments.
“I looked great, but there were things I couldn’t improve on my own,” Madonia told People after completing a two-part “mommy makeover” — a series of cosmetic surgeries designed to restore a woman’s body after childbirth.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The American Society of Plastic Surgery defines a mommy makeover as cosmetic procedures aimed at restoring a woman’s pre-pregnancy body shape and appearance. Having had two children — one now in his 30s, the other in his 20s — Sandra decided to take this big step.
“I never had the chance to really appreciate my youthful body before I became a mother because I had stretch marks from birth,” she said. “As a teenager, I would wear one-piece swimsuits at the beach because I felt embarrassed. I felt different from other young women.”
Overcoming Doubts and Sharing Her Story
At first, Sandra hesitated. Scrolling through social media, she saw few women her age discussing such surgeries. That made her wonder, “Maybe I should just go for it.” In August 2024, she began documenting her journey on TikTok and Instagram, sharing every stage — from consultations to recovery — with her 66,000 followers.
The First Surgery: Abdominoplasty and Liposuction
Sandra’s first surgery, lasting four hours, included an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction to address perimenopausal changes around her flanks. Originally planning a breast lift as well, she postponed it after developing inflammation around her right breast, related to a benign tumor she had in her 20s.
What surprised Sandra most was the intense tightening of her abdominal muscles.
“They basically cut your muscles into diamond shapes, pull them tight, and then you wear a snug corset home,” she explained. “It felt so tight that taking a deep breath was difficult.”
Recovery was challenging. Around 10 days post-op, Sandra could move comfortably without assistance. But daily tasks like driving and standing upright were tough.
“You have to hunch over when you walk because your skin is pulled so tight,” she said.
Second Surgery: Breast Augmentation and Correction
In March, Sandra returned for breast surgery to reduce and lift her breasts, which had grown from a B cup to a double-D due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. The six-hour procedure included correction of loose skin from her earlier liposuction.
Recovery this time was smoother, though she faced new challenges like limited arm movement and a prominent scar from an anchor-shaped incision.
“There are days I feel a little regretful or sad because of swelling and healing,” Sandra shared. “But it really was like a dream.”
A New Reflection
Today, Sandra says she’s thrilled with the results.
“When I take my shirt off and stand in front of my husband, I can’t believe this,” she said. “My body now reflects how I feel inside — young and alive. I’m overjoyed to see my body.”
Expert Insights from Dr. Thomas Sterry
Dr. Sterry, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 24 years of experience, says mommy makeovers often combine tummy tucks with breast surgeries such as lifts, augmentations, or reductions. Liposuction is a common addition, and his clinic recently introduced RibXcar, a rib contouring procedure to enhance an hourglass figure with minimal scarring.
Costs for breast augmentation surgeries at his practice range from $44,000 to $60,000, depending on the combination of procedures.
Important Considerations for Surgery
Dr. Sterry advises prospective patients to consider the lengthy recovery period, both physically and emotionally, as well as any pre-existing health issues.
“I treat patients of all ages. Lifestyle, postpartum recovery, and genetics matter more than age. Smokers, diabetics, or those with damaged abdominal skin are generally not good candidates because healing may be slower,” he said.
He also recommends scheduling surgery during cooler months to allow adequate healing before warmer weather.
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