What is it?
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures designed to restore the shape of your body post-pregnancy. The effects of pregnancy on the breasts and body affect each tissue area differently. The breasts are typically softer and have less glandular tissue and relatively more fat. This changes some of the technical details of the operations, particularly if a breast lift is performed at the same time as augmentation. In the abdomen, the skin is often less elastic than it was before, there are often stretch marks, and the body wall is looser. All of these characteristics make the previously pregnant abdomen different from one who has never been pregnant.
Common procedures in a
Mommy Makeover include:
Breast Enhancement
Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to changes in breast shape, size, and firmness. Breast enhancement procedures can restore lost volume, lift sagging breasts, or even reduce size for improved comfort and aesthetics:
- Breast Augmentation: Add fullness and volume using implants or fat transfer.
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Correct Breast drooping and elevate them to a youthful position.
- Breast Reduction: Reduce size and alleviate physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
After pregnancy, loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles can result in a bulging or sagging midsection. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat while repairing the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer stomach.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular choice for targeting stubborn pockets of fat that resist traditional weight-loss efforts. Common areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and back. Liposuction sculpts and contours your figure, complementing other procedures in the Mommy Makeover.
Body Contouring Options
For additional refinement, non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting or Emsculpt Neo can enhance your results, addressing stubborn fat and toning muscles without surgery.
Reviews
“I recently had a facelift by Dr. Geldner and feel like I look a decade younger. Dr. Geldner listened to my concerns and created an individualized plan for me with amazing results. I love the way I look and feel. Thank you Dr. G.”
~ Patient Review
Benefits
Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding bring immense joy, but they can also lead to:
- Stretched or sagging skin.
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).
- Deflated or asymmetric breasts.
- Persistent fat deposits that won’t go away despite your efforts.
A Mommy Makeover offers a range of benefits, both physical and emotional:
- Restore Your Figure: Address multiple areas of concern in a single surgical plan.
- Feel Confident in Your Clothes: Enjoy wearing form-fitting outfits without worrying about bulges or sagging.
- Boost Self-Confidence: Feel good about your appearance and empowered in your everyday life.
- Save Time: Combining procedures minimizes recovery time compared to undergoing them separately.
Gallery
Mommy Makeover Results In
Chicago and Oak Brook
Seeing the results of your surgery is often the most exciting part of the journey. At The Geldner Center, we focus on creating natural, balanced transformations that enhance your unique features. Our goal is to help you look more refreshed—never overdone, just confident and vibrant.
This 30 year old woman had children and experienced loss of tissue volume. She wanted to have a breast augemntation at the same time as an...
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This patient wanted a Mommy Makeover. She wanted her breasts to remain proportionate to her overall shape. We removed about 100gm of tissue from her...
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This patient came to have a Mommy Makeover. She lost breast volume and shape due to pregnancy. We planned a small breast augmentation with her...
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Candidates
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
A good candidate for a Mommy Makeover is typically a woman who is in good overall health and has experienced physical changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding that affect her self-confidence and body image. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand that while a Mommy Makeover can significantly enhance their appearance, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
Key factors to consider if you are thinking about a Mommy Makeover include:
- Health Status: You should be in good health, without any untreated medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks. It’s also essential to be at a stable weight and within 10-15 pounds of your ideal body weight.
- Completed Childbearing: It’s generally recommended to wait until you have finished having children before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. Future pregnancies can undo the results of the procedures.
- Time for Recovery: Consider if you have enough time and support for the recovery process. You will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Non-Smoker: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, you will need to quit several weeks before and after surgery.
- Realistic Expectations: It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and discuss your goals with Dr. Geldner. A Mommy Makeover can dramatically enhance your appearance but will not achieve perfection.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will evaluate your medical history, physical condition, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a Mommy Makeover.
Reviews
“Dr. Geldner is extremely thorough and helped me understand what options I have available to me. He is very accommodating and goes the extra mile with his patients. I can’t recommend him enough.”
~Patient Review
Procedure
Personalized Mommy Makeover at The Geldner Center
Preparing for a Mommy Makeover involves several steps to ensure a safe and successful procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Geldner will assess your overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine if a Mommy Makeover is right for you. Here’s what you can expect during the consultation and how to prepare for the surgery:
Step 1: The Consultation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Peter Geldner, one of Chicago’s and the suburbs most respected plastic surgeons. During this session:
- Medical Evaluation: Dr. Geldner will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of your medical history, current medications, and any previous surgeries. This helps identify any potential risks or complications.
- Physical Examination: Dr. Geldner will perform a physical examination to assess your body’s areas of concern, such as the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs. This evaluation helps determine which procedures will best address your needs.
- Discussion of Goals: You will discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations with Dr. Geldner. It’s important to communicate your desired outcomes clearly so Dr. Geldner can create a customized treatment plan.
- Procedure Explanation: Dr. Geldner will explain the procedures involved in a Mommy Makeover, including the expected results, risks, and recovery process. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
- Before and After Photos: Dr. Geldner may show you before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone a Mommy Makeover to help you understand the potential results.
Step 2: Preparing for Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth surgical experience and optimal recovery. From pre-operative instructions to lifestyle adjustments, we’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you feel confident and ready for your procedure.
- Medical Clearance: You may need to obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Dr. Geldner may advise you to make certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and maintaining a healthy diet. These adjustments can help reduce the risk of complications and promote healing.
- Preoperative Instructions: Follow all preoperative instructions provided by our practice, which may include guidelines on eating, drinking, and medications to take or avoid before surgery.
- Home Preparation: Prepare your home for your recovery period by setting up a comfortable rest area with essential items within easy reach. Arrange for help with childcare, household chores, and transportation for about two weeks.
- Plan for Recovery: Plan to take adequate time off work and arrange for assistance with daily activities during your initial recovery period, usually about two weeks.
By carefully following Dr. Geldner’s instructions and preparing thoroughly, you can help ensure a smoother surgical experience and recovery. Dr. Geldner and his team will provide you with all the necessary information and support to help you achieve the best possible results from your Mommy Makeover.
Step 3: The Procedure
Depending on your customized plan, your Mommy Makeover may include a combination of breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction, or other procedures. The surgery typically takes 4–6 hours, but this varies based on the complexity of your treatment plan.
Dr. Geldner performs all procedures at a fully accredited surgical facility, where safety, precision, and patient comfort are top priorities.
Step 4: Recovery and Results
Recovery times vary based on the procedures performed, but most patients can expect:
- 1–2 Weeks: Initial healing phase. Light activity is encouraged, but avoid heavy lifting, including picking up small children.
- 4–6 Weeks: Return to most normal activities and light exercise.
- 3–6 Months: Final results become more apparent as swelling subsides and scars fade.
Throughout your recovery, our team will provide comprehensive post-operative care and support, ensuring a smooth healing process.
Recovery
Mommy Makeover Risks and Planning for
Your Recovery
Combination procedures have inherent risks. Studies tell us that when operations last too long, the risk of complications rises. The balance of risk versus result is an important one. When multiple body parts are operated on simultaneously, recovery can be difficult. It can be tough to find a comfortable position to sit, and movement can be limited. It’s very important to plan the operations with recovery and duration in mind. Sometimes, the best option is to stage the surgeries so that the arms are free to move even when the abdominal muscles are limited. Other times, it’s best to leave the backside alone when everything on the front side is addressed. In some instances, we plan the surgery so that one goal is maximally addressed, as in fat transfer to the behind. We might leave the breasts alone for another day if our effort involves fat harvesting, abdominoplasty and simultaneous fat transfer to the buttocks.
Patients have their own restorative and esthetic goals in mind. It’s important to prioritize those goals and discuss them honestly. As with any medical procedure, we begin by identifying the problem, posing a solution and making a plan to ensure success. Since no two patients are alike, no procedures are totally alike. Certainly with the potential complexity of Mommy Makeover procedures, time spent outlining goals and planning the operation can yield gratifying results. With Dr. Geldner’s superior skill, over 25 years of experience, and his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our Chicago plastic surgery and Oak Brook plastic surgery patients’ expectations.
What Sets The Geldner Center Apart?
At The Geldner Center, our commitment to excellence goes beyond beautiful results. Here’s why moms across Chicago trust us for their Mommy Makeover:
Unparalleled Expertise
Dr. Peter Geldner is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience. Known for his meticulous approach and artistic eye, Dr. Geldner has helped countless women achieve their aesthetic goals.
Patient-Centered Care
We understand that choosing a Mommy Makeover is a deeply personal decision. Our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Comprehensive Options
From surgical procedures to non-invasive enhancements, we offer a full range of treatments to help you achieve your desired results.
Convenient Locations
With offices in Chicago and Oak Brook, The Geldner Center provides easy access for patients across the region.
Enhance Your Results with Med Spa Treatments
To complement your Mommy Makeover, consider our med spa services for a complete rejuvenation:
- Botox® and Dermal Fillers: Smooth fine lines, restore volume, and enhance facial contours.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improve skin tone and texture for a radiant complexion.
- HydraFacial® and Chemical Peels: Refresh and revitalize tired, dull skin.
Learn More About
Mommy Makeover
Watch a presentation that explains the procedure, preparation and recovery details.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of the procedure depends on the specific surgeries included in your plan. Most Mommy Makeovers take 4–6 hours, but this can vary.
It’s best to wait until you’ve completed your family, as future pregnancies can undo the results of certain procedures like tummy tucks.
All surgical procedures leave scars, but Dr. Geldner takes care to place incisions discreetly and provides guidance on scar management to help scars fade over time.
With a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, your Mommy Makeover results can last for many years.
