chicago plastic surgeon dr. michael horn

Mommy Makeover at a Glance

  • Procedures Involved: Breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and more
  • Downtime: 2-3 weeks off work; full activity at 6 weeks
  • Duration of Surgery: 3-6 hours, depending on procedures selected
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Ideal Candidates: Women who have finished childbearing, near their ideal body weight
  • Results: Firmer breasts, flatter abdomen, more youthful contours

What is a Mommy Makeover?


A Mommy Makeover is a comprehensive plastic surgery approach that combines multiple procedures to help restore a woman's body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Typical procedures include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation with implants or a breast lift (mastopexy), liposuction to remove excess fat, and sometimes labiaplasty or a Brazilian Butt Lift. This surgery is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Horn customizes each Mommy Makeover to the individual, ensuring that the chosen combination of procedures addresses her specific areas of concern. The goal is to restore harmony to the body's contours, tighten loose skin, correct separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and rejuvenate the breasts.

Wave Swoosh

What Conditions Does a Mommy Makeover Address?


Mommy Makeover procedures are intended to correct physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy, including:

  • Sagging Breasts: Resulting from breastfeeding and loss of breast volume
  • Loose Skin: Especially in the abdomen due to stretched skin and weight fluctuations
  • Separated Abdominal Muscles: Also known as diastasis recti
  • Stubborn Fat Deposits: Resistant to diet and exercise, often around the waist and thighs
  • Stretch Marks: Though not removed, they can be minimized during skin excision

These cosmetic procedures are particularly effective for patients who have experienced dramatic weight loss or are struggling to restore their pre-pregnancy figure.

What Areas Can a Mommy Makeover Address?


The combination of procedures can target a wide range of problem areas, including:

  • Abdomen: Tummy tuck tightens the stomach muscles and removes excess skin
  • Breasts: Breast lift or breast augmentation reshapes and elevates sagging breasts
  • Hips and Flanks: Liposuction eliminates stubborn fat to sculpt the waistline
  • Buttocks: Brazilian Butt Lift enhances lower body contours with fat transfer
  • Genital Area: Labiaplasty refines appearance and resolves discomfort post-childbirth

What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?


A Mommy Makeover offers life-changing benefits for women ready to invest in their confidence and well-being:

  • Comprehensive Results: Multiple concerns addressed in a single surgical session
  • Shorter Downtime: Compared to spacing procedures months apart
  • Custom Treatment Plans: Based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals
  • Long-Term Improvements: Results are designed to be lasting when paired with a healthy lifestyle

Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?


The best candidates for a Mommy Makeover are healthy non-smokers who are finished having children and are close to their ideal body weight. Candidates should also:

  • Be realistic about their results
  • Understand the recovery commitment
  • Have no untreated medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes)
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding

Women who have undergone multiple pregnancies or weight loss and want to address sagging skin, breast deflation, and excess fat may be excellent candidates for this combination of procedures.

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What is the Mommy Makeover Procedure Like?


Common Procedures in a Mommy Makeover

Tummy Tuck

Removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal wall to restore contour

Breast Augmentation

Enhances breast volume using implants or fat transfer

Breast Lift

Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts without necessarily adding volume

Breast Reduction

Removes excess breast tissue to reduce size and relieve discomfort

Liposuction

Removes stubborn fat deposits from targeted areas like abdomen or thighs

Brazilian Butt Lift

Enhances lower body shape using fat transfer from other parts of the body

Labiaplasty

Reshapes the labia to improve comfort and aesthetics

The Mommy Makeover surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number and complexity of the procedures involved. The most common sequence involves:

  1. Tummy Tuck Surgery: Tightening the abdominal wall, removing excess skin, and smoothing the lower abdomen.
  2. Breast Procedure: Breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, depending on the amount of remaining breast tissue and the patient's goals.
  3. Liposuction: Sculpting areas such as the flanks, outer thighs, hips, or inner thighs to remove stubborn fat deposits.
  4. Optional Add-Ons: Labiaplasty, BBL, or dermal fillers to complete the transformation.

Patients are monitored postoperatively in our surgical suite before being discharged home with detailed aftercare instructions.

Mommy Makeover Recovery


Recovery from Mommy Makeover surgery involves 2-3 weeks off work and several weeks of reduced activity. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the first week. Drains may be used temporarily. Patients wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing. Most women resume light activities after 2 weeks, with more vigorous exercise permitted around week 6. Scar care and sun protection are vital during the healing process. Final results are typically visible by 3 to 6 months post-op.

Mommy Makeover Results


  • A flatter, firmer abdomen
  • Perkier, more youthful breasts
  • Smoother, more contoured silhouette
  • Renewed self-confidence

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, results can last for many years. Maintenance treatments like dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, or skin tightening can help extend and enhance results.

prp hair restoration patient model with a thick hear of brown hair

Chicago Mommy Makeover Cost

The average Mommy Makeover cost in Chicago ranges from $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the procedures involved and surgical complexity. Dr. Horn provides a personalized, all-inclusive quote during your consultation, and flexible financing plans are available to help make your transformation more accessible. This surgery is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Horn customizes each Mommy Makeover to the individual, ensuring that the chosen combination of procedures addresses her specific areas of concern. The goal is to restore harmony to the body's contours, tighten loose skin, correct separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and rejuvenate the breasts.

Why Choose The Michael Horn Center for Your Mommy Makeover?


Dr. Michael Horn is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a leading authority on breast and body procedures in the Chicago area. With thousands of successful Mommy Makeover patients, his surgical artistry, attention to detail, and compassionate care set him apart. Our state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive care, advanced technology, and an experienced team to support you from consultation to full recovery. We understand the emotional and physical impact of giving birth, and we’re here to help you feel strong, confident, and beautiful.

Mommy Makeover FAQs

There is no perfect age. Candidates typically range from their late 20s to 50s, depending on when they're finished having children and feel ready to restore their figure. The right timing depends on your lifestyle, health, and long-term goals.

Yes. The term "Mommy Makeover" refers to the procedure goals rather than a prerequisite for motherhood. Anyone seeking a comprehensive body contouring procedure can be a candidate.

While some fat is removed, a Mommy Makeover is not a weight loss procedure. It is most effective when performed after reaching your ideal body weight.

We recommend waiting at least 6 months after childbirth and 3 months after stopping breastfeeding to allow hormones and tissue changes to stabilize.

Absolutely. Many patients opt for a breast reduction instead of a lift or augmentation, depending on their goals and the amount of breast tissue.

Yes, provided you maintain your weight and don’t become pregnant again. Aging and gravity will still occur, but surgery can reset the clock by many years.

All surgical procedures result in some scarring. However, Dr. Horn uses meticulous techniques to place incisions where they are least visible, such as along natural creases.

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered. However, components deemed medically necessary (e.g., umbilical hernia repair) may be eligible under certain health insurance plans.

Yes. In select cases, procedures like a lower body lift or inner thigh contouring can be combined for enhanced results. This depends on your anatomy and overall health.

Bring a list of questions, medical history, and goals. Dr. Horn and his team will review your options and guide you through every step of the process.