Five Things to Know About a Mommy Makeover

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Dr. Eric Barker

June 22, 2021

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

While motherhood brings joy to countless women, there is no denying pregnancy and childbirth can change your body in unexpected ways. Some of these changes include a spreading midsection with loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles, and large breasts that are now smaller and sag. Mommy Makeover Surgery can reverse some of these changes and restore your silhouette.

Dr. Eric Barker understands and is able to offer solutions that will help you recover your self-esteem and self-image. Call our office in Denver, CO to schedule your body contouring assessment and learn how you can benefit from our advanced procedures.

1. Mommy makeovers are customized to suit your needs

A mommy makeover involves several procedures, but it mainly includes breast lift or augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction. These procedures are designed to improve sagging or flat breasts, loose skin on the abdomen, and small pockets of accumulated fat. Women can choose one or all treatments based on their individual problem areas.

2. Mommy makeovers are not meant for weight loss

Even though liposuction fat removal is offered as part of a mommy makeover, it is not considered a weight-loss procedure. It is ideal for someone with small but stubborn fat in the abdomen, hips, and thighs.

3. Beauty after baby

If you are done having children and have stopped breastfeeding, and are looking for a way to reverse the body changes brought on by pregnancy, Dr. Eric Barker will help you with surgical and non-surgical options to give you the best result possible with minimum downtime and scarring.

4. Mommy makeover surgery isn't just for mothers

While mommy makeovers are popular among mothers, other women can also benefit from surgery as well. For example, tummy tuck surgery is beneficial for patients who recently lost weight and now have excess skin in unwanted areas. A breast lift with or without implant augmentation to correct sagging breasts and increase volume if needed is also a popular procedure.

5. Scheduling a consultation

Anyone undergoing a mommy makeover should be in good health. This is why attending a consultation is so important. At Peak Plastic Surgery Center, we may ask about your medical history and perform an examination. This ensures your surgery and recovery are as safe and effective as possible.

Meet with a mommy makeover surgeon

Do you have small problem areas in the breasts, abdomen, and other areas that make you feel embarrassed? Mommy makeover surgery at Peak Plastic Surgery Center could be the answer. If you are interested in breast improvements, tummy tuck surgery, or liposuction, meet with Dr. Eric Barker in Denver, CO. We can discuss your options and make sure you are happy with your outcomes.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!