Why I Don’t Use the Term “Mommy Makeover”

As someone who works with women at many stages of life, I’ve long had an ambivalent relationship with the phrase “mommy makeover.” On the one hand, it represents the very real changes that many mothers wish to address: stretched skin, sagging breasts, and altered contours. On the other hand, the name itself carries implications I don’t support, suggesting something about motherhood is flawed or in need of repair. That idea doesn’t sit right with me.

Motherhood is a profound journey, and the changes it brings to the body are a testament to strength, sacrifice, love, and growth. These aren’t “damage” or “imperfection”. ‘They are markers of life lived. My role as a surgeon is never to erase that story, but rather to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin again, on your terms.

One of the biggest downsides of the term “mommy makeover” is that many patients come to me with assumptions about exactly what the procedure entails, almost as if it were a fixed package. They think, “tummy + breast + something else all bundled together,” without realizing that post-pregnancy bodies show up in many ways. Some women need a breast lift or reduction more than augmentation. Some need more work on the abdominal wall or skin laxity than others. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kit.

Instead of grouping everyone under that label, I prefer to approach each woman as an individual. My consultation begins with a conversation: What parts of your body feel different? What goals do you have now, not what you’ve heard others say? Together, we build a plan that might include a tummy tuck, a breast procedure, or contouring, but only where it’s needed. We sculpt with purpose, not branding.

Because when it comes down to it, what matters is not how trendy the package name is. It’s how natural, harmonious, and confident you feel afterward. For many women, the transformation isn’t about chasing perfection, but reclaiming joy in movement, reflection in the mirror, and comfort in their bodies again.

So if you’ve ever shied away from speaking up because “mommy makeover” made you feel boxed into someone else’s standard, please know: there’s a better language. One that centers your narrative, honors your journey, and supports your unique goals. Let’s move past labels and toward transformations that feel true.

Xo,
Dr. G