Mommy Makeover: making the decision

The numbers behind the choice — satisfaction, real costs, risks, and how to vet whoever does it. Everything here is sourced from published literature and public records, not ads.

Patient satisfaction

~95%

commonly cited in studies

Revision rate

5–10%

Typical cost

$17,500

$14,000–$25,000 range

Near you

20 mi radius

The thing most people want to hear first: Combining procedures means one anesthesia and one recovery instead of two or three — that's the entire point.

What the price actually covers

A mommy makeover quote is usually three line items. Ballpark on a typical $17,500 total:

Surgeon's fee

$10,500

Anesthesia

$2,625

Facility / OR

$4,375

Quotes below the low end of the range ($14,000) deserve more questions, not fewer — ask what's excluded. Revision policy, garments, and follow-ups vary by practice and belong in writing.

The day of

In the OR

4–6 hrs

Anesthesia

General

Back to work

2–3 weeks

When you'll see the result

Recovery

3-4 weeks

Final result

~6 months

Results last

Long-lasting

Honest risks

The longest recovery on this site — line up 2–3 weeks of help
Combined-procedure risks scale with time under anesthesia; ask about your surgeon's limits
Staging into two sessions is sometimes the safer call

Are you a good candidate?

Done having children
Stable weight 6+ months
Strong support system for recovery

Only a consult answers this for sure — but if most of these describe you, you're asking the right questions.

Six questions for every consult

Are you board-certified, and in what specialty? (Verify it — don't just ask.)
How many of this exact procedure did you do in the last 12 months?
Can I see before/afters of patients with my anatomy or skin type?
Who handles complications, and what's your revision policy and fee?
Where is the procedure done, and is the facility accredited?
What results would you consider realistic for me — and what won't this fix?

Verify before you book

Check the medical license

Every Whelth profile shows the state license number from public records — look it up on your state medical board site in 30 seconds.

Confirm board certification

The American Board of Plastic Surgery and ABFPRS both have free public lookups. 'Cosmetic surgeon' is not a board.

Cross-check the NPI registry

The federal NPI database shows every provider's registered specialty — it's where our profiles start.

Read reviews for your procedure

A surgeon can be great at tummy tucks and average at noses. Filter reviews to the procedure you're getting.

See Mommy Makeover providers near you Browse Chicago