Dr. Chris Funderburk And The Modern Mommy Makeover

The phrase “mommy makeover” has been around long enough to pick up baggage of its own, with the implication that everyone’s recovery story fits the same narrative. That framing is wearing thin.

While it once centered on the glow-up narrative, patients are showing up with specific concerns, sharper language, and a clearer understanding of how their bodies have changed after pregnancy or major weight loss. Surgeons are responding in kind, getting more exact about what’s actually happening to the torso and how different procedures address varied needs. As Dr. Chris Funderburk puts it, “The old-school version of the mommy makeover was cookie-cutter. Outdated. The modern woman deserved better.”

A Surgeon Meeting Modern Demands

Neinstein Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Chris Funderburk has adapted to growing needs by focusing on body contouring and specializing in liposuction, mommy makeovers, post-weight loss skin removal, and aesthetic breast surgery. He describes the modern mommy makeover not as a predefined bundle, but as a strategy shaped around the individual.

“A mommy makeover is not a package,” he explains. “It’s a personalized combination of procedures built around your anatomy, your goals, and your new identity as a woman post-pregnancy or post–weight loss.”

That strategy may involve abdominal repair, breast surgery, and contouring performed together, or it may focus on a single area that disrupts balance. Each element serves a specific purpose. In addition, as an openly gay surgeon, Dr. Funderburk emphasizes an inclusive, respectful care environment and also provides procedures such as male chest gynecomastia surgery and body contouring.

When Planning Replaces The Checklist

A torso rarely changes in one direction. Some patients assume the problem is fat, when the bigger issue is support and shape. Others focus on loose skin, while proportions are the part that feels wrong. A strategy-based approach treats procedures as tools, which helps keep expectations grounded.

Dr. Funderburk views the torso as an integrated system. “Think of it as rebalancing the entire torso,” he says, “restoring structure and redesigning proportions.” In that framework, procedures become tools rather than checkboxes, helping patients understand what can realistically be changed and why.

The Abdomen Is About Architecture

Skin gets the spotlight, but muscles steer. Pregnancy can affect the core in multiple directions, including vertical and oblique pull. Dr. Funderburk highlights the abdomen's muscle architecture and multi-vector repair as a centerpiece of modern abdominal work because restoring tension and symmetry can shift the waistline more than surface tweaks alone. Structure comes first, and the visible layer follows.

“Everybody focuses on the skin,” Dr. Funderburk notes. “But skin is the finale, not the opening act.” In his practice, the foundation of a modern tummy tuck is multi-vector muscle repair, aimed at restoring tension, symmetry, and function across the abdominal wall.

Patients frequently report functional changes alongside aesthetic ones. “They tell me they stand taller, their waist looks narrower, and their core feels strong for the first time in years,” he says, adding that this structural repair is often the most impactful part of the makeover.

Breast Work Is Customized

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, breasts can lose volume, sit lower, or feel out of proportion with the rest of the body. Modern mommy makeovers prioritize customization rather than size.

“Modern mommy makeovers don’t chase size — they chase shape and proportion,” Dr. Funderburk explains. Depending on anatomy and goals, that may involve a lift, reduction, implants, or a combination. The aim is to restore harmony between the chest, waist, and torso in a way that looks balanced and natural.

Lipo360 Shapes Transitions

Contour lives between landmarks. Lipo360 is positioned as a foundation for modern contouring because it can define the waistline, refine the flanks, and smooth the transition between the ribcage and the hips.

The effect is often most noticeable in motion, as the body appears as a single connected shape. With conservative planning, the torso may look longer and more athletic without feeling disconnected from the rest of the body.

Safety And Recovery Stay In The Room

Despite its evolution, a mommy makeover remains a major surgery. Dr. Funderburk stresses that safety planning is not optional. “Safety matters the most,” he says, pointing to factors such as anesthesia time, conservative fat handling, strategic procedure combinations, and closure techniques designed to reduce tension.

Recovery expectations are addressed upfront. “Let’s be honest — you’ll feel it,” he says. “But today’s recovery is miles away from what the internet tries to scare you with.” While timelines vary, many patients describe the process as more manageable than anticipated, with a gradual return to daily activities and workouts over several weeks.

Ultimately, the modern mommy makeover reflects a broader shift in how patients approach aesthetic surgery. “It’s about reclaiming ownership of your body,” Dr. Funderburk says. “It’s about how you feel on the inside finally matching what you see in the mirror.”

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.