By Sherri Roberts
Looking for the perfect gift to give your lady love for the holidays or any day? While jewelry and spa gift cards are stocking stuffer favorites, you might be surprised to learn what’s at the top of many women’s wish lists. If money were no object, 62 percent of moms say they’d consider a “mommy makeover,” reported a 2011 survey from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This powerhouse procedure combination restores a woman’s body to make it look as good or better than it did before pregnancy. Typically it includes tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants, and/or a breast lift, and liposuction.
Statistics reflect the rising popularity of these procedures, revealing more women are opting for plastic surgery to achieve the aesthetic improvements that are challenging or impossible to attain through diet and expercise. A 2014 report from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed that From 1997 to 2013, the number of tummy tucks performed in the U.S grew by 370.8 percent, breast augmentation procedure increased by 209.7 percent, and breast lifts skyrocked an enormous 590.2 percent.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
In the nine months leading up to the baby’s debut, the abdomen and its underlying muscles undergo extreme stretching to accommodate the growing infant. Areas adjacent to this including the waist, hips, and thighs often stretch as well, loose skin and muscles that can’t be improved through exercise or diet, and breasts that have lost volume and firmness.
While the birth of a new baby is one of the most joyful experiences of life for most couples, the toll it takes upon a woman’s body often affects her self-image, impacting other aspects of her life in subtle and not-so subltle ways. In a survey of 150 consecutive tummy tuck/mommy makeover patients of ACPS plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella, approximately 90 percent reported that, after undergoing the procedure, they experienced greater enjoyment of intimancy and improvement of their sexual relationship with their partners.
Mommy Makevover surgery primarily targets tha areas of the body that undergo the greatest change during pregnancy: the abdomen and breasts, though liposuction contouring is frequently performed to reshape other areas of the body also for the most dramatic, natural-looking overall improvement. Most commonly, ACPS surgeons combine the following procedures in a single operation.
Mommy Makeover Before & After Photos
Breast Augmentation and/or Breast Lift Surgery
In a breast augmentation procedure,the plastic surgeon resculpts the breasts to give them a fuller, shapelier appearance that fits an individual’s unique anatomy. A breast lift may be performed alone or in conjunction with augmentation to give the breasts a perkier, youthful shape and position on the chest.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
In a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty), ACPS surgeons remove loose abdominal skin and repair the underlying muscle wall to restore a flat, firm appearance to the abdomen. In many cases C-section scars can be removed and stretch marks can be diminished or eliminated.
Liposuction
In order to create more ideal proportions that harmonize with the appearance of the rejuvenated abdominal appearance, ACPS surgeons frequently incorporate liposuction to remove fat and reshape areas such as the waist, hips, and thighs.
Beyond a mere description of the procedures themselves, ACPS surgeons’ mommy makeover patients describe the positive impact it had upon their self-image and how this translated to other areas of their lives. A mother of two, describes it this way:
“My body experienced a lot of changes after I had twins. I’m only 5’3, so my tummy was totally stretched out and my skin was very saggy. The more weight I lost, the saggier it became, and I lost additional breast volume. I did boot camp for 6 weeks, but exercise can’t get rid of extra skin. I was studying to become a Pilate’s instructor, and I wanted my body to better reflect my lifestyle and career.
The changes I received [through mommy makeover surgery] took my confidence to a whole new level. I feel better, and I look better. My body now looks the way I feel on the inside. It gave me the inspiration and dedication to pursue becoming a Pilate’s instructor.”
Weighing the decision to pursue mommy makeover surgery evokes a complex mix of emotions for many women: excitement about the possibilities and guilt which questions the validity of investing in themselves in this way. Mari, who had a combination of breast augmentation, breast lift, and tummy tuck surgery, has advice for moms who may be conflicted about pursing this option for themselves.
Prior to having surgery, she was disappointed that, after having four children, her once attractive C-cup breasts had shrunk to a smaller, less shapely size, and her formerly tight abdomen now resembled a look she decribed as a stretched out “kangaroo pouch.” Upon observing the impressive cosmetic plastic surgery results of a neighbor, Mari decided the time had come to take action about the physical concerns that weighed on her mind.
“I know many moms who don’t want to go to the pool” because they are self-conscious about their bodies, but they don’t seek plastic surgery to address their concerns “because they’re nervous about it,” said Mari. “But once you go through it, you’ll love the results and never regret it. It make you feel a 1000 times better.”
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.