A Closer Look at Popular Mommy Makeover Surgeries

Women are under increasing societal pressure to look a certain way almost immediately after giving birth. Unfortunately, these expectations can be not only unrealistic, but unattainable as well. President of the National Research Center for Women and Families, Dr. Diana Zuckerman, calls such expectations the "trickledown effect."

Zuckerman notes that the most beautiful women in the nation undergo surgical procedures to look even more beautiful, then have the resulting photographs computer-enhanced. This leaves all the "normal" women wondering why they don’t look as good after giving birth. Pregnancy certainly changes a woman’s body, resulting in many women considering a "mommy makeover" procedure.

Zuckerman's question is whether the increase in such surgical procedures are only the result of societal pressure or whether some moms simply want to regain their self-confidence and pre-baby body. RealSelf surveyed mothers of all age ranges who underwent a mommy makeover procedure. A full 98 percent of these women said they felt happier overall after the procedure. In the same way society should accept that not all women can—or even want to—look like the models in the news, we should also take care not to judge those women who choose to undergo plastic surgery for their own self-esteem.

For many new moms, diet and exercise may do the trick. It is important to note, however, that despite what many believe, breastfeeding does not magically melt away the excess weight or alter the natural changes to a woman’s body following childbirth.

Genetics is certainly at work when determining just how quickly a woman will be able to return to her pre-baby body, as well as the level of effort she must put into that goal.

A healthy diet is also important, whether a new mom is breastfeeding or not, as well as cardiovascular exercises and weight training. In particular, strengthening the back muscles can help new moms avoid back pain later on as they carry a toddler around.

The Post-Pregnancy Belly

One of the most obvious changes to a woman’s body after pregnancy is to the belly area. Abdominal muscles are stretched as the baby grows, and, in some cases, those muscles can separate completely. While the abdomen and uterus shrink following the birth of a baby, the abdominal muscles may never tighten back up, regardless of the level of diet and exercise engaged in.

During a liposuction procedure, a hollow surgical tube is inserted into the abdomen. This tube breaks up fat cells, then removes those cells. Liposuction cannot tighten stretched out abdominal muscles however, therefore a tummy tuck may also be required to restore a tight tummy. During a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are surgically repaired and tightened, then the excess skin and tissue is removed, and the skin is stitched back into place.

When Diet and Exercise are Not Enough

For some new moms, these important changes in diet and exercise may not get them back to their pre-pregnancy body, and women should recognize that some of the body changes brought on by pregnancy could be forever. On the other hand, for women who diet and exercise religiously yet are left with loose abdominal skin, it could be time to consider plastic surgery.

The most popular option, the mommy makeover, is a combination of liposuction and/or a tummy tuck. In some cases the mommy makeover also includes breast augmentation if the woman’s breast tissue is sagging significantly, as sometimes occurs following breast feeding.

In order to consider a mommy makeover as an option, the recommendations include: a woman should be at goal weight for a minimum of six months, should have stopped breastfeeding for at least six months and should have made the decision not to have any more children.

Insurance typically will not cover plastic surgery, therefore anyone considering a mommy makeover will need to determine how to fit the procedure into an existing budget. In some cases the plastic surgeon may offer payment plans, but any questions should be answered during the consultation.

Contact the Best Pasadena Plastic Surgeon

If you are considering breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other plastic surgery procedure, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena women choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgeries. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.