Mommy Makeovers Are Growing in Popularity But What Exactly Are They?

by Andrea L. Algar

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently revealed that a whopping 62% of moms in the United States would like to have plastic surgery to get back their pre-baby figures. While it isn't shocking at all that moms would want this, it is a bit surprising that the number is so high.

Money may keep a healthy number of women from actually having their much-wanted surgery, but the high percentage of women wanting to improve their appearance after having children has people looking at why.

Is "looking good" now seen as being more important to women who have had children? Yes, probably. And there's data to back this up. The same ASPS study found that the average age of women seeking mommy makeovers was lower than it was a decade ago. Interestingly, while the age of potential plastic surgery patients lowers, the average age of mommies has actually risen. A CDC study from 1970 showed that the average age for a first-time mom was 21.4. Between 2000 and 2006, that age went from 24.6 to 25 years old.

While it’s hard to pinpoint why moms are becoming more concerned with their appearance after having children, there's no doubt that it probably has something to do with the fact that plastic surgery has grown in popularity in recent years. The procedures associated with mommy makeovers—breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast lifts—are more advanced than ever.

There is also the fact that plastic surgery is getting talked about more. The old days of hiding a cosmetic procedure have changed dramatically. Not only do you have women sharing their stories with friends, family and co-workers, they're active on the Internet discussing their experiences, asking questions, and even posting photos of their post-baby bodies in hopes of getting opinions from other women and the doctors who specialize in mommy makeovers.

In San Antonio, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women who are interested in mommy makeovers. Some know the procedures involved, while others know only the phrase. So what exactly is a mommy makeover? Contrary to what some believe, a mommy makeover can vary according to the mom's needs and can be a combination of any of the following procedures:

• breast lift
• breast augmentation
• breast reduction
• liposuction abdomen
• liposuction hips
• liposuction thighs
• tummy tuck

Patients seek out plastic surgery not only to give them physical results, but also to help them get back their self-confidence and how they felt about their body before children. San Antonio board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Young explains, "I'm seeing more women in their 30's who are looking for mommy makeovers. Pregnancy, hormones, changing body metabolism and childbirth takes a huge toll on the body, especially with subsequent births, and weight gain can stubbornly remain for years after childbirth. Most women become concerned as they notice that their breasts deflate and become saggy, hips and thighs fill out, and stretched stomach muscles cause bulging, excess skin and stretch marks. These can rob women of their self-confidence. Often women cannot bounce back even with better diet and increased exercise."

Facts about Mommy Makeovers:

• Mommy Makeover describes procedures to rejuvenate the breasts and abdomen following childbirth(s).
• The goal of a Mommy Makeover is to try and return the body to its pre-baby state.
• Most women who have had children are good candidates for the procedure if they're in good health and have had all of the children she desires.
• A Mommy Makeover may be done in one or two stages depending on the problem areas being addressed and the number of procedures necessary to accomplish the rejuvenation.
• The type of procedures can vary in a Mommy Makeover.

Many plastic surgeons bundle procedures and give some type of discount on the costs. Some are bundled together such as tummy tuck, breast augmentation. These can be a good value, but you need to make sure that all of the procedures being thrown together are ones that are truly needed. For instance, some may require a breast reduction rather than a breast augmentation. You should be able to customize the "package" of procedures so that they best suit your needs and desires.

Because at least two or more procedures are being bundled together for your Mommy Makeover, you should make sure that your plastic surgeon is experienced providing multiple surgeries. Multiple procedures can increase the risk complications. Sometimes it may be necessary to break the procedures up into separate surgeries. For example, if you would like breast augmentation, but need a breast lift, it is often advisable to first have the breast lift and follow several months later with the breast augmentation.

Make sure you have the appropriate child care and help in the home as well. You'll need someone who can help out in the weeks following your surgery while you heal - something you shouldn't try to cheat on. You could be risking your health and increasing the chance for serious complications if you don't follow your doctor's recommendations concerning activities (including housekeeping, child care, lifting, cooking, working, driving, and even sex). Discuss your needs with your surgeon and get specific advice if you foresee difficulties.