Utah Breast implants, Plastic surgery, Liposuction, Tummy-tuck, Face lift :: Envision Cosmetic Surgery

What’s New 1-5-11

Many women have heard about a “mommy makeover” but haven’t given it a second thought. That’s most likely because they’re busy trying to be a good mother, which leaves little time for anything else.

Often, women look in the mirror and think back to previous years when the mirror reflected a younger, more attractive and more curvaceous woman. Far too many of these women resign themselves to living with the image in the mirror instead of doing something for themselves.

I hear so many mothers justify living with the “woman in the mirror” by saying family comes first. The truth is, most families would benefit from a happier, confident, more productive mom. It’s okay—in fact, it’s wonderful for Mom to feel great about herself again.

Sadly, having children can irreversibly change your body. Breasts deflate or sag. Tummy skin is often stretched beyond its ability to recover and abdominal muscles spread apart. Fat may never leave or, worse yet, it moves to other spots—like leaving the breasts and moving to the abdomen. And while we think nothing of repairing our homes when damaged—painting walls or giving our house a total makeover—why not give yourself a little sprucing up?

What exactly is a mommy makeover? Technically, it’s a combination of surgeries to restore your body after the wear and tear of bearing and raising children and from the passage of time. Sometimes a makeover could mean little more than minor restoration. For example, breast surgery may not just restore lost volume, but make the breasts a little larger than they were before. The overall goal is for you to be happy with yourself when looking in the mirror.

The most important consideration about combining surgeries is safety. Fortunately, aesthetic and plastic surgery research has shown there is no increased risk when combining surgeries in healthy patients.

So the question is: What surgeries are typically involved with a mommy makeover? In most cases, a tummy tuck is combined with breast surgery and/or liposuction. The tummy tuck, breast augmentation and liposuction of the love handles (which are rarely loved) make up the most commonly performed combination of procedures. Other combinations may include more extensive body sculpting through liposuction, a breast lift, labiaplasty or even eyelid surgery.

Though most mommy makeover patients are done having kids, I am often asked what will happen if they get pregnant again. Unfortunately, some improvements could be undone. However, women will still be able to have a safe pregnancy, and most mothers will find that breastfeeding is possible—although one woman in five will experience problems after an augmentation.

Recovery time for makeovers is minimal, but patients can expect to be sore and unable to pick up kids for one to two weeks after surgery. At the two-week mark they can begin low-impact workouts again. Patients typically report feeling back to normal six to eight weeks out from surgery.

Though the prospect of having surgery can be scary, most women who get the makeover say, “I wish I had done this years ago.” The changes are dramatic and fun. This type of surgery is very personal and takes just the right surgeon. Patient comfort is my highest priority. Come see what options are available for you at Envision Cosmetic Surgery.

Look in the mirror once again and see the real you.