Dr. Rocco C. Piazza
A Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery
I recently wrote an article for Austin Beauty Guide regarding the “Mommy Makeover” for Body Renovation. With Mother’s Day around the corner, family members are scouring stores looking for the perfect gift. Yet, the gift that some moms are hoping for can’t be found in a mall or online.
More women are consulting with plastic surgeons about “mommy makeovers” to find a way to get back to their pre-pregnancy state to recapture their self-confidence. Combining surgical and some non-surgical interventions, these types of “makeovers” are aimed at improving the appearance of the woman’s body following childbirth.
Rising Demand for Post-Baby Surgery
The percentage of women in the U.S. that undergo minor plastic surgeries after giving birth – such as tummy tucks, breast lifts and breast augmentation – has seen a significant uptick. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 2012 figures showed that since 2000 tummy tuck procedures grew by 70%, breast lifts by 69% and breast augmentation by 35%.
The demographic is changing, too. Before 2000, it was more typical for women in their 50s to consult a plastic surgeon about these changes. Today, more women in their 30s and 40s are undergoing the much-desired procedures shortly after they have finished having children. It has become a norm for many women in order to get their body back after they have finished with the pregnancy process and this is a trend that I have seen in my Austin plastic surgery practice.
Why the Trend?
We know that pregnancy can cause significant changes to a woman’s body. Some women’s bodies bounce back after giving birth, while others may need to pull out old pictures to help jog their memories. The patient seen below underwent a tummy tuck in Austin and breast augmentation at the same time. The degree of abdominal muscle diastasis (stretch) before delivery and 3 months after pregnancy remains about the same in this patient. A tummy tuck was needed to repair her abdominal wall to place the rectus muscles side-by-side.
But the reasons for turning to cosmetic procedures remain the same. Improving women’s self confidence and body image can make all the difference. And now with advancements in medical innovation, patients see shorter procedure times, faster recovery and most importantly, fewer safety risks.
Four Important Tips
Before any surgical procedure, I suggest my patients do the following for the best possible outcome and long-standing results:
1. Incorporate an exercise regimen at least 2-3 times a week to tone your body and strengthen your core.
2. Practice good nutrition by eating a clean, healthy diet.
3. Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.
4. If you have very young children, consider your extra childcare options for the post-surgical period.
Lifting small kiddos can have a direct impact on your results in the first few weeks after surgery. The last advice I have is to consult with a surgeon who is ABPS Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery. It is important that you are able to communicate well with your surgeon and his/her staff.
If you have any questions for me, call us directly at (512) 288-8200 or contact me, via email! You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter on our “news” page to stay informed on the latest in Austin plastic surgery news.
