The Mommy Makeover in Richmond, Virginia

Few things in life are as rewarding as building a family. For mothers, however, having children may take a significant toll on their bodies. These women may be relieved in knowing that it is now possible to turn back the clock on these physical changes with cosmetic surgery.  Increasing numbers of mothers are seeking mommy makeovers from their plastic surgeons when childbearing is completed.

A top to bottom makeover would start with the face. Years of sleepless nights may accelerate the aging around the eyes. Friends may wonder, "Are you getting enough sleep?" even when you feel well rested. Fortunately there are effective procedures for rejuvenating the eyes. Botox may be used to soften the "crow's feet" or the frown lines that are early signs of aging.  It may also be used to raise the eyebrows giving a browlift, which opens the eyes.  Botox can also be used to soften lipstick lines.  Botox treatment takes only minutes and the results last for months. When a person experiences the benefits of Botox, they frequently comment that they're surprised how easy it is to take years off of their appearance.

Surgery on the eyelids (blepharoplasty) requires a longer recovery, but the improvements are permanent and substantial. When patients have hooding of the upper eyelids or bags under their eyes, they are typically good candidates for eyelid surgery. The scars are minimal and patients may return to work within a few days of surgery.

After pregnancy and when breastfeeding is done, women may feel sad to say goodbye to their full and shapely breasts, especially when they are left with breasts they hardly recognize as their own. Patients complain of sagging, asymmetry, enlarged areolas, loss of upper fullness and nipples pointing downward.  A breast lift may be necessary in order to position the breasts high on the chest, giving them a more youthful contour.  If a mother wants a larger breast size, however, implants are necessary. Saline implants are currently the most popular type of implant.  For patients preferring silicone, a new generation of cohesive gel implants, the "gummy bear" implants, are now approved by the FDA. The cohesive silicone implants, or "gummies," are more solid than liquid so there are fewer worries of the implants leaking.  Patients rave about the natural feel of these silicone implants.

After the breasts are made perkier, young mothers may next notice that their lower abdomen is fuller than it used to be. The "postpartum pouch" may be a combination of excess skin, fat, stretch marks and distorted belly button.  In many cases it may be impossible to improve the lower abdomen with exercise alone. A tummy tuck procedure is the most common solution for mothers, once they are done having their children. The muscles may be tightened and the excess skin and fat removed for a remarkable return of their flat, pre-pregnancy abdomen.

When excess fat alone is the issue, liposuction or SmartLipo may be indicated. After having children, a mother's fat redistributes to different areas even if she has not gained weight.  Excess fat may accumulate on her hips and flanks, causing her to lose her hourglass figure. New deposits of fat on the inner and outer thighs may make it difficult to fit into the clothing that she wore before pregnancies.  Laser assisted liposuction (SmartLipo) is the ultimate tool for body sculpting to resolve these problems.  SmartLipo uses laser energy to internally melt fatty tissue.  The melted fat is then removed much less traumatically than with traditional techniques.  SmartLipo also causes the skin to contract without the need for incisions.  It works especially well on the lower abdomen, inner thighs, and arms.  Because it is less traumatic than other liposuction methods, mothers experience much less swelling and bruising.  Recovery is much quicker and many mothers are back to their normal activities in several days.

For many women cosmetic surgery is a well-deserved reward after the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood.  Mommy makeovers may restore a woman's body to its former glory, but it is important to choose the surgeon carefully.  A board certified plastic surgeon is the best person to consult when considering a top to bottom makeover.  Dr. Neil J. Zemmel has years of experiences in reshaping mothers.