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“I've finally got back my pre–pregnancy body and I couldn't be happier with the results. ”

“After having three boys, I wanted my body back. Diet and exercise helped, but certain areas of my body never seemed to change. Childbirth can do that to you. I went to see Dr. Caridi about a 'mommy make-over'. I told him that I wanted him to fix everything from my breast down to my thighs, and boy, did he! During my consultation, Dr Caridi and his friendly and informed staff were very good about making sure I was comfortable while helping me decide which procedures would be best for me. Dr. Caridi and his staff are of the utmost professional caliber and I now consider every one of them my friend. I would highly recommend Westlake Plastic Surgery to anyone who is feeling a little down about their appearance. Dr. Caridi has totally changed my life for the better and I know he can do the same for you.” – Jamie Gabriel, Actual Patient

Introduction by Robert Caridi, M.D.

I see many moms in my office who are thrilled with their children and family life. However, they are troubled by the effects of pregnancy on their figures such as weight gain and fat accumulation, sagging or shrinking of the breasts, and wrinkling and bulging of the abdomen from pregnancy—all of which can take its toll on self esteem.

Is this something you will just have to live with? Is it wrong to want your pre-pregnancy body back? Is it frustrating when despite vigorous diet and exercise you don't see significant changes? Wasn't it fun to feel desirable and sexy? Wouldn't it be nice to wear certain clothes you used to? Does having children mean you must give up looking good and feeling fit?

Of course it doesn't help when your husband or boyfriend remarks that "you're fine the way you are" or tells you to "do whatever makes you happy"—which is the usual response I get when I ask my patients what their significant other thinks. Could you imagine your husband or partner suggesting that you need to have something done?!?

It is easy to see how this can affect your self esteem and your personal body image. In my experience, I find that the family just isn't happy if mom is not happy. So in essence, the "mommy makeover" is the careful and appropriate selection of plastic surgery procedures to turn back the clock back to pre-children days. The goal is for you to look as good as you feel and enjoy your life to the fullest!

Mom's Problem Areas

The Abdomen

The uterus is usually about the size of an orange, during pregnancy the growing baby stretches the uterus and ultimately the abdominal wall. The two vertically oriented "Rectus" muscles (the "six-pack" muscles) in front of the abdomen actually separate. The separation of your muscles (also called rectus diastasis) is permanent. The abdominal fascia becomes lax with each successive pregnancy and the abdomen bulges despite diet and exercise. Some women tend to hold their abdomen tight all day long to help minimize the bulge that appears with muscle relaxation. With appropriate exercise, you can strengthen the muscles and improve tone but you cannot strengthen or tighten the loose, stretched abdominal fascia.

The skin is also stretched immensely during pregnancy, resulting in lax or loose skin and stretch marks after the pregnancy, appearing much like chicken skin. The waist widens, fat accumulates in and around the trunk area and the skin can hang. This is most noticeable when you bend over.

The Breasts

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the breasts grow considerably. Breast-feeding causes the breasts to empty and fill repeatedly. Once breast-feeding is complete, the breasts typically decrease in size, often to a size smaller than before the pregnancy. As a result, the breasts fall, become flatter, and smaller. The areola diameter increases and typically darkens. Stretch marks can also appear. The breasts end up looking tired, droopy and deflated.

Lipodystrophy

Liposdystrophy is the collection of fat which might have been present before pregnancy but becomes more apparent after pregnancy. Fatty deposits can also appear in areas that formerly had very little present (like the hips and the waist).

Mom's Treatment Options

The Abdomen

The impact of pregnancy on a woman's abdomen is variable. This is one area of plastic surgery requiring excellent judgment and extensive experience to make the most appropriate recommendation for reconstruction. When there is a large abdominal bulge from weakened fascia, loose hanging skin and an abundance of stretch marks present, a full abdominoplasty usually accompanied by liposuction is needed to correct the problem. A "mini-tuck" may be all that is necessary to improve the appearance in cases when the abdomen is relatively flat, yet stretch marks and loose skin in the area below the umbilicus or "belly button" remain. If the fascia is strong and the skin is relatively tight, but there is excess fat on the abdomen and hips, liposuction alone may provide excellent results.

The Breasts

Breast surgery after pregnancy is designed to bring the breasts back to "the good old days" when they were perky. Sometimes an implant alone is sufficient to restore lost volume when the nipple has not fallen. If there is significant drooping of the breast, I may recommend a breast lift with or without an implant.

Liposuction (Fat Removal)

Liposuction consists of contouring the fat that accumulated during pregnancy. It is the easiest and safest procedure to restore your pre-pregnancy curves.

Combining the “Big 3” Procedures:

Sometimes all three procedures can be safely performed to provide for the best result. However, it is not uncommon that I recommend that you stage the procedures in order to obtain the best final result and to provide you with the greatest degree of safety.

In Conclusion

"Cosmetic surgery after pregnancy can have a very positive effect. As long as the expectations are realistic, the overall satisfaction rate for my post-pregnancy patients is very high," states Dr. Caridi.