Mommy Makeovers

Moms are used to taking care of everyone around them. So when a woman feels like she wants to take care of herself by getting back to her pre-pregnancy body, a “mommy makeover” is a popular choice.

What is a mommy makeover?

A “Mommy Makeover” is a group of cosmetic surgery procedures that can improve a woman’s appearance following childbirth and breast feeding, both of which can cause dramatic changes to the body.

MJ Castellon, MD, FACS, a board certified surgeon, explains that each surgery is personalized and many makeovers combine various procedures.

“I believe restoring the female shape is important for her self-esteem and also for the re-establishment of her relationship with her partner,” Dr. Castellon said.

The most common surgeries involve some form of reshaping the fullness of breasts and restoration of the female silhouette after pregnancy. Breast augmentations, breast lift, tummy tucks and liposuction are surgical procedures that require general anesthesia.

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure that can be performed in the office with little to no down time.

When should women consider the procedures?

“I would recommend a procedure once women feel they are done having children for an extended period of time,” Dr. Castellon explained. “This is a woman’s decision.  For instance, some ladies have had makeovers between children that are spaced a few years apart.”

If a woman should get pregnant again, most makeovers typically hold their

shape just as long as women don’t gain too much weight during pregnancy. Breast augmentation does not affect breast feeding, as long as it is performed correctly. Also, if a woman requires a caesarean section or a hysterectomy, the obstetrician or gynecologist can reuse the tummy-tuck scar to avoid another scar.

Do your homework.

Women should investigate a plastic surgeon thoroughly. A board certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery will follow all precautions to avoid complications.  Experience, obviously, is always a plus.

“All surgery carries some inherent risk,” Dr. Castellon said.  “However, combining operations does not necessarily ‘double’ the risk; as long as the patient is an acceptable candidate, the procedure is performed in an accredited facility by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and is monitored by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.”

Before the New Body:

Preparation for surgery requires investigating all aspects of the interested procedure, writing questions down, and then meeting with a credentialed surgeon to ask questions and obtaining a pre-surgical plan to optimize the upcoming makeover. “In my practice, the cardinal rule is that there are no ‘silly’ questions,” Dr. Castellon said. “It is important to cater to the individual patient as each person will have a different experience.”

Dr. Castellon recommends that all women get down to a realistic weight before surgery.

“I realize that it is sometimes difficult to get down to a pre-pregnancy weight. This is why it needs to be realistic so that the results will be optimal. In addition, she will need to maintain this realistic weight after her makeover with diet and exercise. Surgery does not substitute a proper and healthy lifestyle.”

All surgery leaves scars. However, board certified plastic surgeons are properly trained to leave scars in inconspicuous places as to create the most natural result. Always pick a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

After the surgery, all ladies will experience the expected pain and swelling associated with these procedures. Most will require one to two weeks of recuperation but are back to their usual activities after this time. “I follow my patients very closely so as to care for their needs and circumvent any potential complications.” DrCastellon.com, (321) 729-9909

Dr. Mauricio Castellon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He opened the Castellon Plastic Surgery Center in order to provide the best quality plastic surgery care