The joys of motherhood are endless. Getting a pre-pregnancy body back is often a joyless experience, however. When exercise and dieting aren’t enough, many women turn to surgical and non-surgical options to repair the physical damage done by pregnancy. These procedures are often called “mommy makeovers.”

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure last year, with 348,000 performed — up 6 percent since 2006. Of those, about two-thirds were for women older than 30 who often opt for implants to restore lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy weight gain.

Adominoplasty (frequently called a tummy tuck) removes loose skin and tightens the abdomen. Nationally, there were 148,000 tummy tucks — up 1 percent from 2006. This cosmetic procedure results in a flatter, tighter-looking stomach.

Many patients getting tummy tucks and breast lifts or augmentations combine these procedure. They can cost $14,000 or more and require six weeks of recovery.

For those not interested in the health risks or the high cost of cosmetic surgery, there are nonsurgical options that are noninvasive, less costly and require no down time. With the help of lasers, chemical peels and technology, women have many options for restoring their bodies.

Some options include Thermage™, which rejuvenates the skin from the inside out using radiofrequency energy to the deep layers of the skin and its underlying tissue. After the procedure, the collagen contracts and remodels over time providing tighter and healthier skin. VelaSmooth™ is another option that reduces cellulite using a combination of bi-polar frequency, infrared light, and tissue mobilization.

For more information on your own “mommy makeover” contact:

Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Specialists
Wauwatosa & Mequon
414-443-0033
http://www.idealu.cc

Estetika Skin and Laser Specialists
Mequon
262-240-0655
http://www.estetikaskin.com

Wisconsin MediSpa
Peewaukee
262-746-9088
http://www.wimedispa.com