Why More Women Are Saying “YES” to Mommy Makeover Surgery 

In the past 16 years, Mommy Makeover plastic surgery procedures have skyrocketed in popularity. These procedures, which often are combined in a single surgery to restore a pre-pregnancy appearance to a woman’s body after pregnancy, typically include tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, and liposuction. According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, from 1997 to 2012 the number of tummy tucks performed in the United States increased by 360%, from 34,002 to 156,508 surgeries. Breast lift numbers jumped by 540%, and breast augmentation procedures increased by 226%.

The surge in these numbers may be, in part, due to financing plans like Care Credit that make it a feasible option for more people and the advent of the internet age which allows one to easily research information about surgical procedures, surgeons, and patient reviews before even stepping foot into a doctors’ office for an initial consultation. But they also point to a shift in cultural attitudes, where more women are opting for surgical and nonsurgical procedures to restore the aspects of their femininity that help them to feel more confident and whole.

While having a baby typically is one of the most amazingly wonderful experiences of a woman’s life, the toll it takes on her physically often affects her self-confidence in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.  Most of the women Dr. Patronella sees for mommy makeover surgery consultations exercise faithfully and have good eating habits, but their bodies—while physically fit—still carry some unwanted residual effects of pregnancy. Most commonly, their breasts sag more and have lost volume, and they have loose abdominal skin, a stretched-out navel, tummy pooch, and weakened abdominal muscles as a result of the body expanding to accommodate the growing infant during pregnancy.

Dr. Patronella and his staff have witnessed the transformative effects of Mommy Makeover surgery upon thousands of his patients. The physical change is easily apparent: soft, shapely and fuller breasts, a svelte waistline that blends into a flat, toned abdomen, a youthful-looking navel, and a more proportionate appearance among the waist, hips, and thighs. But the psychological benefits that result frequently are equally impressive.

Dr. Patronella commented, “It’s often life-changing. Nothing can replace emotional, psychological, and spiritual health. But we cannot underestimate how great a role self-image has upon those areas. My experience has taught me that when a person has a positive self-image, she/he is more engaged in the spectrum of daily activities they find rewarding such as work, parenting, relationships, and endeavors to further their career goals. They are more confident and find more joy in putting on a swimsuit and going to the pool with their kids. It improves their relationships—particularly their intimate relationships.”

That was the case for Mari, who was inspired to have Mommy Makeover surgery with Dr. Patronella after witnessing the great results of a neighbor who’d undergone the experience.

“After having four kids, I decided, ‘It’s time.'” said Mari, age 34. Her breasts, a size 34C prior to her pregnancies, had shrunk to  to a smaller, less shapely size after pregnancy and breastfeeding. “It brings down your confidence,” she noted.

Though she’d heard of other plastic surgeons, including the one who’d performed surgery for her mother, seeing the beautiful aesthetic results of her neighbor and mother-in-law who’d had cosmetic plastic surgery with Dr. Patronella made her choice for a plastic surgeon a “no-brainer” said Mari.

After undergoing a combination of breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, and a True Form Tummy Tuck® procedure, Dr. Patronella’s signature approach to abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery, Mari’s 5”6’, 123 pound frame went from a size 4 to a size 2, and her bra size increased from a 34B to a 34C.

Mari commented, “After my surgery, I was a whole new me.” In addition to enjoying the new fuller, feminine appearance of her breasts, Mari added, “I love that I no longer have a kangaroo pouch. I come across a lot of moms who don’t want to go to the pool because they hate their boobs. They don’t consider surgery because they’re nervous.”

For women who are considering mommy makeover surgery, Mari advised, “It makes you feel a 1000 times better. Don’t even think twice about it. Once you go through with it, you’ll love it and never regret it.  It’s life-changing.”

If you are interested in learning more about Mommy Makeover Surgery, please e-mail or call us at (713) 575-1996 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patronella.