Pregnancy causes drastic changes in the body, but few women are able to restore their bodies to its pre-pregnancy status with diet and exercise alone. 

Plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures offer a solution for many women going through the post-pregnancy stages, helping to remove excess fatty tissue, improve the contours of the body, and even reducing breast size. Surgery after pregnancy is a rising trend as procedures become more affordable and safe; here’s a closer look at the treatments fueling ‘Mommy Makeovers’ across the country:  

Trends for Women and Plastic Surgery  

From liposuction to breast enhancement, women account for over 91% of all cosmetic procedures in 2007, and this number has steadily increased in the past decade, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Women pursue plastic and cosmetic surgery for several reasons – improving their appearance, correcting asymmetrical body parts and simply relieving discomfort. Lesi Beamon Mackey, practice administrator at the Howard Heppe and Harold Bautista at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, VA states that most tummy tuck and breast surgery patients are indeed mothers looking for a way to restore their body to the pre-pregnancy stages (Source: ExpertMakeover.com). Since pregnancy can cause excess weight gain and hormonal problems that trigger acne and other skin conditions, plastic and cosmetic procedures provide relief and help bring the body in balance. From stretch mark removal treatments to facial rejuvenation, post-pregnancy procedures are on the rise:  

Stretch Mark Removal After Pregnancy

Stretch mark treatments such as Blue Light Therapy and laser resurfacing can remove the top layer of skin and encourage fresh cells to grow for a smoother appearance. Stretch marks along the abdomen, underarms, inner thighs and buttocks are the most common problem areas for women post-pregnancy, and these can be corrected with a non-surgical procedure.  

Breast Reduction Surgery After Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes several hormonal changes and often leads to an increase in breast size; however, the post-pregnancy period results in either a continued increase or steady decrease in breast volume, and this can cause discomfort. Sagging breasts can cause back problems, poor posture and skin irritation, but breast reduction surgery can remove the excess fat and breast tissue to a more manageable state.  

Liposuction After Pregnancy  

An average weight woman can expect to gain 25 – 35 pounds during pregnancy, according to WebMd.com, and most women can begin losing the weight a few weeks after giving birth. Still, even a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine may not get rid of love handles, belly fat and extra fat around the thighs. Liposuction and Laser Lipo treatments offer a few options for women who need to lose under ten pounds of body fat. Today’s innovative technologies are making liposuction a safe, effective and affordable treatment for many.  

Microdermabrasion or Facial Rejuvenation After Pregnancy

Hormonal shifts can lead to several skin problems including acne, rosacea, eczema and skin discoloration and pregnancy can trigger outbreaks that continue for months. Microdermabrasion and other facial rejuvenation procedures help remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production so that skin grows back healthier and becomes more resilient. From chemical peels to laser skin resurfacing techniques, women in the post-pregnancy stages have several options for obtaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.  

Mommy Makeovers are on the rise as more women explore options in cosmetic an plastic surgery to restore their pre-pregnancy looks. From breast reduction surgery to chemical peels, there are several safe and effective ways to enhance the appearance after the drastic changes from pregnancy.  

Learn more about facial rejuvenation, liposuction and breast enhancement in our information guides, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for a procedure.