The $20,000 Mommy Makeover

A trio of cosmetic surgeries are making post-preggo moms happy. But are they safe? 

 

When Charlotte Plastic Surgery began offering a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction as a package deal, the practice had no idea it would become what Dr. Kevin Smith now calls "the Mommy Makeover Trifecta."

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, while there has been an increase across the board in the number of cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States, these types of postpregnancy procedures have increased five times more than any other surgeries. And it seems the $15,000-$20,000 price tag isn't dissuading women, either: according to Smith, his practice performs fifty to sixty of the triple surgeries per year.

"Moms can do sit-ups and crunches until the cows come home, but they're not going to be able to restore that internal muscular corset that gives them a flat tummy," says Smith.

Lorrie McClaren is one such mother. She was contemplating plastic surgery after having twins when she ran into a friend who'd gone in for a Mommy Makeover following her delivery of triplets. After hearing her friend's story—and seeing her enviable flat stomach -- McClaren made the appointment. "I don't have a single stretch mark left," says McClaren. "It was a very dramatic change."

But before you leave the babe with Dad and sign on the dotted line, know that the Mommy Makeover isn't a cure-all.

"Pregnancy is a place where the hormones are really turned on, you've been eating for two, and you usually put on some weight," says Charlotte plastic surgeon Dr. David Matthews, who recommends exercising and a healthful diet before hopping on the cosmetic surgery bandwagon. "The most important thing before doing any of these surgeries is to make sure that your body is back to a stable weight."