Mommy Make-Over - Cruise Plastic Surgery

Mommy Make-Over - Cruise Plastic Surgery - Newport Beach

• Overview


• Abdominal Changes


• Breast Changes


• Mommy Make-Overs on the Rise


• Top Female Procedures


• Patients' Experience

Overview

Quality plastic surgery makes profound improvements not only on the way people look but, more importantly, the way the feel about themselves. This is especially true with women who have had children. This is particularly upsetting because, as a whole, child birth is such a beautiful time in a woman's life. Still, the toll that it takes on a woman's body is frustrating. We frequently hear concerns from mothers of how they feel that there once beautiful body has been taken from them. Usually, they are reluctant to say this because they love their children so much that they do not want to seem ungrateful for what they know is a blessing. This section was created to help mother's deal the specific issues that surround the physical changes that occur with child birth.

It is important for mother's to know that many of their body changes caused by pregnancy are out of their control. This is especially true for her breasts and her abdomen. Mommy makeover is not a catch phrase. It is a treatment plan for the normal condition that follows child birth.

Abdominal Changes with Pregnancy

During pregnancy the abdomen stretches considerably. This causes changes to all the organs of the abdomen; not just the skin. Inside the abdomen the uterus enlarges. After birth, it tries to shrink back to its non-pregnant state but usually remains somewhat larger.

In addition, the abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the increased size of the abdomen. Often, during this stretching process the muscles separate. This causes a permanent weakness in the abdominal wall and makes it almost impossible to regain a flat stomach.

Abdomen and Separation of the Muscles after Pregnancy
Restoring Muscles to their
Pre-pregnancy Position


Images source: UnderstandPlasticSurgery.com. Click link for demonstration of muscle tightening and tummy tuck procedure .


Finally, the skin stretches considerably. In some women (especially younger women) the elastic recoil within the skin's dermis will allow the skin to "snap back" to its pre-pregnancy state. More often, however, the skin is stretched beyond its ability to contract back. This leaves the mother with stretch marks and loose skin. Both of these problems are not correctable no matter how much diet and exercise you do.






Mini Tummy Tuck with Umbilicus Release. Patient 39-y-o. Works out frequently. The loose skin and stretch marks cannot be addressed by exercise. A mini tummy tuck was necessary. Three months post-op.






Correction of loose abdominal skin after 2 children and improvement of abdominal contour. Standard tummy tuck on a 28 -y-o,
120lb, 5'2, 5 weeks after surgery.


In order to correct the above problems the muscles must be surgically brought back together and the excess skin must be removed. The experienced plastic surgeon will do the least amount of surgery necessary to accomplish these goals. In addition, he/she will keep the incision as low as possible on the abdomen and make sure the belly button stays natural looking so that it can be shown off in low rise pants or a bikini and no one will notice it.






Standard way of placing an incision around the opening for the belly button. The tummy tuck removes the skin and flattens the abdomen, but if the belly button has a scar around it, it is hard to expose it without people noticing it.
Dr. Cruise has modified his way of re-creating belly buttons. It is almost impossible to tell that this patient had a tummy tuck. She can wear a bikini and no one would notice it.


 


High incision
Low incision

Breast Changes with Pregnancy

Another problem area associated with childbirth is the breasts. This is particularly frustrating because during pregnancy they often enlarge to a size and shape that makes them look particularly sexy. After birth, however, they not only lose the size that they have gained but, often, deflate to even a smaller size. To make things even worse, this loss of volume is combined with stretching of the breast skin. Together, this commonly causes breast sag.

Correction of loss of breast volume is done with breast implants. This sounds simple but it is not. This is because the loss of volume is mostly in the upper and inner part of the breast. Therefore, these two areas have to be specifically addressed to truly obtain the desired result.

Often, minor breast sag can be corrected with implantation alone. The implant will provide enough volume that the nipple will elevate even without a lift.

Example of a mother of two who has lost a significant amount of breast tissue resulting in sagginess. Her minor sagginess was corrected with an augmentation alone.

When the nipples and breast tissue drop too low a breast lift is needed to regain the youthful shape that they once had. Breast lifting requires considerable experience and talent by the plastic surgeon to obtain a sexy, youthful look. If you are considering breast lifting it is very important to make sure your plastic surgeon does a significant number per year. In addition, make sure he/she can show you before and after examples that show that he/she can do this complex procedure with good results.

Breast lifting significantly improves the shape and look of the breasts that have descended after having children. In the Benefits section, Dr. Cruise outlines the keys to breast lifting and what makes his breast lift predictably successful.

"Breast lifting after child birth requires specific attention to several areas. Specifically, the upper part of the breast is often hollow and needs to be filled out. Midline cleavage needs to be enhanced to regain the youthful appearance. In addition, the hanging breast tissue needs to be elevated and converted into a youthful rounded shape that does not hang below the bottom of the breast. All this needs to be done with minimal incisions that are hard to see." Dr. Cruise

 

The reason why Dr. Cruise decided to dedicate an entire section to the changes associated with child birth is because of the profound psychological effects it has on the mother. These effects are not talked about much because women are taught to accept them as the price for motherhood. These changes cause the mother to feel bad and even somewhat depressed. What is not discussed is how these sad feelings can actually have a negative impact on the rest of the family.

The depression comes from losing control over her body. No matter what she does she cannot get back to the body pregnancy has taken away from her.

Often, mothers will consider plastic surgery but are reluctant because of guilt. They feel that they should always put their family's needs in front of their own. They feel guilty about spending money on themselves when there are other things they could do with the money. Finally, they feel guilty for potentially risking their safety to improve their appearance. All of these reasons cause the mother to put off getting their body back until much later. Once they do get the surgery the response is always the same, "Why did I wait so long. I should have done it sooner. Life is too short."

Much of plastic surgery can be considered "cosmetic" but when it comes to plastic surgery to correct changes from pregnancy, there are certainly other very important reasons to consider. One must consider the psychological and emotional reasons that make a mother feel like her body is back to where it used to be.

Another aspect that can not be overlooked is the regained sense of sexuality that a woman feels after her mommy-makeover. This heightened sense of self esteem makes her feel sexy again. Often, after pregnancy, a woman will no longer wear sexy clothes. She may no longer feel comfortable taking her clothes off with the lights on. Ultimately, she may lose interest in sex. This has a significant impact on her relationship with her significant other.

The time and money spent on the mommy makeover is more than recovered by the improvement in quality of life.

The nice thing about the mommy makeover is that the breasts and the tummy can be done together. This allows for one surgery and one recovery. The important thing is to get your entire family on board so that they know how important this is to you and why it is needed. Once everyone is on board, the entire process becomes exciting. There becomes a sense of anticipation knowing that you are doing what is necessary to get back to your more youthful body and mind.

"Mommy Makeovers" on the Rise

More than 325,000 tummy tuck, breast augmentation and breast lift procedures were performed on women ages 20-39 in 2006, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The 11 percent increase over 2005 statistics in "Mommy Makeover" procedures is more than five times higher than the growth of overall cosmetic plastic surgery procedures (2 percent) during the same time period.

"In this day and age, women are giving birth later, returning to their careers sooner, and have busier schedules than ever before. Many are finding cosmetic plastic surgery to be the answer to returning to a pre-pregnancy shape they are comfortable with," said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD.

The "Mommy Makeover" procedures, which include breast augmentation, tummy tuck and breast lift, rank first, fourth and fifth respectively among all procedures performed on women ages 20-39 in 2006. Women in their twenties had 95,500 breast augmentations (up 15 percent), 14,500 breast lifts (up 11 percent) and 13,800 tummy tucks (up 9 percent.) The number of procedures increases in the “30 something” category with 118,500 breast augmentations (up 9 percent), 34,000 breast lifts (up 11 percent) and 49,600 tummy tucks (up 12 percent).

ASPS procedural statistics are collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with the annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties certified physicians most likely to perform plastic surgery, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery procedures.

Top Female Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures in 2006

(Source ASPS)

Patients' Experience - Testimonials

Dear Dr. Cruise and Staff,

I just wanted to say thank you for the great experience I had while getting my tummy tuck and breast augmentation. The moment I arrived at the office I felt welcomed and comfortable with the staff, I had a great feeling when meeting Dr. Cruise and knew he was the Doctor who would perform this surgery for me. I was nervous about going under general anesthesia, but it went really well I did not feel a thing. I am very pleased with the outcome of my procedures, I am healing well and the scars are so small I can hardly see them. I have already recommended Dr. Cruise to my friends who are interested in having procedures done.

Thank you again,
Lisa, 28, mother of 2

Dr. Cruise & Jola

It has been two months since my breast lift and augmentation surgery and I just wanted to write and let you know how thrilled I am with both the process and the results. The two other consults I had prior to choosing a plastic surgeon taught me that there are plenty of doctors who will perform a surgery and, in the case of breast augmentation, talk to you about size etc, and then (often in an insensitive and "clinical" way) tell you how it will be and what they will do, but very few who will really listen to why you are seeking surgery, consider lifestyle, give you personalized options based on those factors!
As a woman, so much of this process is related to feelings and I appreciate your patience throughout the process to be understanding and willing to answer as many questions as necessary! I was able to restore proportion and achieve the natural look I once had with minimal scarring. I felt completely confident prior to surgery that you both knew what I wanted and that you would do all that was possible to achieve my own "personalized" result with the best in medical technology, expertise & safety.
The office is so casual and friendly and follow-up process has been easy and helpful. From the first consult through pre-op, surgery, the call at home that night and follow-up appointments, both my husband and I could not be happier. I wish you continued success in your practice and will pass the word whenever I can and certainly will only return to Dr. Cruise should I or any family members desire plastic surgery in the future!

With gratitude and best wishes,
Cathryn, 48, mother of 2

Dr. Cruise

I'm so happy with the final results of my mini tummy tuck! That deflated balloon-look is gone forever. My tummy is so flat I'm even considering wearing a bikini this summer. Dr. Cruise, you did an awesome job!

Pat, 48, mother of 2,

Satisfaction at Last

(Breast Lift Augmentation - Patient's Story)

Veronica is a glowing, content thirty-something mom blessed with three children. But, like many mothers, her blessings came with a sacrifice.

When Veronica stopped breast-feeding her youngest and lost the baby weight, her breast size decreased significantly from a 34C to a 32A. This major loss in size left her feeling depressed and self conscious.

Change was imminent when Veronica's 3-year-old daughter laid her head upon her chest and said,"Mommy, the baby must have drunk all your milk because your breasts are empty!"

"I felt as if I looked like a 70-year-old woman," says Veronica. "Images of women with sagging breasts belong in National Geographic."

Veronica soon selected a plastic surgeon that appeared to have all the proper credentials.

After her breast augmentation, Veronica experienced severe pain and nausea coupled with an undesirable breast appearance. The implants were far too big for her body type now filling a full 34D on her petite 5'2 frame.

She emphatically expressed her dissatisfaction with the surgeon. This despair led to another surgery with the same surgeon in an attempt to remedy the situation. The result: Veronica's breasts were now too wide and saggy. Yet again, this surgeon failed to fully appreciate Veronica's desires. Physically and emotionally distraught, she yearned to resolve her breast trauma.

Desperate to move forward, Veronica scheduled a consultation with Dr. Joseph T. Cruise of Newport Beach.

"Dr. Cruise was kind and compassionate. He took the time to find out exactly what I desired," says Veronica. "he was very straightforward about what I could expect. By the end of the consultation he had earned my complete trust."

Following the surgery, Veronica welcomed the noticeable improvement in her appearance and the elimination of her pain and discomfort. "I look and feel like my old self again," says Veronica. "I am so pleased I found Dr. Cruise. He truly cared about my progress and recovery, especially my satisfaction."

Coming Up Sections:

• Benefits


• Are you a good candidate for Mommy Make-Over?


• Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding Mommy Make-Over


• Possible complications


• Anesthesia


• Recovery time


• Consultation for Mommy Make-Over

---

Joseph T. Cruise, M. D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-644-4808
email:info@orangecountycosmeticsurgery.org
web:www.orangecouintycosmeticsurgery.com

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeons Locator