Introducing the Mommy Makeover Diaries

While being a mother is one of the greatest joys in life, it is also a hard job—one that takes its toll physically, and mentally. Often mothers find it difficult to put themselves first, preferring instead to spend time, money and energy on their children, or significant others, or their careers. But the old saying “if Mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy” has real truth to it, and many women are beginning to find that taking care of their own needs and having a positive self-image is beneficial to everyone.

One of the biggest complaints from women is that child-bearing and age has caused them to lose the figure they had before kids. A surgical “Mommy Makeover” can help improve the effects of childbirth, like the resulting loose skin that occurs from weight gain and loss, or breasts that sag from breastfeeding. The most popular combination of procedures to help with these issues includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast lift and/or augmentation. These can all be done at the same time, providing a dramatic change for mom with a boost in self-confidence.

The decision to begin this journey can be confusing, emotional, and fraught with questions. Technical information is abundant, but it helps to have someone to talk to about the scarier, or more embarrassing aspects of the procedures. However, if you don’t know anyone who has been through it, you may not know where to turn for support—so people are increasingly turning to the internet, including social media and personal blogs, to follow another person’s path to a Mommy Makeover.

Because of this phenomenon, we decided to share the stories of Rhonda and Michelle online as they take the leap into the Mommy Makeover. Rhonda is our current Marketing Director here at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery, and she will be having surgery with Dr. William Huffaker in July of 2012. Michelle is our former Marketing Director (hey, we’re close here!), and she’s having surgery in May of 2012 with Dr. Herluf Lund.

Over the next few months, you’ll get to know each woman a bit more as they open up about why they are choosing to have surgery, and how they feel about it. While the doctors can focus on explaining the surgical aspects of the procedures, only a woman going through it can really explain what it feels like to step into that consultation room, or to plan to take time off while raising small children, or to dream about a bigger wardrobe filled with smaller clothing options…and every other emotional thought in between. Our hope is that by providing a window into the lives of Rhonda and Michelle, the choice to make this leap becomes a little less frightening.

Next week: what’s a consultation like?