NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Giving birth is a beautiful experience. However, the postpartum period and how it leaves her body varies for every woman. Millions of women struggle with their body image in the years following pregnancy. Rather than live in shame and feel they have lost a sense of who they are, many women are turning to Mommy Makeovers to take control and get their body image back. Some hot trends in Mommy Makeovers are making even the most skeptical women take a second look at what could be.
“The way you feel about your body impacts so many areas of your life,” explains Dr. Brandon Richland, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Calif. “Loving the way you look is going to do a lot to help you go through life feeling confident again.”
A poor body image isn’t just about wanting to like what one sees in the mirror. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, a negative body image includes what one thinks about their self-worth, and a poor body image puts people at a higher risk for certain mental health conditions, such as eating disorders and depression.
Poor body image can rob people of their confidence and lead them to not do as much in life as they otherwise would. Moms who are unhappy with their body image, for example, may shy away from taking pictures with their children and avoid engaging in fun activities. It may also keep them from getting involved in the community and hold them back from any career efforts they may have.
Pregnancy takes a toll on the woman’s body, and once the baby is delivered, the issues don’t end. Most women in the years following childbirth are left with sagging breasts and bellies, loose skin, and other issues. A common problem that women experience from pregnancy is diastasis recti, which is a separation of the muscles down the middle at the linea alba. During pregnancy, this plays a vital role so the stomach can expand to allow the baby to grow. However, some women still have that muscle separation long after the delivery of the baby.
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that 32% of women still have abdominal separation 12 months after giving birth. Millions of women still have the separation many years later, leading some of them to continue to look pregnant. The good news is that for most people, this issue, along with other troublesome areas that moms may not care for, can be addressed in a mommy makeover.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the goal of a Mommy Makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. A Mommy Makeover can help give women back their sense of self, a flat stomach, lifted breasts, and more. Rather than undergo multiple procedures, a Mommy Makeover combines them so women can have one recovery period that addresses various issues.
Some of the hot trends in Mommy Makeovers, according to Dr. Richland, include:
- Customization – Not all moms have the same body issues, so it is essential to have a makeover that allows for customization to meet the needs of each person. The areas can include the face, body, breasts, and arms and legs.
- Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) that have a hidden scar. Rather than having a visible scar across the abdomen, a hidden scar will keep it more private.
- Breast augmentation and lifts that will keep mom feeling and looking confident.
- Minimally invasive skin tightening through a procedure called Renuvion.
- Liposuction to address stubborn areas.
“You want to love motherhood, but you don’t have to lose your sense of self and body image to do that,” said Dr. Richland. “I’ve helped many moms love their body again, which has given them the confidence to improve in all areas of their life.”
Dr. Richland is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, California, and the newest location now open in Las Vegas. RichlandMD offers plastic surgery and aesthetics, including offering red carpet ready facials. Dr. Richland specializes in natural looking mommy makeovers, including breast augmentation, lifts or reduction, tummy tucks, skin tightening, and body contouring. He also provides facelifts, chin liposuction, fat transfers, and more. Those interested in learning more, seeing before and after procedure photos, should visit the site or www.RichlandAesthetics.com.
About Dr. Brandon Richland
Dr. Brandon Richland is a board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. He specializes in natural-looking mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation. A graduate of UCLA and Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Richland has earned top honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Top Surgery Student award.
At Richland MD and Richland Aesthetics, Dr. Richland provides a full range of advanced cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation, lifts, tummy tucks, facelifts, and non-surgical treatments, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Committed to excellence and innovation, Dr. Richland combines state-of-the-art techniques with personalized care to help patients achieve beautiful, natural results. View his incredible before and after’s @Dr.Richland on Instagram and book a consultation Richland MD… A Luxury Medical Spa Experience.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Body Image.
Scientific Reports. Prevalence and risk factors of diastasis recti abdominis in the long-term postpartum. October 2024.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Mommy Makeover
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
