Mommy Makeovers-More Women are Opting for Cosmetic Surgery after Pregnancy, Childbirth and Nursing

Becoming a mother is a magical experience that is filled with many emotional journeys. One of the aspects of that journey is the major changes a woman’s body experiences. Pregnancy, childbirth and nursing can place great strain on a woman’s core, breasts, hips and legs. Many women feel unsatisfied with their bodies after pregnancy and will try improving their exercise and diet which are effective at reducing fat but have no effect on the skin. Not seeing results from their hard work often leads to frustration.

But there is a solution that many women are beginning to embrace. Cosmetic surgery packages, known as “Mommy Makeovers” are becoming more and more popular as women seek to regain their more youthful pre-maternal shape.

“Our patients usually come in with a very clear goal of what they would like to achieve”, says Sheila Londeck, RN. “And Dr. Barlow works with each patient to achieve the desired results in each area.”

Pregnancy can add extra layers of fat to the body and stretches the skin, resulting in trouble spots that no amount of Pilates, PowerYoga and crunches can reduce. The most popular procedures for women who want to regain their natural shape before they became moms are abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast augmentation, sometimes with a breast lift.

During pregnancy the skin and muscles of a woman’s core become stretched and weakened. Tummy tucks can be performed in 3 different gradations: mini-tucks, full tummy tucks and extended tummy tucks. Dr. Barlow will examine your core carefully to determine which tummy tuck is appropriate for you and your goals. Further, if you have had a C-section, Dr. Barlow can work from that scar, eliminating additional scarring in many cases.

In addition, nursing and pregnancy add extra weight to the breasts and after nursing, many women find their breasts to lack volume and appear less appealing in shape. To reshape the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance, Dr. Barlow will often lift the breasts. Sometimes this surgery is combined with the addition of a breast implant to achieve the exact desired shape.

Liposculpting of the hips and thighs is also a popularly requested procedure. These procedures can remove those unwanted extra fatty deposits and create a smoother, shapely appearance. It is often recommended that a tummy tuck be combined with liposculpting, as Dr. Barlow can reshape the entire trunk and recreate a slimmer silhouette.

Many patients hesitate to come in for a consultation because they are concerned they will not be able to incur the financial burden. “Our office has two companies that specialize in surgical loans that we work with to coordinate payment schedules,” advises Laura Dickinson, Patient Coordinator, “giving a patient up to two years to pay for their surgery.”

Recovery is another concern many patients voice. “Many of these procedures can be performed at the same time”, says Sheila. “Most patients find they are back to work in two weeks and feel completely back to themselves within a month to six weeks. And it is worth it!” Indeed, the return to their pre-maternal shape is what motivates all of these women to seek cosmetic surgery as a solution.

“Our patient’s goals are very specific to those parts of their body that have been affected by pregnancy, childbirth and nursing,” says Katherine Grimes, Clinical Aesthetician. “They want to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin again, and these procedures will very often help them to achieve their goals.

To learn more about Mommy Makeovers and the packages that Dr. Haven Barlow provides, please visit http://www.barlowmd.com/Mommy-Makeovers.htm.

Debunking Common Plastic Surgery Myths

There are many misconceptions that patients have when it comes to plastic surgery. These misconceptions have lead to a plethora of myths that are increasingly working their way into our societies understanding of the topic. Whether it is who having plastic surgery, who is performing procedures, where procedures are being performed, or how to go about finding a surgeon that is right for you, patients are hungry for a better understanding of the process. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the largest and most respected plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, the following have been found to be some of the most common myths regarding plastic surgery.

• Myth 1: Only plastic surgeons can legally perform plastic surgery.
• Myth 2: Plastic surgery procedures cost the same no matter who performs them or where they are performed.
• Myth 3: It is disrespectful to ask your plastic surgeon tough questions.
• Myth 4: It is inappropriate to ask surgeons to speak with their previous patients.
• Myth 5: All plastic surgeries are performed in accredited facilities.
• Myth 6: Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgery.
• Myth 7: "Extreme makeovers" are routine in plastic surgery practices.
• Myth 8: Science still has not proven the safety of silicone breast implants.
• Myth 9: Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous.
• Myth 10: All board certifications are the same.

Myth 1

Only plastic surgeons can legally perform plastic surgery.

No regulations govern what type of medical practitioner can perform plastic surgery procedures. So the best way to know your surgeon is qualified is to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon.

ASPS Member Surgeons:
• Are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body
• Have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery
• Operate only in accredited facilities
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements

Myth 2

Plastic surgery procedures cost the same no matter who performs them or where they are performed.

There are many variables involved in the pricing of plastic surgery procedures - including geographic location, surgeon expertise and demand, and the time and effort your procedure requires. Other factors include the costs of anesthesia, surgical facility fee, labs, and more. Be sure to ask your surgeon about all costs involved.

When choosing a plastic surgeon, remember that the surgeon’s qualifications and experience as well as your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.

Myth 3

It is disrespectful to ask your plastic surgeon tough questions.

Asking tough questions is the best way to get to know your surgeon. It gives you the opportunity to learn about their qualifications, experience, and demeanor. Your questions let them know you’ve done your homework, want to be educated about your procedure, and will be an active partner throughout the process.

Myth 4

It is inappropriate to ask surgeons to speak with their previous patients.

Reputable surgeons will have no problem supplying you with contact information for some of their recent patients. Speaking with patients about their experience and results is an excellent way to learn more about your surgeon.

Myth 5

All plastic surgeries are performed in accredited facilities.

Some practitioners perform plastic surgery procedures in non accredited facilities. Making sure that your procedure can be performed in an accredited facility will significantly reduce safety risks and increase your comfort level. ASPS Member Surgeons perform surgeries only in accredited facilities.

Myth 6

Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgery.

Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained, experienced, and qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on the face and all areas of the body. Because many cosmetic procedures are rooted in reconstructive plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle your cosmetic needs.

Myth 7

“Extreme makeovers” are routine in plastic surgery practices.

Contrary to what reality shows portray, extreme makeovers are far from routine or common in plastic surgery. Most patients inquire about one particular area of the body that they would like to improve.

During your consultation, your surgeon will ask you a series of questions to gain an understanding of your goals for plastic surgery and discuss them with you on a realistic basis.

Myth 8

Science still has not proven the safety of silicone breast implants.

In November 2006, the FDA reversed its 14-year ban on silicone breast implants, allowing patients in the United States access to the same implants that women in 60 countries around the world already have.

You can find a wealth of scientific information on the safety of silicone breast implants at www.breastimplantsafety.org.

Myth 9

Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous.

A 2005 study found that almost 60 percent of people who had recently had plastic surgery or were seriously considering plastic surgery had a household income of $30,000–$90,000 a year. In fact, 40 percent of that 60 percent reported an annual income of $60,000 or less. Just 10 percent of respondents reported a household income of more than $90,000.

Myth 10

All board certifications are the same.

Any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification” board. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery - a group designated by the American Board of Medical Specialties to oversee credentialing in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. Their certification requires passing rigorous oral and written exams.


Dr. Haven Barlow has been specializing in plastic surgery for 20 years and is currently the Chief of Plastic Surgery at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. He is consistently named one of the best plastic surgeons in the DC Metropolitan area by Washingtonian Magazine since 1992, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Barlow’s warm and personal approach ensures that each patient will approach surgery with a full understanding of their procedure and a realistic expectation of their surgical results. Complimentary consultations are scheduled so Dr. Barlow can give patients the time they need to voice all their concerns. Consultations are designed to be individual and patient-centered, focused on each patient’s individual needs and goals. To schedule a complimentary consultation contact our office at 703-560-8844.

Please visit www.barlowmd.com for additional information on our practice and the procedures our surgeons perform.