Carrie Houssock, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon who oversees JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics in Baltimore, provides advice for women preparing to undergo a customized mommy makeover procedure.
Baltimore, MD – As an experienced Baltimore plastic surgeon, Carrie Houssock, MD, FACS – the owner and medical director of JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics – emphasizes the benefits a comprehensive mommy makeover can provide her patients. According to Dr. Houssock, a mommy makeover, which is regularly offered by many top surgeons around the world, can refer to virtually any combination of cosmetic procedures aimed to restore the pre-childbirth or pre-pregnancy physique and appearance of the skin. “While patients generally choose to incorporate two or more surgeries to reduce breast ptosis, tighten abdominal muscles, or otherwise reduce some of the less desirable effects of motherhood,” says Dr. Houssock, “the procedure is tailored to suit the patient’s unique needs.”
Because the mommy makeover is a sought-after option at her practice, Dr. Houssock considers it her duty to educate patients about this treatment. Below, she has listed four important factors for mothers to consider before undergoing a mommy makeover:
- The surgery may warrant an extensive recovery period. Dr. Houssock explains that, depending on the incorporated treatments, a mommy makeover can require several weeks or months of recovery. “In order for incisions to heal properly and surgical results to remain intact, patients should plan to get sufficient rest and relaxation following the surgery,” she states, adding that this is not always an easy feat for mothers with small children. “If possible, patients should arrange childcare beforehand.”
- The procedures in a mommy makeover are not limited to body and breast surgeries. While certain body and breast enhancement surgeries are often incorporated into a mommy makeover, Dr. Houssock reminds patients that the treatment is entirely customizable. For example, a patient with excess abdominal skin or fat may choose to include a tummy tuck, whereas a patient whose concerns are more specific to the breasts may opt for breast augmentation or mastopexy (breast lift). Alternatively, Dr. Houssock explains, patients may wish to include a facial enhancement surgery, a non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedure, or even a hair restoration treatment.
- Following a healthy lifestyle after the procedure can help preserve results. According to Dr. Houssock, the effects of a mommy makeover, while not always permanent, can be extremely long-lasting if a patient adheres to a nutritious diet and exercise routine following surgery. She adds that living a healthy lifestyle can keep unwanted fat, ptosis (sagging), and wrinkles from returning, as well as encourage the body to appear young and fit.
- Ultimately, the success of a mommy makeover depends on the surgeon. “Choosing an experienced, ethical, board-certified plastic surgeon is imperative when undergoing any cosmetic procedure,” says Dr. Houssock. “Especially in regards to a treatment as personalized and variable as the mommy makeover, the patient needs to feel safe with her surgeon.” She advocates that patients conduct thorough research on the prospective surgeon to determine that their credentials, experience, and skills qualify them as a satisfactory physician.
Dr. Houssock also encourages patients to choose a trustworthy surgeon with whom they can communicate well. “While the decision to have a mommy makeover can feel overwhelming, the right surgeon should make the patient feel confident in her decision,” she concludes, reminding patients that they have the right to ask questions of their surgeon at any time.
About Carrie Houssock, MD, FACS
Dr. Carrie Houssock has dedicated her career to helping patients achieve their ideal aesthetic with innovative surgical techniques and advanced technology. These values have been reflected in her numerous accolades, including the Frank Coulson, Jr. Award for Clinical Excellence; the Gibbon Surgical Society Award; and a place on Newsweek’s exclusive “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons” list in 2021. In addition, Dr. Houssock’s research in the realms of plastic and reconstructive surgery has been featured in several peer-reviewed publications, and she is often invited to conduct presentations at institutions around the country. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Houssock is available for interview upon request.
For more information about JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, visit jevplasticsurgery.com, facebook.com/jevplasticsurgery, or on Instagram @jevplasticsurgery.
Contact:
JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics
4 Park Center Court, Suite 100
Owings Mills, MD 21117
(410) 484-8860
Rosemont Media
(800) 491-8623
www.rosemontmedia.com