23 Common Myths About Mommy Makeovers

Mommy makeovers in Orange County are a common procedure that involves a combination of liposuction, a tummy tuck, and a breast augmentation. They are an amazing way of quickly transforming your body and getting back to the old you.

Because they involve so many different moving parts, mommy makeovers are often misunderstood. Here, we’ll debunk some common myths surrounding the procedure.

1. Liposuction is for weight loss

A lot of people falsely believe that liposuction is a weight loss surgery. This is false.

Liposuctions are used to sculpt and contour specific, targeted areas of the body. They allow you to remove that stubborn fat that is hard to burn with exercise.

2. Liposuction will get rid of cellulite

Liposuction is used to suck out fat that is found deep beneath your skin. Cellulite, by contrast, is found just under the skin. When you get a liposuction, you won’t be getting rid of the cellulite.

3. Liposuction doesn’t hurt

Liposuction is a safe and quick medical procedure. But it is still a surgery, and you should expect some pain and discomfort in the weeks following the operation. If you show up and expect no pain, you may be in for a shock.

4. The fat will reappear elsewhere

When you get a liposuction, the surgeon removes fat cells in a targeted body region. After the surgery, some patients will gain back some fat. However, since there are fewer fat cells in the area where the liposuction was performed, this new fat will be stored in other parts of the body.

This gives some people the impression that the fat simply “moved” to other parts of the body. This simply isn’t true. No fat moved around. They just gained more fat. That’s why it’s always important to exercise and follow a healthy diet after the procedure.

5. Liposuction is a good idea for obese people

We’ve already talked about how liposuction is not a good surgery for weight loss. In fact, the best liposuction candidates are those who have already lost a lot of weight, and are trying to get rid of fat that is hard to get rid of with exercise.

6. Older people can’t get liposuction

The most important qualification for getting a liposuction is being healthy. If you’re 75 years old but in excellent shape, a liposuction is still a reasonable option. And if you’re 25 and in poor health, you’re not a good candidate for liposuction.

That said, older patients are at a higher risk of complications from invasive procedures. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get liposuction. It just means that they should be aware of possible side effects.

7. A tummy tuck will help you shed some pounds

Tummy tucks, just like liposuction, are not meant for weight loss. They are meant to sculpt and tighten specific areas, helping you remove excess skin and fat. This procedure is common with new mothers, as pregnancy can stretch the skin of the abdomen area.

8. Tummy tucks are for those who don’t want to exercise

It’s the exact opposite. Tummy tucks are for people that exercise. When you lose weight by exercise and diet, there will still be fat and excess skin in some body areas. A tummy tuck can help you target these areas.

9. A tummy tuck will leave nasty scars

Scarring varies a lot between people. But for most patients, tummy tuck scars don’t have to be a problem. Just make sure you choose a skilled surgeon.

Great plastic surgeons in Orange County know how to minimize scars so that you get the look that you want.

10. Pregnancy is risky after a tummy tuck

If you plan on getting pregnant soon, it’s probably not worth getting a tummy tuck. That’s because the pregnancy will stretch your skin, which will mostly reverse the tummy tuck.

But there’s absolutely no danger to getting pregnant after a tummy tuck.

11. People can feel the difference

Old breast implants used to be stiff, with an artificial feel to them. But those days are long gone.

Modern implants have the feel of real breast tissue. You won’t be able to feel the difference, nor will anyone else.

12. Breast implants are obvious

This is one of the most common myths out there. And it’s simply not true. A breast augmentation, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, looks natural. Your friends and family will probably notice, but only because they knew you before the procedure.

13. Implants have to be replaced

This is another common myth, and it too is false. Modern implants are designed to be long lasting. There are some rare cases where an implant may leak, requiring a replacement.

14. Your implants are going to burst

With silicone implants, bursts or leaks are extremely rare. And with saline implants, only about 10% of implants deflate- and this is usually due to slow leaking, not bursting.

15. You won’t be able to get accurate mammograms

This is a very frustrating myth, as it scares a lot of women away from the procedure. Breast implants have no negative effect on mammograms. In fact, they may actually make them easier to read!

16. After a breast augmentation, breastfeeding is off the table

Very large implants can cause issues with breastfeeding. However, most augmentations can be done without impacting your ability to breastfeed.

If you plan on breastfeeding, just make sure your surgeon knows. That way, they can design the surgery specifically to avoid any effect on your ability to breastfeed.

17. Your nipples will be numb

Numbness is common during the recovery period after a breast augmentation. That’s because the implants press on the nerves in your chest, causing loss of sensation.

This side effect, however, is almost always temporary. Permanent numbness is almost always the result of an irresponsible surgeon who uses an implant that is too big.

18. Implants are measured by cup size

Cup size is a common, if inaccurate, way of measuring breast size. A skilled surgeon will never rely on cup size to choose your implant, instead focusing on the desired shape and size of your breasts.

19. You need to worry about scarring

Fortunately, breast augmentation rarely leaves major scars, so long as you follow your doctor’s instructions as you recover.

20. Breast augmentations make your chest sag

Breasts begin to sag with age. This process is natural, and getting breast implants won’t speed it up.

21. Surgeons who perform mommy makeovers are creeps

Unfortunately, there have been some scandals involving plastic surgeons in Orange County. But these surgeons are rare.

Most surgeons are hard working, honest professionals who respect your privacy and want to do everything possible to make you comfortable.

22. Mommy makeovers are only for insecure women

This is one of the most frustrating misconceptions out there. Taking control of your self image doesn’t mean that you are insecure. It’s a powerful way of owning your body, not just a way of pleasing others.

23. Any plastic surgeon can perform a mommy makeover

When you’re looking for a surgeon to perform a mommy makeover, you need to be careful, as  it’s a complicated procedure. You shouldn’t trust an unskilled surgeon with one surgery. Why would you trust them with three?

Dr. Klicker is a board-certified Orange County plastic surgeon. Before any procedure, he conducts an extensive consultation. This allows him to get to know you and understand what you hope to achieve from the procedure. And that’s why he always gets great patient results after every procedure.