The Mommy Makeover - What It Entails

Adam Nadelson, MD, practices cosmetic plastic surgery in New York City. Experienced in performing a variety of procedures for the face and body, Adam Nadelson, MD, welcomes patients who are interested in a “mommy makeover.”

The mommy makeover is a combination cosmetic plastic surgery approach that addresses the body changes that persist after pregnancy. There is no single suite of procedures that it encompasses, as each woman who undergoes the procedure will have different needs and goals for her post-pregnancy body. 

For most women, the mommy makeover will involve some form of abdominal and breast contouring. Breast augmentations and breast lifts are common elements, as breasts tend to grow during pregnancy and nursing but shrink or sag in the aftermath. Other women find that their expanded breasts have become uncomfortable and choose a breast reduction to restore balance to their figures.

Likewise, pregnancy causes the skin, tissue, and abdominal muscles to stretch as the baby grows inside the womb. These structures often remain slack after childbirth. A tummy tuck or liposuction can help the new mother to restore her pre-pregnancy silhouette.

Some women also choose to include butt, thigh, or arm lifts as part of their makeovers. Depending on the number and type of procedures, the makeover may only require a single surgical session, although more complex procedures may require more than one visit for safety reasons.

How Volunteers Support Pediatric Patients and their Families

Jullian Cockerell, a recent biomedical engineering graduate from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, presented two research papers at the national conference of the North American Neuromodulation Society. Outside of his work with clinical research, Jullian Cockerell is an active volunteer with the Florida Hospital department of pediatrics.

One of the most critical areas of hospital volunteering is working with young patients undergoing treatment for chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Many pediatric centers and children’s hospitals recruit volunteers to spend several hours a week with the children and their families. Their service helps families in a number of ways:

Emotional support - Extended hospital stays can be a lonely and isolating experience for children. Many volunteers are trained in social services or youth therapy and can be a great resource for activities that help patients and their families manage their emotions.

Sense of normalcy - Volunteers are often asked to play games, read books, and have upbeat interactions with patients. This helps children build social skills and creates opportunities for them to interact with others in a playful manner.

Practical support - Some volunteers help families with their daily obligations. For example, volunteers may help with routine errands or watch siblings while parents talk to their child’s physician.