Body – The Center for Cosmetic Surgery

What Is a Mommy Makeover? Dr. Teresa Cunningham Answers Your Biggest Questions

Stephanie Werner — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:15:27 +0000

Pregnancy is one of the most profound experiences a woman can have. It is also one of the most physically transformative. For many women, the changes that happen during and after pregnancy — to the breasts, the abdomen, and the overall silhouette — are permanent. No amount of exercise or dieting fully reverses them. That is not a personal failing. It is simply anatomy.

A mommy makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic procedures designed to address exactly those changes. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have helped women throughout the Denver metro area reclaim their confidence and feel like themselves again after having children. We sat down with Dr. Teresa Cunningham, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, to answer the most common questions women have about this procedure.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is not a single procedure. It is a customized combination of surgical procedures designed to restore and enhance your body after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the weight changes that often accompany motherhood. The specific combination is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

“A mommy makeover is either a procedure or combination of procedures to address the physical changes that happen with pregnancy,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Most moms can attest to the fact that the two most common areas to change are the breasts and the abdomen. So many times, it’s us doing something to address both of those areas at once.”

Because the makeover is personalized, no two are exactly alike. Some patients combine a tummy tuck with a breast lift. Others add breast augmentation, a breast reduction, liposuction, or multiple procedures together. Your surgeon will work with you during your consultation to design a plan that reflects your goals, your anatomy, and your lifestyle.

Why Do Women Seek a Mommy Makeover?

The body changes profoundly during pregnancy, and many of those changes do not resolve on their own once pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete.

“I think pregnancy changes women in so many different ways,” Dr. Cunningham explains. “One of the biggest things I hear from patients is that after the dust settles and kids are getting a little bit older, they look in the mirror and don’t necessarily recognize the person they see because of all the changes their body has been through.”

Some of the most common physical changes women seek to address include:

Breast changes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not simply enlarge and then shrink the breasts. They change the architecture of the breast tissue itself. Women are often surprised to find that once breastfeeding ends, they are left with stretch marks, volume depletion, sagging, or changes in nipple and areola size that did not exist before. “What people don’t always understand is that the actual architecture of the breast changes,” Dr. Cunningham notes. “Many women will be left with stretch marks, volume depletion, sagging — changes that are unfortunately permanent.”

Abdominal changes: The abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby — a condition called diastasis recti. While some women see improvement with physical therapy or targeted exercise, many do not. “Even with hard work in the gym, even with physical therapy, some of those changes are permanent,” says Dr. Cunningham. Loose skin, stretch marks, weakened abdominal muscles, and C-section scars are all changes that surgery can address when other approaches have fallen short.

Body contour changes: Stubborn fat deposits that accumulate during pregnancy often resist diet and exercise. Areas like the hips, flanks, back, and thighs can be refined through liposuction as part of a mommy makeover plan.

What Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?

Every mommy makeover at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is customized. Most procedures include some combination of the following:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck addresses the muscles, skin, and fat of the abdominal wall. During the procedure, separated abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened, excess skin is removed, and the abdomen is contoured for a flatter, firmer appearance. The resulting scar runs hip-to-hip and is positioned low enough to be concealed beneath swimsuit bottoms or underwear.

Our surgeons specialize in the drainless tummy tuck technique, an advanced approach that eliminates the need for surgical drains during recovery. This method uses dissolvable internal sutures to minimize fluid accumulation, reduce tension on the incision, and support better healing with finer scars. Dr. Vath was the first surgeon in Colorado to adopt this technique after training with international leaders in the field in 2007. Patients who have experienced a traditional tummy tuck elsewhere frequently comment on how different the recovery feels with our approach.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation restores volume to breasts that have lost fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Our surgeons typically recommend placing implants beneath the chest muscles for a natural-looking result with fewer long-term complications. Incisions are made in the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit, depending on your anatomy and preferences.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Implants restore volume, but they cannot correct sagging breast tissue. If your breasts have descended below the natural crease, a breast lift reshapes and elevates the breast to a more youthful position. Depending on the degree of sagging and your goals, your surgeon may recommend one of several lift techniques, including the anchor (Wise pattern) lift, the lollipop (vertical) lift, or the periareolar (Benelli) lift. Many patients benefit from combining augmentation and a lift in a single procedure.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. As part of a mommy makeover, it refines the hips, flanks, back, inner thighs, and outer thighs to create a smoother, more sculpted overall result. When performed alongside a tummy tuck, liposuction can often be completed through the same incisions, minimizing additional scarring.

Choosing the Right Combination for You

“Everybody has different anatomy,” Dr. Cunningham explains. “With the breast, we could be doing augmentation, a lift, a reduction. The most important job I have as a surgeon is to listen — listening to patients’ goals — and then help manage expectations and figure out what’s going to be best for their anatomy and their lifestyle.”

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals in detail, and recommend a personalized surgical plan. We also offer Vectra 3D imaging, which allows you to visualize projected results before making any decisions. Learn more about Vectra 3D imaging here.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Ideal candidates for a mommy makeover generally meet the following criteria:

You have experienced significant body changes after pregnancy, including sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat deposits
You are in good overall health without conditions that would impair healing or increase surgical risk
You are at a stable weight and close to your goal weight
You do not smoke, as smoking significantly interferes with healing and increases complications
You are finished having children, as future pregnancies can reverse the results of surgery

It is also worth noting that mommy makeover surgery is not exclusively for mothers who are recently postpartum. Many patients are years or even decades past their pregnancies. The right time for surgery is when your health is stable, your family is complete, and you feel ready. There is no expiration date on wanting to feel good in your own body.

Addressing the Guilt Factor

Dr. Cunningham speaks candidly about something she hears from patients regularly: guilt.

“Moms are used to putting everybody else first and making sure everybody’s taken care of before they take care of themselves,” she says. “That’s a really common thing I hear, and maybe a barrier to even getting patients in the door — just feeling guilty about the potential financial and time investment that it is to have a surgical procedure.”

Her message to those patients is clear: you are deserving of self-care. Choosing to invest in your confidence and your wellbeing is not selfish. It is part of taking care of yourself so you can continue showing up fully for the people who depend on you.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experienced pregnancy firsthand, Dr. Cunningham brings a personal dimension to this conversation that many patients find meaningful. “I think being a female plastic surgeon, I’ve always been able to relate really well to my patients because 90% of plastic surgery patients are female,” she shares. “After having a baby, I know the exact feeling of looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself. And so — what can we do about it?”

What Does Mommy Makeover Surgery Involve?

Surgical Facility and Safety

All mommy makeover procedures at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery are performed at Apex Procedure Suites, our AAAHC-accredited, private, on-site surgical facility. Every procedure is supported by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Safety and comfort are built into every step of the process.

How Long Does Surgery Take?

Mommy makeover surgery typically takes between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the specific procedures you choose and their complexity. General time estimates for individual procedures include:

Tummy tuck: 2 to 3 hours
Breast augmentation: approximately 1 hour
Breast lift or breast reduction: 2 to 3 hours
Liposuction: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Combining procedures into a single surgery allows you to limit your exposure to anesthesia to one event, consolidate your recovery time, and achieve comprehensive results more efficiently than staging multiple separate operations.

Pain Management

Our surgeons use Exparel, a long-acting, non-opioid analgesic injected at the surgical site during certain procedures. This provides approximately 72 hours of targeted pain relief following surgery. Many patients are able to manage their recovery with minimal or no prescription pain medication as a result.

What Is Mommy Makeover Recovery Like?

Recovery from a mommy makeover is a gradual process, and most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Week 1: Rest is the priority. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around the house regularly to promote circulation, but strenuous activity should be avoided entirely. Most patients are off pain medication within 3 to 7 days.

Week 2: Many patients whose jobs are not physically demanding are able to return to work during this period. Continue taking it easy and avoid any activity that significantly elevates your heart rate or blood pressure.

Week 3: Light activity can increase. Short walks can become longer, and very gentle, low-impact movement is generally appropriate.

Week 4: Most patients can begin to increase workout intensity as comfort allows. Listen to your body and ease off anything that causes discomfort rather than pushing through it.

Week 6: The majority of patients have returned to their regular exercise routine by this point.

Every patient’s recovery is unique, and your surgeon will provide specific guidance tailored to your procedures and your health history. Following post-operative instructions carefully is one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible outcome.

What Results Can You Expect?

A mommy makeover delivers comprehensive, long-lasting improvements to your post-pregnancy body. Patients typically experience:

Restored breast shape, volume, and position
A flatter, firmer abdomen with repaired muscle structure
Smoother, more contoured body proportions
Reduction in stretch marks affected by skin removal
Renewed confidence and comfort in their own bodies

“That’s what we’re here for,” says Dr. Cunningham simply. And for the women who come to us having carried that disconnect between how they feel inside and what they see in the mirror — the results are genuinely life-changing.

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost in Denver?

Because every mommy makeover is customized, cost varies based on the specific combination of procedures you choose. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, mommy makeovers generally range from $25,000 to $45,000. Your surgeon will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation.

We understand that financial considerations are an important part of the decision-making process. We offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and PatientFi to help make your transformation fit comfortably within your budget. Combining procedures also provides meaningful savings on facility fees, anesthesia, and recovery time compared to staging each procedure separately.

Why Choose The Center for Cosmetic Surgery?

The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has been elevating plastic surgery in Denver since 2000. Our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of successful breast and body procedures and have trained with some of the world’s leading experts in their fields. We were the first practice in Colorado to adopt the drainless tummy tuck, and we continue to lead the region in advanced technique and exceptional outcomes.

Our surgeons include Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Paul Steinwald, Dr. Matthew Freeman, and Dr. Teresa Cunningham — all of whom perform mommy makeover procedures at our locations in Golden and Denver.

We serve patients throughout the Denver metro area, including Golden, Cherry Creek, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Vail, as well as patients traveling from out of state.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Coming in for a consultation does not mean committing to surgery. It means getting informed. “Knowledge is power,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Just coming in the door and having a conversation — it doesn’t mean you’re signing up for surgery. Just learning about some of the options that are available to you.”

Our consultations are an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a board-certified plastic surgeon, discuss your goals, explore your options, and develop a personalized plan. You will also receive transparent pricing and information about financing.

Request your consultation online or call us at (303) 278-2600 to schedule at our Golden or Denver locations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeovers

Can I get pregnant after a mommy makeover? Yes, you can still become pregnant after a mommy makeover. However, future pregnancies can reverse many of the results of surgery. We recommend waiting until your family is complete before scheduling your procedure.

Is a mommy makeover painful? Soreness and fatigue in the early days of recovery are normal. Our surgeons use Exparel, a long-acting non-opioid analgesic, at the surgical site to provide approximately 72 hours of targeted pain relief. Many patients require little to no prescription pain medication during recovery.

How long will my results last? Mommy makeover results are long-lasting when maintained with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can affect results.

How do I know which procedures are right for me? The best way to determine which combination of procedures is right for your anatomy and goals is to schedule a personal consultation. Your surgeon will listen carefully to what you want to achieve, evaluate your individual anatomy, and develop a customized surgical plan.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique, and your results may vary.

The post What Is a Mommy Makeover? Dr. Teresa Cunningham Answers Your Biggest Questions first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Embrace Your Natural Beauty: The Art of Subtle, Confidence-Boosting Enhancements

Stephanie Werner — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:26:03 +0000

When it comes to cosmetic procedures, one thing is clear: people want to look like themselves – just a little more refreshed, confident, and radiant. Gone are the days of dramatic, exaggerated transformations. Today’s aesthetic goals prioritize subtle, natural-looking enhancements that highlight your best features rather than altering them completely.

At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we believe that the best results should be seamless and refined, leaving people wondering if you just got a great night’s sleep or found the perfect skincare routine. Our approach is centered on artistry, precision, and a deep understanding of facial and body harmony. We tailor every procedure to enhance your unique beauty, ensuring that the outcome is balanced, proportionate, and undeniably you, only with a renewed glow and confidence.

From advanced surgical techniques to non-invasive treatments, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons focuses on creating results that blend naturally with your features, allowing you to feel like the best version of yourself. True beauty isn’t about looking different; it’s about looking and feeling your absolute best.

Why Natural-Looking Enhancements Are So Popular

Plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments have evolved significantly over the years, and so have patient expectations. Today, more people view aesthetic procedures as an extension of their self-care routine rather than a pursuit of drastic transformation. It’s not about looking like someone else – it’s about looking like the best version of yourself. You don’t want people to notice the work; you just want them to notice how refreshed, vibrant, and confident you appear.

Achieving this level of refinement requires more than just technical expertise. It demands artistry, precision, and a deep understanding of facial and body harmony. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our plastic surgeons take a nuanced approach, focusing on enhancement rather than alteration. By carefully refining features with a soft, elegant touch, we create results that are balanced and natural-looking, never overdone.

From subtle facial rejuvenation to body contouring, our philosophy is rooted in achieving harmony and proportion. We customize every treatment plan to complement your unique features, ensuring that your results feel authentic and effortlessly beautiful, keeping things soft, elegant, and balanced.

How We Achieve a Natural Look

Creating natural-looking results isn’t about chasing the latest beauty trends; it’s about understanding and enhancing what makes you uniquely you. Our talented plastic surgeons believe that the best aesthetic outcomes are those that complement your natural features rather than overshadow them. Their approach is highly personalized, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to your individual anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons combine advanced medical techniques with an artistic eye to achieve results that are both subtle and transformative. Whether through precision surgical procedures or minimally invasive treatments, our focus is always on refinement rather than exaggeration. We believe that the most beautiful outcomes are those that bring balance and harmony, allowing you to look like yourself, just more refreshed, rejuvenated, and confident.

By blending science with artistry, our doctors create enhancements that feel effortless and natural, never forced or artificial. True beauty isn’t about altering who you are; it’s about elevating your best features so you can shine with confidence, knowing you look as vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside.

Facial Procedures: Subtle Refinements for Timeless Beauty

Facelift & Neck Lift: Modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning underlying tissue rather than simply tightening skin. This prevents a “pulled” appearance and restores youthful contours naturally.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Lifting drooping eyelids or reducing under-eye bags can create a brighter, more awake appearance without changing your natural expressions.
Rhinoplasty: Whether softening a dorsal hump or refining the tip, a natural rhinoplasty complements facial proportions rather than creating a one-size-fits-all result.

Breast Enhancements: Proportionate & Elegant

Breast Augmentation: The goal isn’t just volume – it’s shape, symmetry, and proportion. With options like Motiva Implants®, patients can achieve a soft, natural look that moves with the body.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Restoring a youthful position while maintaining a natural silhouette is key to creating beautiful, long-lasting results.

Body Contouring: Sculpted Yet Soft

Liposuction: Strategically removing excess fat enhances natural body lines rather than creating an overdone, artificial look.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): By tightening muscles and removing excess skin, our approach restores natural abdominal contours rather than a “snatched” or exaggerated effect.
Body Lift: By removing excess skin and tightening the body, we restore a smooth, toned silhouette that enhances natural curves without creating an overly tightened or artificial appearance.

Non-Surgical Options for a Subtle Transformation

For those seeking enhancements without surgery, non-invasive treatments offer incredible results with little to no downtime.

Dermal Fillers: Used strategically, fillers restore lost volume and define features without looking “overfilled.”
Neuromodulators (Botox®, Dysport®): Softening wrinkles while maintaining expression is key to avoiding a frozen appearance.
Skin Rejuvenation: Advanced laser treatments, microneedling, and medical-grade skincare improve skin tone and texture for a naturally radiant complexion.

What To Expect: Your Journey to a Natural Look

Thinking about a cosmetic procedure but feeling unsure? You’re not alone, and we understand that making the decision to enhance your appearance is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Here’s a breakdown of what the process looks like:

Consultation: Understanding Your Goals and Creating a Personalized Plan

The journey begins with a one-on-one consultation where we take the time to listen to your goals, concerns, and aspirations. This is a collaborative process where we assess your features and discuss the best ways to enhance them, keeping your unique characteristics in mind. Whether you’re looking to refine a facial feature or rejuvenate your body, we develop a tailored plan that focuses on natural-looking enhancements. Our expert team will guide you through the options available, explaining each procedure in detail so you feel confident in the decisions you make.

The Procedure: A Smooth, Comfortable Experience

When it comes time for your procedure, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Whether you’re opting for a surgical or non-surgical treatment, you can expect a seamless and professional experience. Our team utilizes advanced techniques to minimize discomfort and ensure that your procedure is as smooth as possible. We’re committed to providing you with top-tier care throughout the entire process, from the moment you arrive until you’re ready to start your recovery.

Recovery: Support for a Smooth Healing Process

Recovery is an essential part of achieving the best possible results, and we provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your healing process is smooth and efficient. Depending on your procedure, you may experience minimal downtime, but rest assured, our team will be with you every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. We’ll monitor your progress, offer tips for managing any discomfort, and ensure that you’re on the path to achieving the beautiful, natural results you desire.

Your Results: Compliments That Reflect Your Best Self

As your healing progresses and your results begin to show, you’ll be amazed at how refreshed, rejuvenated, and confident you look. The best part? You’ll likely hear compliments like, “You look amazing! What’s your secret?” rather than, “Did you get work done?” Our goal is to help you achieve a look that enhances your natural beauty, leaving you looking like the best version of yourself – radiant, balanced, and effortlessly stunning.

Your journey to a natural look is a process built on trust, artistry, and a commitment to your unique beauty. At every step, we ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and supported as you achieve the aesthetic results that make you feel confident and empowered.

Why Choose The Center for Cosmetic Surgery?

We believe cosmetic procedures should make you feel good, not make you look like someone else. Our team is known for natural-looking results, personalized treatment plans, and advanced techniques that prioritize harmony and proportion.

If you’re thinking about enhancing your features in a way that feels completely you, we’d love to help. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s create a refreshed, confident version of you – because you deserve to look as amazing as you feel.

The post Embrace Your Natural Beauty: The Art of Subtle, Confidence-Boosting Enhancements first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

The 5 Best Plastic Surgery Treatments for Moms

Dr. Steven Vath — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 14:39:49 +0000

Having children is a beautiful, rewarding experience, but it comes with many changes. Most moms can attest to the lasting impact pregnancy and childbirth have on the body. Deflated breasts, saggy skin, and a “belly pooch” are common after effects. Many women want to find a way to regain their pre-baby bodies but are unsure which procedure can help the most.

Women of all ages and lifestyles can benefit from plastic surgery, but there are a few treatments that work especially well for moms. From breast implants to a total mommy makeover, our plastic surgery practice helps Denver patients in a variety of ways.

Breast Lift

Months of breastfeeding inflate and deflate the breasts in response to hormones and milk production. These changes stretch the skin and tissues around the breasts and can create a saggy, droopy appearance. Breast lift surgery directly fixes this problem by removing the loose skin that allows the breasts to drop to a less attractive position. The breast tissues are moved upward and placed higher along the chest wall, restoring a more youthful, perky appearance.

Tummy Tuck

The midsection may experience the most dramatic changes during the course of pregnancy. To accommodate a growing baby, the skin begins to stretch and abdominal muscles may slowly move apart. Muscles and tissues overextended during pregnancy don’t always snap back into place after childbirth. If you struggle with a “belly pooch,” tummy tuck surgery creates a slimmer, tighter abdomen by removing loose skin and stitching damaged core muscles back together.

Labiaplasty

Childbirth impacts nearly every part of the body—including more intimate areas. Some women notice changes in the size and shape of their labia after having kids. A surgical labiaplasty is performed on the labia minora (the thinner, inner vaginal lips) to make the folds more balanced and proportionately sized. Correcting this issue often helps women feel more comfortable during intimacy and reduces any general physical discomfort.

Breast Augmentation

Months of breastfeeding can not only stretch out the skin, but it can also cause the breasts to lose volume and appear “deflated.” For moms who want better body proportions or more symmetrical breasts, breast augmentation is the go-to treatment option. Implants help create feminine, filled-out breasts that look proportional to the rest of the body. Many women combine breast augmentation with a breast lift to add volume while restoring overall perkiness.

Mommy Makeover

As you can see from the above treatments, there are many areas of the body women wish to correct after pregnancy. If you want to fix multiple areas at once, a mommy makeover may be right for you. This suite of treatments is a customizable procedure that combines different breast and body contouring surgeries into one. You can lift your breasts, tone your tummy, or contour your waist all at once to create truly transformative results.

When it comes to restoring a pre-baby body, moms have more treatment options than ever before. If you’re interested in a mommy makeover, breast implants, or another plastic surgery procedure, request a consultation or call (303) 951-2100 (Denver) or (303) 278-2600 (Golden) to learn more.

The post The 5 Best Plastic Surgery Treatments for Moms first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It? Here’s What to Keep In Mind

Dr. Steven Vath — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 18:00:17 +0000

As time passes, our bodies change. Many of us struggle with extra weight around the midsection that can be difficult to lose. Tummy tuck surgery at our plastic surgery practice in Denver is one of the most direct, efficient ways to address this common issue. The procedure can help slim and contour the body after events like pregnancy or major weight loss.

Even though tummy tuck surgery is a well-known procedure, many patients want to know more about it before investing in the surgery. Is a tummy tuck truly worth the cost and recovery time required? In this blog post, we will address the benefits of a tummy tuck and explain which patients would benefit most from surgery.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that trims and tones the midsection. During surgery, the doctor carefully removes loose, saggy skin and excess fat, as well as tightens the underlying muscles. The procedure is often combined with other treatments, such as liposuction, to create more noticeable contours around the waistline. Surgery leaves a low, fine scar hidden below the bikini line. The scar usually fades and flattens over time, making it even less visible as time passes.

What issues can a tummy tuck treat?

Tummy tuck surgery is best known for being able to remove loose, saggy skin and create a new, slimmer waistline. This is achieved by trimming away excess and repairing any permanent “belly bulge” created by a condition known as diastasis recti. The surgery also focuses on rebuilding and reshaping the navel, producing an attractive-looking bellybutton. You can see the results of these efforts by browsing our own practice’s tummy tuck before-and-after photos.

Please keep in mind, though, that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck works best for restoring the appearance of the body after major changes such as pregnancy or weight loss. However, any patient who has undergone significant body changes could benefit from treatment. It’s a great option for those who have saggy skin, excess fatty tissue, or separated abdominal muscles that create a permanent “belly bulge.” Patients who are near their ideal weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle are good candidates for this procedure.

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is always a very personal decision. However, if you struggle with loose skin and unwanted fat around your midsection, the confidence gained after a tummy tuck can definitely be “worth it.”

If you’re interested in tummy tuck surgery, be sure to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who can safely perform your procedure. If you would like to learn more, please request a consultation online with our office. You can also call our practice at (303) 951-2100 (Denver) or (303) 278-2600 (Golden).

The post Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It? Here’s What to Keep In Mind first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Improving Tummy Tuck Recovery: EXPAREL® Pain Relief & No Drain Tummy Tuck Technique (Updated 2024)

Stephanie Werner — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:28:15 +0000

Abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, helps many Denver women and men significantly improve the appearance of their midsection. Our team uses only the most advanced methods to provide you with a smooth recovery and beautiful results. Two innovations in particular make tummy tuck recovery more comfortable: eliminating postsurgical drains and administering the long-acting pain reliever Exparel.

Let’s delve into how these 2 advances ease your recovery, so you can recuperate more comfortably.

How a Drainless Tummy Tuck Improves Recovery

Drains prevent the accumulation of blood and fluids in the surgical area. Patients typically don’t like drains as they are cumbersome, need to be emptied several times a day, and will eventually need to be removed. Here at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we have started using a no-drain tummy tuck technique that makes recovery easier and more effective.

Instead of using drains, we use progressive tension sutures to prevent the development of a seroma (pocket of fluid). These sutures connect the tummy tuck skin flap to the abdominal wall to prevent fluid from accumulating and minimize the risk of infection.

Recovery is simply easier without drains. Patients can walk and move around more comfortably, and there are no tubes to irritate the skin, which enhances your comfort and safety.

Tummy tuck surgery without drains also has cosmetic benefits. Learn more in our related blog post.

How EXPAREL Makes Recovery More Comfortable

In addition to using a no-drain tummy tuck technique and prescribing patients the most effective pain medication available, we offer EXPAREL for continuing pain control. This non-narcotic, non-opioid pain reliever is injected directly into the abdominal tissue, fascia, and muscles during surgery and acts as a nerve block.

We often use EXPAREL during surgery when the core abdominal muscles are tightened and brought together. This part of the procedure often creates the most discomfort post-op. However, EXPAREL contains a medication called bupivacaine, which is released slowly into the surgical site and can help manage pain for up to 72 hours post-op, making recovery more comfortable

Often oral pain medication can cause nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and other side effects. Many patients who opt for EXPAREL report less need for narcotic pain medication. This reduction can lead to reduced side effects. Additionally, EXPAREL can save you money. Purchasing additional prescription pain medications can be expensive and add hundreds of dollars to your procedure.

Tummy Tuck Results

Tummy tuck surgery can provide patients with lasting improvements to the midsection by removing excess skin and reducing the belly bulge caused by weakened abdominal muscles. Using EXPAREL and our drainless tummy tuck technique can benefit results, too. The progressive tension sutures used during a drainless tummy tuck place less tension on the incision during the healing process. This results in a finer and less noticeable scar.

Drainless Tummy Tuck Before and After

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This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After No-Drain Tummy Tuck at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Denver & Golden, CO

Is a No-Drain Tummy Tuck Right for You?

If you want to discuss whether a no-drain tummy tuck can produce the results you want, request a consultation online or give us a call at (303) 278-2600.

The post Improving Tummy Tuck Recovery: EXPAREL® Pain Relief & No Drain Tummy Tuck Technique (Updated 2024) first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Mommy Makeover: 7 Helpful Recovery Tips for Better Healing

KBlatherwick — Mon, 14 May 2018 19:17:19 +0000

Mommy Makeover surgery addresses a woman’s breasts and tummy post-pregnancy in a single surgery. Reshaping and contouring the body, a Mommy Makeover isn’t just for moms—it’s for anyone who has experienced significant body changes such as major weight loss or pregnancy.

The combination procedure usually consists of a tummy tuck and breast surgery such as a breast reduction, breast augmentation, or a breast lift with or without implants. Combining these surgeries saves the patient recovery time, adds minimal additional risk, saves the patient from taking more time off from work, and, in most cases, saves money. The school of thought is: If you are going to recover from a tummy tuck, you might as well have your breast surgery at the same time as it won’t add additional time in bed. We all know moms don’t have a lot of spare time!

Following the mommy makeover recovery tips below can help ease your post-surgical experience.

Take Enough Time Off

Our surgeons recommend that women take at least 2 weeks off from a desk job and at least 3 weeks off from a physically demanding job. Mothers of small children will need additional child care at home during their recovery from mommy makeover surgery. Ask your doctor for healing guidelines in advance.

Embrace These Healthy Habits

Healing from any surgery isn’t fun. However, arming yourself with the following healthy habits before Mommy Makeover surgery will keep your spirits higher, stress levels lower, and aid your body in optimum healing:

1. Lower stress

Moms wear many hats, which means we are managing several things at once. Preparedness will help keep your stress levels low. Enlist help from friends and family. Things to try:

Ask the carpool members to pitch in while you are out.
Create a chore chart with your family before surgery.
Have your kids and hubby take over laundry, grocery shopping, pet care, and house cleaning.
Meal prep and shop beforehand so that they have quick, healthy meals at their fingertips.
Designate who is picking you up from surgery and who will stay to take care of you.
Be sure to handle all loose ends at work beforehand. Tell your staff and co-workers you are unreachable for at least a week. Leave an outgoing message on your cell phone stating you will return from a vacation in 10 days.
Have your house cleaned the day before surgery so that you are walking into a stress-free zone upon return from our surgery center.

2. Stay hydrated

The daily recommendation is to drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day. A side effect of most pain medication is dehydration. Up the daily recommendation to at least 10 8-ounce glasses per day while you are healing.

Have a large water bottle near your bedside so that you can drink with ease. Keep your taste buds interested by adding sliced cucumbers, mint leaves, or lemons to the water.
Run a humidifier in your room. Colorado is one of the driest states in the Union. Adding extra humidity to your living environment will help keep your skin supple.
Eat foods high in water, such as melons, celery, and citrus fruits.

3. Eat mostly whole foods

Many patients ask what to eat after breast surgery or a Mommy Makeover procedure. After surgery, your body is sending increased blood flow to your incisions in order to heal them. Blood houses oxygen and healthy nutrients that allow our bodies to heal from trauma. This is why eating a nutrient-rich, whole-food diet is so important. Whole foods are plant-based foods that are unprocessed and unrefined before consumption.

Try to eliminate boxed foods that have several ingredients and words that are difficult to pronounce. Food loses its nutritional value with boiling, dying, bleaching, adding sugar, and frying.
Do your best to eat salads containing dark green leafy lettuce, a rainbow of veggies, and lean protein.
Add healthy oils such as cold-pressed olive and sunflower to make salad dressing. Your skin LOVES foods high in vitamins C, A, and E and healthy omega-3 fats. Vitamin C is the one ingredient that promotes collagen production within your body. It aids in keeping skin strong and healthy.

4. Read

After a Mommy Makeover, you will be unable to exercise for several weeks, so it is important to keep your brain active. How many books do you have on your shelf that you have meant to read over the past 2 years? Reading during recovery will make your mind active and keep the blues at bay. Feed your mind with knowledge. Listen to podcasts or watch a documentary. Bottom line: An idle mind is a depressing state of mind. Consume all of those magazines, books, and blogs you haven’t had time for!

5. Surround yourself with positivity

By and large, women link personal happiness to their ability to be productive. Keep in mind, productivity is low when the body is healing from a Mommy Makeover. It is important to remind yourself that the healing stages of sleeping and resting are temporary. (Be sure to read our mommy makeover recovery timeline blog post to know what you can expect week by week.) Exercise, play, and productivity are on the horizon in your new body!

Post positive quotes in your bedroom or on your bathroom mirror.
Ask your fun, supportive, inspiring friends to visit. Do not speak to “Debbie Downers” or invite naysayers over.
Write in a journal.
Add a few drops of good-smelling essential oil to your humidifier.
Listen to feel-good music.
Open your shades to let some light in.
For inspiration, visit our online photo gallery of Mommy Makeover patients.

6. Fill your recovery room with creature comforts

You have most likely donated your childhood teddy bear to charity by now. However, if you haven’t, dust her off and bring her to bed! Healing from your Mommy Makeover will happen with ease if you wear your most comfy pajamas and wrap yourself with the softest blanket available. You may want to adorn your bed with soft, pretty sheets before surgery, as you will live in your bedroom more than usual for the first week of recovery. Have your favorite slippers bedside and the pantry stocked with quality tea and dark chocolate (high in antioxidants). Put a pretty, vibrant plant in your bedroom. Recovery is a time to heal in soft surroundings.

7. Inhale fresh air daily

Get outside, even if it’s for just 5 minutes. The fresh air will enliven your spirits and help you feel refreshed. Sit outside in a comfortable chair and read your book or take a few steps outside.

If you’re ready to transform your body with a Mommy Makeover or want to talk about your options with some of the top plastic surgeons in Colorado, feel free to request a consultation using our online form or call us at (720) 279-1926.

Kari Fisher White
Patient Counselor
kari@denverccs.com

The post Mommy Makeover: 7 Helpful Recovery Tips for Better Healing first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) vs. CoolSculpting® – Which Is Best for You?

KBlatherwick — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 18:52:43 +0000

With so many fat reduction treatments and techniques available today, it is hard to know what works, what doesn’t, and which is right for you. At CCS, we currently offer Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) and CoolSculpting in Denver and Golden, CO. We feel that these 2 modalities offer the best results of anything currently on the market.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical procedure that uses Cryolipolysis®. Discovered by Harvard scientists, this procedure destroys fat cells by freezing them at -5 °C without damaging the outer skin. The area of fat is drawn into the device between 2 cooling panels using suction. The fat cells beneath the skin freeze against the panels without affecting surrounding tissue. CoolSculpting offers a nonsurgical reduction of localized fat deposits that collect in the most stubborn places such as the lower abdomen, chin, hips, inner thighs, inner knees, and bra roll. This modality is FDA cleared, proven effective, and has taken the cosmetic industry by storm for its ease of use and minimal downtime for patients. Most patients claim to see a 15 to 25% fat reduction after the first CoolSculpting treatment. CoolSculpting and liposuction both get rid of fat for good and work best on patients who are at or close to their ideal weight.

Pros of CoolSculpting vs. PAL
-No anesthesia needed
-Zero downtime (you can resume all activities immediately afterwards)
-Treats small, hard-to-reach areas such as chin and knees
-Minimal risk of contour irregularities
-Short treatment time
-Minimal side effects
-Works on areas where skin is mildly lax
-Full results visible at 12 to 16 weeks post-treatment

Cons of CoolSculpting vs. PAL
-In some patients, multiple treatments may be recommended
-Numbness can last up to 2 months in treated areas
-Tingling, redness, burning and mild discomfort can last up to 3 days
-Difficult to use on tight skin as it is hard for device to create suction
-Hard for this technology to taper and contour treated areas
-If multiple treatments are recommended, it can become costly and time consuming

Actual Patient

Power Assisted Liposuction

Power Assisted Liposuction, also known as PAL, is the most commonly used liposuction technique in cosmetic surgery today. PAL uses a vibrating tip placed on the end of the cannula that breaks up the fat causing plastic surgeons less fatigue while performing the procedure and allowing them to be more thorough in treatment. It is a quicker liposuction technology that allows for shorter surgery times. However, it is too painful to be used without general anesthesia. Cosmetic surgery patients who plan to have other cosmetic procedures often choose PAL since they will already be under general anesthesia. PAL works well for larger areas such as the stomach, hips, chest, outer and inner thighs, and bra roll.

Pros of PAL vs. CoolSculpting
-More effective in reducing fat from large areas
-Most patients rarely need a second treatment
-Can be used to sculpt, taper and contour areas
-More effective in thick fibrous areas such as male breast tissue
-Can treat multiple areas in a short amount of time

Cons of PAL vs. CoolSculpting
-Does not work well in areas with skin laxity
-Bruising may last up to 3 weeks post-treatment
-Swelling can last for up to 3 months
-Approximately 5 to 7 days of downtime
-Can be up to 12 months before full result is evident

Actual Patient

If you are considering PAL or CoolSculpting, the best place to start is with a complimentary consultation. Click here to contact our office.

The post Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) vs. CoolSculpting® – Which Is Best for You? first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

BMI for Plastic Surgery: Do I Need to Lose Weight First?

KBlatherwick — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 21:19:18 +0000

Skin is skin, and fat is fat—but sometimes it can be hard to tell which is which and whether you weigh too much for plastic surgery. Loose skin can occasionally look like fat because it takes up more surface area than tight skin. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you need to lose more weight before committing to plastic surgery. Many patients come to our Denver area office thinking they’re a few pounds off, but they’re actually more than ready to complete their body transformation.

Losing Weight Before Plastic Surgery

Weight loss is not needed before tummy tuck or body lift surgeries if you are at a normal, healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI calculates a person’s body fat based on height and weight. See your BMI in the chart below.

Stretched-out skin from weight gain creates skin redundancy or excess. Tummy tuck, body lift, breast lift, and inner thigh lift surgeries are procedures meant to manage skin laxity—not fat loss. Therefore, it is extremely important to be at a healthy BMI before having these procedures to avoid complications.

Anything that puts you in the “overweight” category puts you at a greater risk for complications with healing and anesthesia. If you fall into that category, we will discuss those potential risks during your consultation. It is our policy not to operate on persons with a BMI over 39.

What Causes Skin Laxity?

The degree to which our skin reacts to trauma is often genetic. However, dramatic changes like pregnancy and major weight loss often require procedures like a mommy makeover or body lift to correct. Losing 30 pounds or more can change your skin’s ability to retract, and skin quality is damaged after gaining and losing weight several times.

Loose Skin vs Fat: Before and After Pictures Tell the Story

In the image below, the patient had no change in weight after surgery, however, she appears to be much thinner. You can see her natural shape behind the loose skin. No amount of exercise will help tighten the skin on her abdomen. In fact, she probably feels frustrated after hard workouts as her muscles are hidden by the drape of skin covering them. This woman doesn’t need weight loss. She won’t benefit from liposuction—she has excess skin, not fat. She requires a tummy tuck to manage her loose skin.

When Is the Right Time During Your Weight Loss Journey for Cosmetic Surgery?

Often, patients find us during their weight loss halfway mark. For instance, a patient may have lost 60 pounds and need to lose 60 more. She will have much better results and fewer complications if she is within 10 to 15 pounds of her weight loss goal, as more skin can be removed when it isn’t filled with excess fat.

Once you get to your healthy weight, you should be stable at that weight for about 6 months before surgery. We talk more about your surgical options after weight loss and surgical timing in our related blog post.

Drs. Wolfe, Vath, and Steinwald set reasonable expectations during the consultation process so that patients understand the best time to schedule their surgeries to obtain optimal results. The medical director of our surgical facility, anesthesiologist Dr. Hopkins, works hand-in-hand with our surgeons and nurses to make sure our patients’ health and safety are the top priorities within our clinic.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

It’s tough to work hard to lose weight but still have so much loose skin that you can’t see a dramatically trimmer body. Plastic surgery after weight loss changes all that. It reveals your new shape, allows you to move around more comfortably, and improves your self-confidence. Researchers have also found that body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery improve patients’ ability to maintain their weight loss.

Ready for the Next Step?

If you’re ready for a mommy makeover or other plastic surgery procedures, our Denver area doctors are here to help. Request a consultation online to learn more about your cosmetic surgery options.

The post BMI for Plastic Surgery: Do I Need to Lose Weight First? first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

The Truth About Tummy Tuck Recovery: Does It Really Hurt?

KBlatherwick — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 20:09:49 +0000

As patient counselors at our plastic surgery centers in Denver and Golden, CO, Carrie and I have listened to many tummy tuck patients. We have talked with these patients before surgery and after recovery—and helped them push through their fears.

We meet with women daily who want to eliminate sagging skin and a protruding abdomen and reduce the extent of stretch marks left behind after pregnancy or weight loss. However, many patients have become so frightened by the perceived “painful” recovery—that they end up postponing their procedure for months and sometimes years!

Listen up! Procrastination is a big mistake! Why put off the future of a sleek, flat, bikini-wearing, defined stomach for a few weeks of discomfort? Understanding the truth about pain, taking advantage of modern pain management, and setting yourself up with ample recovery time and support will make for a successful recovery.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Many patients worry about what to expect after a tummy tuck. Luckily, the pain during tummy tuck recovery does not outweigh the amazing results afterward, and men and women who’ve had the procedure give it a 96% Worth It rating on RealSelf.com. Keep in mind that the human psyche is extremely masterful at dramatizing a painful recovery scene before we have experienced the event. The truth is, nothing about the tummy tuck recovery is excruciating.

How long does the tightness last after a tummy tuck?

The discomfort after a tummy tuck comes not from the incision, which will actually be numb for some time, but from the muscle tightening. Patients find normal activities such as standing up straight, walking up stairs, and getting out of a seated position or bed uncomfortable because the core muscles are sore after being sewn together from the breast bone to the pubic bone.

Think about it this way: A tummy tuck is basically military boot camp for the abdominal muscles. Those stubborn muscles loved the roominess of your loose abdomen. For about a week, they retaliate by acting sore and tired. Those muscles quickly become angry and fatigued from the layers of sutures placed to keep them tight. The soreness diminishes after a week and you start to think less and less about it. Most women are walking upright and going about daily activities after just 2 weeks.

Patients go back to working out at 4 to 6 weeks post-tummy tuck. Some report small muscle “zingers” with workouts or yoga, which is completely normal. However, we advise patients to go back to working out slowly and back off if it hurts. Many of our extremely active patients get back to working out sooner and report stronger core strength as an added benefit.

A game-changer in pain management: How effective is EXPAREL?

In addition to using a no-drain tummy tuck technique and prescribing the best oral pain medications available, Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Steinwald offer EXPAREL® for long-lasting pain control. This non-narcotic, non-opioid pain reliever is injected directly into the abdominal tissue, fascia, and muscles during surgery. It is effective in managing pain for up to 72 hours post-op.

Not only does EXPAREL help patients get through the first 72 hours post-op with significantly reduced discomfort, but it is also great for patients who wish to limit the amount of narcotic pain meds they need to take. Oral pain relievers can cause extreme drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and constipation in some patients. Our patients who opt to add EXPAREL to their procedure report a 50% reduction in narcotic pain medication consumption versus those who do not. EXPAREL adds to the total surgical investment, but the patients who have used it feel it is well worth the cost.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

Set yourself up for 2 weeks of doing nothing but recovering. Carrie and I counsel patients about getting into the “recovery mindset.” Most of us modern women are busy and overscheduled. We do it all: From working, cooking, rearing children, exercising, to volunteer work. We like to think we are superhuman. This notion can make for a frustrating and uncomfortable recovery process because we aren’t able to keep up with the demands and responsibilities of “normal” life during the first 2 weeks post-surgery.

Your energy will return in a few short weeks. However, you will not be able to run the household or your career by yourself during this time.

Sleeping a lot is normal (and encouraged!) during recovery. You shouldn’t be making any important decisions or responding to serious emails while on pain medication. Remind yourself that you just had SURGERY and you need downtime. Enlist your family and friends to help out with meals, cleaning, running errands, and watching the kids. You’ll be glad you asked for support.

Actual patient shown before and 5 months post-op

To get an idea of the kind of results you can expect, take a look at real tummy tuck before-and-after photos of our patients. Keep in mind that many men and women who choose tummy tuck often combine it with liposuction for even more dramatic body contouring.

Our plastic surgery practice serves people from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and throughout the greater Denver area. Contact us online or call us at (303) 278-2600 (Golden, CO) or (303) 951-2100 (Denver, CO) to schedule a personal consultation. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns regarding breast lifts or any other procedure.

Kari Roland
Patient counselor to Dr. Vath
kari@denverccs.com

The post The Truth About Tummy Tuck Recovery: Does It Really Hurt? first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Body Lift FAQ

KBlatherwick — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 22:51:32 +0000

Questions About Body Lift Surgery

Will smoking affect my recovery?
Can you do liposuction along with a body lift for maximum results post gastric bypass?
Buttock and outer thigh lift …. where would I have scarring? Is it better to live with what I have vs the scarring?
I have lost a massive amount of weight and would like to know what my surgical options are to remove the excess skin.
I have lost a significant amount of weight but still have some to go and I can see that there is extra skin. I am interested in having the body lift surgery and breast reduction next summer after I finish graduate school. I wanted to know if I need to ma
How much time passes between the initial consultation and surgery?

Will smoking affect my recovery?

Smoking adversely affects wound healing. The small vessels that supply blood to the tissues shrink up and prevent the necessary nutrients for healing to get to the wound. The incidence of having a wound complication such as an open wound or skin death is much higher in smokers. Furthermore, the rate of wound infection is also significantly increased in smokers for the same reason of limited blood flow. Because of this, a patient must stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of these complications.

Can you do liposuction along with a body lift for maximum results post gastric bypass?

Congratulations on your weight loss. There are several well developed operations intended to rid you of your excess skin. A lower body lift will lift the buttocks and outer thighs while also tightening the abdomen. An inner thigh lift will tighten the upper, inner thighs while an arm lift can reduce the skin laxity on your upper arms. Finally, if lax, sagging facial skin is a problem, a facelift or mini-facelift combined with a brow lift will tighten your facial tissues without giving you that fake, operated appearance. Often, women choose to have liposuction of nearby areas such as the flanks (love handles), hips, back, or thighs at the same time to improve their overall look.

Buttock and outer thigh lift …. where would I have scarring? Is it better to live with what I have vs the scarring?

A circumferential body lift can lift up the buttocks, outer thighs, and tighten the tummy. Also, an inner thigh lift can tighten the inside of your legs. The scars are all hidden beneath your underwear.

I have lost a massive amount of weight and would like to know what my surgical options are to remove the excess skin.

Congratulations on your weight loss. There are several well developed operations intended to rid you of your excess skin. A lower body lift combined with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck will lift the buttocks and outer thighs while also tightening the abdomen. An inner thigh lift will tighten the upper, inner thighs while an arm lift can reduce the skin laxity on your upper arms. If your breast are too relaxed, you may benefit from a breast lift (mastopexy) or combination breast augmentation with lift. Finally, if lax, sagging facial skin is a problem, a facelift or mini facelift combined with a brow lift will tighten your facial tissues without giving you that fake, operated appearance.

I have lost a significant amount of weight but still have some to go and I can see that there is extra skin. I am interested in having the body lift surgery and breast reduction next summer after I finish graduate school. I wanted to know if I need to ma

Thanks for your inquiry and congratulations on all of your weight loss. It is ideal that you have reached a stable weight for at least 6 months prior to undergoing a body lift and breast reduction. Good luck with your goals and we welcome you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your surgical options with one of our plastic surgeons at your convenience.

How much time passes between the initial consultation and surgery?

Once you have had your complimentary consultation with one of our surgeons, it is typically 2-4 weeks before surgery. However, this can vary significantly.

The post Body Lift FAQ first appeared on The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.