Body procedures are evolving, offering new ways to recalibrate after life’s inevitable changes.
Pregnancy, weight loss and the hormonal changes of midlife and menopause can transform the body in ways that don’t always feel welcome. Loose skin, stubborn fat and weight fluctuations are common challenges. While these shifts may seem permanent, they don’t have to be. Modern body procedures offer a chance to reclaim confidence and feel comfortable in your skin by addressing the physical (and sometimes emotional) changes that come with life’s many stages.
THE MOMMY MAKEOVER
Everyone’s journey with their body is unique, and the term Mommy Makeover remains one of the most polarizing in aesthetic surgery. While it’s traditionally associated with addressing physical changes related to pregnancy, the procedure isn’t exclusive to mothers. Aging alone can affect breast volume and abdominal firmness, making this a go-to option for anyone looking to defy gravity. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Jeffrey Antimarino, MD describes the Mommy Makeover as the classic combination of breast surgery, liposuction and a tummy tuck with muscle repair. “Most mothers prefer the tummy tuck with muscle repair, as it also addresses the lower ‘pooch,’” he says. “Liposuction removes extra fat and contours the abdominal wall, but it doesn’t address the abdominal muscles. Additionally, a tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction of the hips or flanks.”
“Typically, breast procedures within a Mommy Makeover involve breast augmentation with or without a lift, or a breast lift alone,” explains Atlanta plastic surgeon Teri Moak, MD. “This depends on the patient’s existing breast volume, skin quality and surgical goals.” Today’s surgical techniques are increasingly sophisticated, with fat grafting playing a pivotal role. “Fat grafting can add volume without implants, offering a look that feels organic and requires less maintenance,” Dr. Moak says.
Labiaplasty is on the rise as well. “Many women are realizing they don’t have to live with discomfort related to the external genitalia or labia,” says Dr. Moak. The procedure removes excess tissue, addressing issues from weight changes, pregnancy or childbirth. “The results are absolutely worth it and can truly improve quality of life,” she adds.
Salt Lake City plastic surgeon Kevin Rose, MD corrected this 41-year-old patient’s breast asymmetry and sculpted a beautifully toned waistline.
THE DADDY DO-OVER
As body makeovers gain popularity, men are increasingly seeking procedures tailored to their unique needs. The Daddy Do-Over focuses on areas like the chest, abdomen and hips. “Liposuction of the chest, abdomen and hips are the most common male procedures,” says Dr. Antimarino. “Techniques have improved over 20 years, with advancements like ultrasonic and laser-assisted devices, which help tighten tissue and skin for a more sculpted appearance.”
Gynecomastia, or excess breast tissue in men, is another frequent concern. “Males can develop excess fat and breast tissue on their chests, causing both emotional and physical discomfort,” Dr. Moak explains. “Male breast reduction uses liposuction and/or direct tissue excision to contour the chest for a more masculine appearance.”
New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD adds, “Many men seek contouring of the abdomen, flanks, chest and neck to reverse changes from work- and life-related stress.”
Dr. Levine performed liposuction on this 28-year-old patient to slim and sculpt his abdomen and love handles for a leaner, more contoured look.
THE MENOPAUSE MAKEOVER
Menopause introduces hormonal changes that can affect body composition and skin elasticity, often leading to unwanted weight gain and sagging skin. The Menopause Makeover is designed to tackle these challenges and restore confidence. “With age or hormonal changes, skin elasticity decreases and muscle tone weakens,” says New York plastic surgeon Mokhtar Asaadi, MD. “I often recommend extended tummy tucks to address excess skin and fat around the abdomen and flanks. It’s about creating a balanced contour and restoring the body to a youthful shape.”
Dr. Rose also emphasizes the importance of personalized solutions. “With hormonal or aging changes, fat distribution shifts, so we use advanced techniques like VASER-assisted liposuction or skin-tightening technologies to restore balance and improve contours.” For him, the Menopause Makeover is about more than aesthetics: “This is about enhancing how women feel about themselves—not just how they look.”
Dr. Asaadi’s Menopause Makeover on this patient, 48, included an extended tummy tuck and breast augmentation.
FINISHING TOUCHES
As body contouring evolves, energy-based devices and minimally invasive techniques are increasingly popular for refining surgical results and smaller areas.
Technologies like VASER ultrasonic liposuction, radio-frequency devices (BodyTite) and J-Plasma (Renuvion) are often used to enhance skin retraction after liposuction. “Radio-frequency technology allows me to perform minimally invasive lifts with minimal incisions and virtually no downtime, making a significant difference for areas like the arms and thighs,” says Dr. Levine.
Dr. Antimarino uses LipoAI laser liposuction for fat reduction and contouring. He also highlights Virtue RF microneedling and Helix laser therapies for post-procedure skin smoothing. However, not all surgeons are convinced of the effectiveness of these treatments. “The benefits of laser liposuction and devices like Renuvion are not fully established, and some carry risks such as skin burns,” says Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD. He advises that patients should be aware of potential risks and discuss their options with a qualified surgeon.
7%: The increase in liposuction in the past year, reaffirming its status as the number-one plastic surgery procedure
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
SCULPTING WITHOUT SURGERY
For those wanting to sculpt their bodies without surgery, there are several innovative treatments available that can get you closer to your goal. Treatments like CoolSculpting Elite, Emsculpt NEO and TruSculpt ID target fat deposits, enhance muscle tone and improve skin elasticity. “These noninvasive modalities allow patients to maintain their results long-term while avoiding downtime,” says Dr. Rose.
SHAPING EXPECTATIONS
When it comes to what’s possible, experts agree that setting realistic goals is key. “A patient’s initial consultation should focus on understanding their concerns, demonstrating potential changes and explaining procedures,” Dr. Antimarino explains. Many surgeons today use pre-and post-op photos and mirror demonstrations to give a preview of what results can look like. “These photos help align patient expectations with achievable results, ensuring satisfaction,” says Dr. Levine. Dr. Rose agrees, adding, “It’s important to set realistic goals. For example, massive weight-loss patients often need skin excision to address loose skin, while others may only need liposuction and skin tightening.”
