Are Moms putting themselves at risk for perfection?

A recent article in the  NY Times asked the question: Is the 'Mom Job' really necessary? It was a revealing look at how more and more mothers were going under the knife for combo cosmetic procedures that include a breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. Last year, more than 325,000 mothers ages 20 to 39 turned to plastic surgery for the "makeover," which is up 11 percent from 2005.

Medical journals have reported death rates from liposuction at one in 5,000 to one in 50,000 procedures--the reports vary greatly, but one thing remains constant: Surgery is not like going to get your teeth whitened or your hair colored. It's something that should be carefully considered and researched.

We asked plastic surgeon and Mom•Logic friend Dr. Brent Moelleken for his advice for those considering cosmetic procedures. "Generally it is very safe, especially when performed by board certified plastic surgeons who follow proper safety procedures," he said. "However, it is still surgery, and complications can happen in even the most carefully screened patients."

What are the signs your doctor's not the right surgeon? Dr. Moelleken says there are three red flags:

• If you're over 50 and your surgeon doesn't order a cardiac stress test before surgery.
• If your surgeon performs surgery in his office. Surgery should only be performed in licensed surgery centers, or in a hospital, not in the doctor's office. This gives another level of security to the patient.
• If your doctor promises too much or is cavalier about the risks of surgery.

Moelleken adds: "If you have the feeling your doctor is short-cutting on safety, run the other way."