Pregnancy and childbirth are thrilling experiences for most women. However, many mothers lament being unable to get back to their pre-pregnancy body after birth. So, what happens to a woman’s body during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding? Is a Mommy Makeover the right choice to restore one’s pre-pregnancy body?
Changes during pregnancy
The external features of the body that are most impacted during this time are the tummy and the breasts. In fact, during pregnancy, the tummy gets bigger to accommodate the growing baby inside. Thus, the skin will also stretch.
Fat can appear on the flanks, thighs, and abdomen in many women during pregnancy. Because of the hormonal fluctuations in the body, the breasts will also transform.
The breasts are preparing for lactation and, as a result, often enlarge. They also become harder and overly sensitive. Some women notice these changes from the early stages of pregnancy. Others will experience them just before giving birth. Thus, they might consider a Mommy Makeover.
Changes after childbirth
Following childbirth, most women still carry an abdominal bump for a few weeks or even months. That is why it is possible for new mothers to field questions such as “when are you due” sometimes months after giving birth.
Only a very small percentage of women will jump straight back to their pre-pregnancy body. Most new moms will struggle with excess weight, saggy skin on the tummy, and sagging breasts for months or years. As a result, for many, these unwelcome changes can be permanent. This is when cosmetic surgery, and a Mommy Makeover specifically, can be called upon to work its restorative miracles.
What does a Mommy Makeover do?
Post-pregnancy cosmetic surgery is now so commonly performed that it has a name – “Mommy Makeover.” The Mommy Makeover usually entails a combination of procedures. They allow moms to restore their bodies to their former shape, waving goodbye to the highly visible pregnancy hangover. Furthermore, for many women, a postnatal mommy makeover can deliver a new and even improved look.
A Mommy Makeover will usually address the areas of the body most affected by pregnancy – the tummy and the breasts. However, this set of cosmetic procedures is not limited to these areas. As a matter of fact, procedures such as liposuction can also help a new mom achieve an enhanced body shape. A Mommy Makeover is a very personal thing, so nearly always customized to mom’s desires.
Mommy Makeover: what are the procedures?
A Mommy Makeover is customized to the patient’s needs under the guidance of an experienced Plastic Surgeon. For example, one patient may choose breast reduction surgery and a tummy tuck. Another will achieve more satisfying results with a mastopexy (breast lift) that includes breast implants. For many patients, the Mommy Makeover consists of a breast lift, a tummy tuck, as well as liposuction.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery restores breast beauty and perkiness. Hormonal and weight fluctuations usually cause sagging breasts. Contrary to popular belief, sagging is rarely a result of breastfeeding.
Studies have concluded that it is not so much the breastfeeding that has a negative impact on the breasts, but the pregnancy period. However, favoring one breast for breastfeeding, a common occurrence, can lead to breast asymmetries. One breast may hang lower than another, and one breast may be smaller than another, and the nipples may be misaligned. This too can be rectified with plastic surgery.
A patient can choose breast lift surgery (mastopexy) along with breast implants or alone as part of her Mommy Makeover. In some cases, it can even be performed together with a breast reduction surgery.
During the pre-operative consultation with your Plastic Surgeon, you should discuss your aesthetic expectations openly. The discussion will address breasts size, shape, and position on the chest wall.
Tummy tuck
Tummy tuck surgery aims to remove the excess skin that remains on the abdominal area following childbirth. Aside from extra skin, some new moms will find they have a condition called diastasis recti.
Diastasis recti is a gap that develops between the right and left abdominal muscles during pregnancy. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will check if you have diastasis recti during the Mommy Makeover consultation.
A tummy tuck will strengthen weak abdominal muscles. This is critical for creating a firm and flat tummy. If the patient has an umbilical hernia, this procedure can correct it too.
A tummy tuck procedure has multiple postnatal benefits. For instance, it will remove excess skin, tighten loose abdominal muscles, and rectify an umbilical hernia.
Adding liposuction
Patients who have unwanted fat deposits on the tummy, the flanks, and even the back and the thighs often opt to add liposuction to their Mommy Makeover. It aims to deliver more appealing contours on these areas.
How long do I wait to get a Mommy Makeover?
Following pregnancy and childbirth, most women will want to get plastic surgery ASAP. Patience is of the essence, however. Your body needs time to recover naturally following the rigors of childbirth.
The weight that has accumulated during the nine months of pregnancy can take just as long to be shed. It is a rule of thumb to delay plastic surgery until you have reached your average weight and sustained it for about three to six months.
Aside from excess weight, a mom needs to consider her breastfeeding intentions and program. Try to delay plastic surgery until a few months after the end of breastfeeding. This will allow enough time for breasts to return to a normal condition.
A good time to get a Mommy Makeover is three to six months after breastfeeding has stopped entirely. If mom didn’t breastfeed, the recommendation is to wait six months or after reaching a reasonably stable weight.
Details on the procedure
Mommy Makeover surgery is performed under general anesthetic. The length of the procedure is dependent on the complexity of the surgical plan. This type of surgery can take up to four hours or even longer.
The results are visible once the post-operative swelling and bruising decrease. Often it can take up to three to six months for the results to show up. The healing process is complete after twelve to sixteen months.
About Dr. Rosso and Peninsula Plastic Surgery
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Rosso is one of the leading Plastic Surgeons in the South Bay and performs a large number of breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgeries, in his state-of-the-art Surgery Center or at the local Torrance and Little Company of Mary Hospitals.
Dr. Rosso has been voted 2018 Daily Breeze South Bay’s Favorite; 2017 and 2018 Best of the Beach; and the Peninsula Plastic Surgery doctors and staff have been awarded the 2018 Spectrum Award for Customer Service Excellence. At the end of 2018, he has also received an Award from the ER Doctors and Medical staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance for his great work and commitment to patients.