Can you really regain your pre-pregnancy body with a mommy makeover?
Ah, the miracle of birth! Is there anything more wondrous than bringing a new life into the world? No matter how many times you were told that pregnancy looked good on you and that you actually glowed, nine months was a long time and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor (no pun intended).
Unfortunately, this next phase may not be exactly what you were looking forward to. Not only does your little darling only sleep a few minutes at a time, ensuring that you will be functioning in a cloud of fatigue for who knows how long, what has happened to your body?
So, Why a Mommy Makeover?
Following delivery and the added changes brought on by breastfeeding, most women are left with unwanted bodily changes. Some of these may improve over time but most are lasting. The most common include:
- Stretch marks
- Sagging abdomen
- Abdominal skin and muscles stretched out of shape
- Breasts that droop or have changed in size and shape
- Loss of skin elasticity in breasts
- Fat pockets that are immune to diet and exercise
- Varicose veins or spider veins
True, there is now a precious new member of your family that you already love more than you could ever have imagined. Is there any price too great? Of course not. But, is there anything wrong with wanting both?
The answer to “how do I get my body back?” may be post-maternity breast and body reshaping procedures, also known as the mommy makeover. In the past, women had to eventually resign themselves to never regaining the body they had prior to getting pregnant. That is no longer the case. The different procedures available in mommy makeovers can help restore firmness to skin and breasts and eliminate much of those stubborn fat accumulations on hips, waists, and thighs.
Procedures typically included in mommy makeovers are breast lifts, breast reductions or augmentations, tummy tucks and liposuction. All women and all pregnancies are different so your mommy makeover will be planned and performed based on your individual needs and desires.
Timing will be an issue that you will need to take into consideration. If you plan to have more children in the future, it would be better to wait because some of the procedures will be affected by future pregnancies and breastfeeding. This is another reason why it is always so important to consult with a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who will be able to advise you on not only what are the best procedures for you but also about the timing. Some of the questions you may be asked during your consultation are:
- What exactly are your goals and expectations?
- Details of your medical history, including any past and current health conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements?
- Describe your alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
- What surgeries have you had in the past?
The more your surgeon knows about your history and your expectations, the greater your chances for regaining the body you had prior to giving birth.
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 6 years in a row in 2018 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.