Mommy Makeovers: What You Need to Know

From the press, we might get the impression that celebrities and public figures recover almost instantly from pregnancy.  All of this “news” may leave us questioning what a normal recovery should look and feel like. The reality is, it takes months for the body to recuperate from pregnancy: not only to reach pre-pregnancy weight but also to regain pre-pregnancy figure and strength.

During pregnancy, you will not only experience weight gain, but also notice changes in the size and shape of your breasts. For example, the abdominal skin and soft tissues go through a remarkable expansion process, allowing  the growth of your baby.

After childbirth, a percentage of women find that their breasts lose volume, resulting in sagging breasts, whereas others may notice an increase in fat in the breasts or in the lower abdomen. Some may notice loose skin in the lower abdomen or small scars, called stretch marks, in the dermal layer of the skin.  Others may find that their formerly flat tummy remains round despite exercise and healthy eating; in these women, the abdominal muscles remain separated and stretched out after childbirth, weakening the tone of the abdominal wall.  For these issues, there are several procedures that have been shown to be effective.

Breast changes can be addressed in several ways.  A breast lift removes excess skin to lift and reshape the breasts.  A breast reduction removes tissue and skin to make the breasts smaller and to restore a more youthful appearance.  If the breasts have lost volume, either fat or an implant can be used to fill the lost volume.

Abdominal changes can be addressed through various techniques.  Liposuction is effective in addressing areas of fat deposit, such as in the lower abdomen and hip areas.  An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, brings the separated abdominal muscles back into alignment and removes the excess skin and tissue for a smoother, firmer appearance.  Often a tummy tuck is combined with liposuction to address these various issues.

These procedures are body-shaping surgeries, not weight-reduction procedures.  To make sure that you have a durable result, you should be at your goal weight for at least 6 months and have stopped breast-feeding for 6 months.

Each person recovers differently from pregnancy.  Enjoy the delight of having a new child in your life!  When you do decide to have a procedure, make sure that you see a qualified surgeon who is certified by a recognized Board of Plastic Surgery, ask where the surgery will be performed and whether the facility is accredited, and ensure that you trust your surgeon.