Pregnancy can bring a bundle of joy and be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your child. Unfortunately, this often comes with a cost. After pregnancy, many women struggle with new insecurities and new problem areas. These problems can be stubborn, not responding to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Many women are left with stretch marks and/or sagging skin on their breasts, stomach, and buttocks. In addition, there may be new fat deposits that refuse to budge. Women in the past had to accept these unattractive changes to their bodies. Modern women, however, have the option of having these unwanted changes repaired in a procedure called a mommy makeover surgery. In this procedure, body sculpting physicians use a combination of breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction to change a woman’s figure from matronly to magnificent.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Many women have changes to their body as well as new insecurities after childbearing. Every woman’s body is unique, so the exact combination of procedures will vary. The end product, however, is the same: a newly rejuvenated appearance that moms can be proud of.
Most women report that their breasts and stomach are their main problem areas. In addition, other areas of the body, such as the buttocks or upper arms, may need work. Dr. Shain Cuber specializes in performing body sculpting mommy makeover procedures that allow moms to get their body and their self-confidence back.
One of the most common complaints after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding is a loss of volume, shape, and lift in the breasts due to rapid changes in size. A breast lift with or without an augmentation can resolve this issue. In addition, pregnancy can stretch out tissues in the abdomen, which do not always resume their former shape even with months of sit ups and other tightening exercise. Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin (including stretch marks) on the stomach and flanks. Many patients also choose liposuction to smooth lumpy new fat deposits throughout the body.
What to Expect from a Mommy Makeover
Once you have tried diet and exercise to get your former figure back, it may be time to consider a mommy makeover. This procedure can resolve issues with your breasts, abdomen, and any other affected areas of your body. A mommy makeover is tailored to your goals and can include any combination of the following cosmetic procedures.
Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty
This procedure creates a flat and toned stomach through a variety of means. First, excess skin is removed using incisions that are covered by typical bikini bottoms, with a scar across your anterior pelvis. In addition, many women choose to have muscles tightened at this time. Your plastic surgeon can develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns with your body.
Recovery from this surgery can be extensive. Most women will need to stay in bed for several days, followed by several weeks of light activity. Pain medications are usually necessary in the days following the surgery to deal with discomfort from incisions. In some cases, doctors will insert a small drain tube to drain extra fluid, reducing swelling and the chance of infection. You will need to wear a special compression garment to reduce swelling and support sutures in the area for around two weeks as well.
Most women see a difference in about a month. The complete effects will be visible in less than six months. Scars are usually completely faded within a year, although they are hidden by most garments and swimwear.
Breast Lift and/or Augmentation
Many women complain of a lack of fullness and volume after childbearing. In addition, some women have changes in their nipples and general sagging. Breast lift can address sagging, restoring breasts to their former placement and symmetry. This procedure can also resolve issues with nipples.
Many women choose to have an augmentation, or breast implant placement, at the same time. This replaces tissues removed in the lift while giving a firm and full appearance.
Every breast surgery is customized to work well with the patient’s anatomy, body shape, and appearance goals. Dr. Cuber will help you decide what kinds of surgery and implants are best for your unique needs.
Although breast lift and augmentation are both simple, routine surgeries, most patients will have swelling and soreness for several days after the procedure. You will need to wear a compression bra for several weeks to help your breasts heal in the most aesthetically pleasing shape. Patients cannot lift or perform strenuous activity for around two weeks, at which time they can begin slowly resuming normal activity.
The new size and position of breasts can be seen immediately after the procedure. Bruising and swelling usually subside within two weeks. By just one year after the surgery, most patients will have only faded scars that are hidden by a brassiere or bikini top.
Liposuction
Few women escape parenting without a few new lumps and bumps. Whether you have a thicker waist, new love handles, or a few dimples on your bottom and thighs, body shape changes after childbearing are to be expected. However, these changes do not need to be permanent. Dr. Cuber uses liposuction to gentle recontour affected areas of the body to produce a slim and shapely appearance.
In liposuction, small incisions are made in the body that allow a small tube called a cannula to be inserted. Suction is applied to remove excess fat and tissue through this cannula. An experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Cuber knows how to approach the area to leave a smooth and toned result.
Most people will have minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a week or two after the procedure. Although strenuous activity should be avoided until the incisions are totally healed, patients can generally resume light activity after just a few days. In addition, some people will need to wear a compression garment over the area to prevent swelling and support the newly reduced tissue in the area.
Is Mommy Makeover Surgery Right for Me?
The best candidates for mommy makeover surgery are healthy women who have finished childbearing and already tried diet and exercise to correct flaws in their body. This surgery should not be used as a replacement for healthy lifestyle. In addition, it is important to be near your target weight, as weight fluctuations can cause sagging and new fat deposits.
Women who are considering this surgery should understand that they will not be able to undergo strenuous activity, including caring for small children, in the first weeks of recovery. It is important to have support from family or friends in this time, as you will be in pain and will not be allowed to lift.
If you meet these requirements and are interested in this surgery, the next step is to make an appointment for a consultation. Dr. Cuber will discuss your health and your goals, then help you to make an educated decision about which combination of procedures is best for you. Call us today at (516) 773-7846 or use our online form to find out how a mommy makeover can help you get your confidence and your figure back.