Many of our patients who see us after they have had kids feel similarly about their bodies: It just does not feel like theirs anymore.
The complaints revolve around the change in the breasts and the loss of the body contours. Post-pregnancy hormonal changes are usually the main cause for the unwanted body changes. While it is important to wait 6-12 months after giving birth before considering plastic surgery, it is never too soon to start doing you research. The purpose of this article is to give you a head start.
Breast Augmentations & Breast Lifts
Breast augmentations are one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery. Technically know as augmentation mammaplasty, this procedure surgically enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breast. Post-pregnancy, the breasts undergo “involutional hypomastia” due to hormonal changes. This leads to unwanted sagging and volume deficiency, which can be corrected by the placement of an implant combined with a breast lift.
See more Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift Before and After Pictures
Abdominoplasty
Though most patients feel they are candidates for liposuction to get rid of their abdominal bulge and excess skin, they are a bit surprised when their plastic surgeon suggests a tummy tuck.
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is performed when a patient desires excess skin and fat to be removed from the middle and lower abdomen. The procedure also tightens the abdominal wall muscles, often relieving chronic pain due to multiple pregnancies.
Through the incision the excess skin, stretch marks and fat are removed. Generally this procedure is done in conjunction with liposuction of the flank region to give the waistline a nicer contour.
The procedure takes about 3 hours and is performed at a credentialed surgery center and an over night stay at a recovery center is highly recommended. Recovery is generally 10-14 days and patients can return to normal activities within 3 weeks.
See more Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures
In conclusion, no matter what procedure you decide to opt for, the most important factor of your outcome may depend on which doctor you choose. Ask whether the physician is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, whether the physician has credentials to do the procedure in a hospital, and whether the physician can give the name of another qualified surgeon for a second opinion.