Pregnancy is a life-changing event. Not only do you have a baby to care for afterward, but your body has gone through major changes to prepare for childbirth. Many women find that their bodies do not go back to the same size and shape they were before giving birth — even months or years after their children are born.
The good news is that if you want to make changes to your post-pregnancy body, plastic surgery is an option as little as six months after giving birth. Here are four procedures to consider.
1. Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is one of the cornerstones of what many refer to as a mommy makeover. Even if you are in great shape, loose skin is very common after giving birth. During pregnancy, the skin stretches out and you lose elasticity. You may also have a separation or weakening of the abdominal muscles.
Getting a tummy tuck does two things. It removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles that have weakened or become separated. While a tummy tuck can create a smoother and firmer abdominal area, it cannot act as a substitute for weight loss. Before going through a tummy tuck, you should be at a point where you are not planning to lose any more weight.
2. Breast Augmentation
Another change that you may notice after giving birth is the loss of volume in your breasts. This loss of volume may not be noticeable until after you are done with breastfeeding. However, many women feel like their breasts are deflated after childbirth. Breast augmentation can restore breasts to their former size and volume.
There are a variety of implant types available, and your plastic surgeon will recommend the type that will get you the results you desire. Some popular options include saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, form-stable implants, and round breast implants. Breast implants are also available in smooth or textured options.
3. Breast Lift
Another way to address the changes that can occur in your breasts after pregnancy is through a breast lift. If sagging is a major concern, a breast lift will restore your breasts to a perkier state. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are raised into a better position.
For the best results, you will wait until you are finished breastfeeding and after your breast tissue has stabilized before getting a breast lift. You may also want to consider getting augmentation at the same time. A lift can restore the shape and reduce sagging while implants can add volume to the breasts.
4. Body Contouring
Getting back your shape after giving birth can be a major challenge. Even with diet and exercise, you may find that you have stubborn pockets of fat that just won't budge. Body contouring through liposuction can streamline your physique and help you get the results that you are unable to achieve through traditional means alone.
Liposuction is a targeted way to remove fat and leaves little scarring since the incisions are small. Liposuction involves injecting the area with an anesthetic fluid and then removing the fat with a cannula and vacuum. It can be done nearly anywhere on the body. However, it's usually used to remove fat from the abdomen, the thighs, the buttocks, under the chin, and on the arms.
Pregnancy is something that many women look forward to. However, it's also something that can lead to major changes in your body. After birth, it's common to deal with sagging skin, drooping breasts, and stubborn fat deposits. If you are dealing with any of these issues after childbirth, plastic surgery can help. Contact
Ronald C. Barry MD, FACS today to learn more about your options.
