Plastic surgeries performed to restore a woman’s body to its pre-childbirth shape are also called mommy makeover. This comprehensive term is not defined by a fixed set of procedures, but is a unique plan tailored to a specific woman’s unique body, wishes, and goals.
Many mothers notice changes in their bodies after having children. Although dissatisfaction often centers on the abdomen and breasts, this does not mean that pregnancy does not affect other parts of the body. Modern reconstructive surgery offers women new opportunities to address not only the abdomen and breasts, but much, much more.
Abdomen
It is no surprise to anyone that the abdomen bears the greatest burden during pregnancy. The skin and muscles stretch under the pressure of the expanding uterus for nine months. Even if a woman successfully loses the weight gained during pregnancy, visible changes may remain. Loose skin and relaxed muscles are often a result that cannot be corrected with diet and a healthy lifestyle.
The reason for loose skin after pregnancy can be reduced skin elasticity and the stretching of connective tissue and muscles. Changes in the muscle layers beneath the abdominal skin are often not as visible as excess skin, but can nonetheless cause discomfort or even pain. For women whose abdominal muscles have separated after pregnancy (diastasis), things like getting out of bed or performing abdominal exercises become very difficult.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and restores the pre-pregnancy position of the muscle layers. Liposuction can also be added to get rid of “love handles” and make the waist a little slimmer.
Breasts
After breastfeeding, the upper part of the breasts may no longer have as much volume or they may have sagged slightly, in which case one could consider a breast implant or a breast lift.
Just as all women are different, each breast surgery is also unique, depending on the patient’s goals and wishes. If the goal is to restore lost volume, breast augmentation with implants is often the best choice. In other cases, women simply want to lift their breasts to improve their shape. Sometimes, a combination of breast lift and implant offers the best solution.
Liposuction
Weight gain during pregnancy is not limited to the abdomen. Unwanted fat can accumulate in the thighs, hips, upper arms, or back. Liposuction can also be added to body restoration procedures to address the areas that most bother women.
Liposuction is performed in the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Legs
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chin
Intimate Area Plastic Surgery
While breast and abdominal corrections are relatively common procedures in aesthetic surgery, less is known about women’s external genitalia correction, or labiaplasty. The intimate area also changes with pregnancy and childbirth, and correction is sought both for aesthetic reasons and due to discomfort that enlarged labia may cause during physical activity or when wearing tight clothing.
Creating a Plan
Feel free to discuss all your wishes with the plastic surgeon. Together, you will prioritize the procedures, and if more than one stage is needed, we will create a plan for your beautiful body. Start with a consultation!
