Bringing a child into the world is a joyous, miraculous experience, but the toll it takes on your body may not feel so miraculous. Even if you exercise, watch what you eat, and lead a healthy lifestyle, you may struggle to regain your pre-baby figure. Luckily, a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures, also known as a mommy makeover, can restore your shape and boost your confidence.
A mommy makeover isn’t one-size-fits-all– your makeover will be completely customized to your specific needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. Typically, multiple procedures are performed during one surgical session to avoid multiple recovery periods. These can include:
1. Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy and nursing can make your breasts look deflated or asymmetrical and cause them to lose firmness. Breast augmentation utilizes either silicone or saline implants which are placed into the breast tissue. The results increase the breasts’ size, fullness, and symmetry.
2. Breast Lift
A breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed to correct sagging, and drooping breasts after breastfeeding. During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the breasts are raised for a perkier contour. A breast lift won’t change the size of your breasts, so those seeking a fuller bust are encouraged to combine their lift with breast augmentation.
3. Breast Reduction
Your breasts begin to grow as soon as eight weeks into pregnancy, and by the time you give birth, your breasts can be up to two cups bigger. While some women are left with saggy breasts after pregnancy, others have breasts that remain larger than desired, even if they’ve lost their pregnancy weight. During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to make your breasts smaller, lighter, and shapelier.
4. Tummy Tuck
After pregnancy, many women lose abdominal definition because those muscles have been torn or stretched to accommodate the baby. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, tightens excess abdominal skin and smooths out stretch marks. Women whose abdominal muscles have separated could repair the muscular structure with the assistance of a tummy tuck. During the procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen, connective tissue is joined with sutures, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a sleeker look.
5. Liposuction
Liposuction is an option for women who have stubborn fat deposits in their tummy, hips, buttocks, and back. During surgery, a tube-like instrument is inserted into the target area to break up the fat. Next, a surgical vacuum is used to eliminate this excess fat. However, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure– it only removes undesirable fat. Likewise, liposuction does not treat cellulite, but patients can utilize this option to regain pre-pregnancy contours.
6. Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation, also called labiaplasty, addresses the vaginal tissues and muscles that were damaged or overstretched during childbirth. While this surgery is a less common choice for mommy makeovers, those who do add it to their list benefit from restored vaginal muscle tone, strength, and control.
7. Arm Lift
Pregnancy can cause loose, sagging skin on the back of your arms. Exercise may tone the muscles in this area, but, unfortunately, it can’t tighten the skin. However, an arm lift (brachioplasty) can reshape and tighten excess skin– if there is also surplus fat present, liposuction can be performed with the arm lift.
8. Body Lift
A body lift is a post-pregnancy option for women who want firmer, shapelier skin all around. The body lift can contour the arms, thighs, and buttocks after pregnancy or the natural aging process has stretched them. This procedure is less common for mommy makeovers but should be considered by those who want comprehensive contouring.
Where to Schedule Your Mommy Makeover
If you are unhappy with your post-pregnancy body, a mommy makeover can help. By transforming your body to a younger, more taught look, it can help you feel like yourself again. Dr. Lloyd D. Landsman, practicing in Smithtown, Long Island, New York, is a board-certified, highly credentialed plastic surgeon who can help create the mommy makeover that’s perfect for you. Schedule a consultation with Landsman Plastic Surgery, and start getting your old body back.
