After pregnancy, women notice changes to their bodies, especially in the abdomen and breast areas. Two common procedures that women pursue when having a Mommy Makeover- a series of procedures that addresses unwanted physical changes resulting from pregnancy- are tummy tucks and breast enhancement (lifts, reduction and augmentation). Read the information presented here to help decide if either or both procedures might be right for you.
Tummy Tuck
Even after losing weight post-pregnancy, excess skin can remain in the abdomen area. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes this loose skin and fat from the abdominal area. In most cases, weakened abdominal muscles are restored, giving the patient a smoother and firmer profile.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of tummy tucks performed has increased by 87% since 2000. While the procedure is usually pursued for cosmetic reasons, medical benefits also exist, such as reducing the effects of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control problem some women develop after a vaginal birth. Patients also experience improved abdominal tone and better posture.
Breast Enhancement
The breast area inevitably changes during and after pregnancy, whether or not a woman breastfeeds. Women might consider one of three common breast procedures as part of a Mommy Makeover:
1. Breast lift: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave breasts stretched and sagging. A breast lift raises the breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
2. Breast Augmentation: This procedure increases or restores breast size using silicone gel or saline implants or fat grafting.
3. Breast lift combined with breast augmentation: A breast lift will not increase breast size. Women who want firmer and larger breasts will often pursue this combined procedure that achieves both goals.
4. Breast Reduction: Breasts usually swell during pregnancy. For some women the breasts remain larger and can cause pain, poor posture and other problems. During this procedure the skin is tightened and fat and tissue are removed.
While many women have both procedures as part of their Mommy Makeover, it is not necessary for every woman to have both. Always talk to your physician to determine which procedures best fit your needs and goals.