For many women, giving birth is one of the most empowering experiences of their lives. Welcoming a new baby (or more!) is a life-changing event.
Some women, however, may feel uncomfortable about how pregnancy affects their bodies. Skin stretches in many areas (abdomen, breasts, thighs for example) leading to stretch marks, sagging and fat deposits. These physical changes are completely normal, as are the negative feelings that may come with them.
To tackle the physical changes and self-consciousness, more and more women are choosing to have a “Mommy Makeover,” a combination of procedures designed to address unwanted physical effects of pregnancy. Example procedures include a tummy tuck, breast enhancement (lift, reduction, augmentation) and liposuction. Not all patients pursue all procedures. It’s important to talk to your surgeon and develop a plan that works best for your individual goals.
If you have lost weight after pregnancy but haven’t been successful in getting rid of fat deposits and sagging skin, you could be a candidate for a Mommy Makeover. Before deciding to have the procedure(s), it’s important to consider other factors:
- Your health: If you are a smoker, giving up smoking before the procedure and during recovery is important. Do you have any chronic illnesses or conditions for which elective surgery is risky? Finally, someone who is severely overweight may not be a good candidate.
- Plans for more children: If you’re planning to get pregnant again, it’s best to wait until after your final pregnancy before considering a Mommy Makeover.
- Expectations: None of the procedures that are part of a Mommy Makeover can help you lose weight or stop the aging process. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee that your body will look exactly as it did before pregnancy.
- Cost: Evaluate how much finances play a role in your decision.
Women’s bodies differ from each other, both before and after pregnancies. Talk to your surgeon about your individual goals. He or she can help you develop a plan that best achieves them.