This morning, I started my day later than usual and had the rare opportunity to actually watch morning news shows. As I flipped through the channels from CBS This Morning, to the Today Show and ultimately to GMA, there was a common topic discussed, namely celebrity news. As a society, celebrities fascinate us. From the morning news shows, to the grocery checkout line, we are constantly barraged with paparazzi images about the latest in celebrity fashion, body changes, and oh-so-popular bikini sightings. With this in mind, one of the things that stands out to me is how quickly it seems that celebrity moms get their pre-baby body back. Regardless of how they do it, and what they’ll admit to, we really need to understand the changes that happen during pregnancy, and when it is safe for body contouring procedures. The media may distort the recommended time line.
What is a ‘Mommy Makeover’?
It is the term used to describe the combination of surgical procedures like breast enhancement and body contouring that correct the changes that occur with pregnancy. Oftentimes, mothers are left with excess skin on the lower tummy and deflated breasts that sag or lack the pre-pregnancy fullness. Surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction can significantly improve the waistline. Breast surgery such as an augmentation, breast lift or a combination of both may be necessary to correct breast changes. Some moms I see here in Austin that have had large changes in weight and will also opt for a facelift or body lift with their Mommy Makeover.
What happens to the female body during pregnancy?
There are a number of changes that occur during pregnancy which are related to hormones produced by the body that allow for the growth and eventual birth of a new child. This includes the stretching of the abdominal skin to accommodate the growing child as well as larger, fuller breasts that will provide milk to nourish the new baby. After pregnancy, these changes reverse to some degree, but may not be fully self-correcting, leaving mothers with long lasting body distortion of the breasts, tummy, and waistline.
When is it safe to undergo a ‘Mommy Makeover’?
I feel strongly that you should be at your goal weight for at least 3-6 months prior to proceeding with body contouring to repair the changes that have occurred to the body. In addition, if you choose to breast-feed your child, I feel that you should have stopped breast-feeding for 6 months before proceeding with surgery, which will allow the breasts to be at a quiet state before making surgical changes to improve their shape and appearance. Giving your body adequate recovery time to heal will ultimately improve your surgical results. I also encourage you to seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who is a member surgeon of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, it is important that you cultivate a trusting relationship with your surgeon and his/her staff.
Have you considered a comprehensive Mommy Makeover treatment? Tell us about it in a comment below.
