The Mommy Makeover: Reclaiming Your Pre-baby Body
For many women, having children is likely one of the most fulfilling and wonderful experiences of her life; the effects of pregnancy on a woman’s body, however, are much less desirable. A woman’s post-pregnancy body can leave her feeling uncomfortable and self conscious, and often detracts from the joy in her life. During pregnancy, a woman’s stomach muscles stretch and often do not return to their original shape regardless of diet and exercise. Skin in the stomach, hips, and thighs also expand, often leaving loose, sagging skin, and stretch marks of varying size and color. A mother’s breasts naturally grow and swell to much larger sizes with milk production, however, this often leaves them stretched and somewhat deflated in appearance; while size and shape can be greatly affected.
The Mommy Makeover is a combination of surgical procedures that often includes a tummy tuck, a breast lift or augmentation, liposuction, buttock and thigh lifts. The tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, removes loose skin and stretch marks, as well as tightening the underlying muscles in order to maintain a smooth, flat appearance to the abdominal area. Breasts can be lifted in order to achieve a more youthful appearance, while implants can be added to gain more fullness, as many women experience a loss in volume after delivery and breast feeding. As many mothers are left with stubborn areas of fat that can be resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction is used to remove these, leaving a more svelte, streamlined figure.
The Mommy Makeover targets areas that have not improved over time with diet and exercise, after a woman delivers. The ideal candidate for the Mommy Makeover is in good overall health, has successfully lost weight, but is left with stubborn areas of fat, as well as loose, sagging skin, and stretch marks. It is important to maintain realistic goals and expectations, as with any surgical procedure, and have enough time to devote to healing after surgery.
November 16 2009 09:55 am | cosmetic surgery
