No mother can deny that having children changes life in previously unimaginable ways. The highs are higher when your child reaches a new milestone; the lows are lower when they’re hurt or sick. Never did you believe that you could love a little being so much.
Baby Body Blues
Despite all the wonderful feelings and rewards that come with motherhood, what happens to your body is another story. Even after the baby weight is gone and your favorite pair of jeans fit again, your body’s just not the same. A few moms bounce back to their pre-baby bodies quickly and they are the fortunate ones. Others have the tell-tale sagging breasts, flabby tummies that pooch out, extra fat on the thighs and pregnancy mask that looks like age spots. While some women see these changes as badges of honor, others see themselves in the mirror and wonder what happened.
Mommy Makeovers
If you’re one of those moms who would like her old body back, perhaps you should consider a “mommy makeover”. There are countless options to help reshape, refurbish and revive your post-baby body and put that hop in your step again. Some of the most common cosmetic procedures for postpartum rejuvenation are breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and various skin care treatments to diminish pregnancy mask.
Postpartum Cosmetic Options
- Breast Surgery – Augmentation/Lift – During pregnancy the breast tissue expands as estrogen increases readying the body for feeding the baby. Many women find that after pregnancy and breast feeding, breast tissue diminishes and sagging occurs. Sometimes a breast lift is all that is needed to restore youthful-looking breasts but oftentimes a lift with augmentation is necessary to achieve the desired results.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – not to be mistaken with abdominal liposuction, a tummy tuck removes loose and excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Depending on your needs, your cosmetic surgeon may suggest a mini-tummy tuck. Good candidates should be close to their ideal weight and not planning further pregnancies or dramatic weight loss. This procedure is considered a major surgery leaving significant scarring and requiring weeks before full recovery is complete. However the results are quite remarkable and long lasting.
- Liposuction – Liposuction reduces pockets of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise and restores a leaner figure. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss and potential candidates should be close to their ideal weight. Depending on the area and the amount of fat to be removed, liposuction can be performed in an in-office surgical suite under twilight anesthesia.
- Treatment for Pregnancy Mask – Pregnancy mask, also called chloasma, is a darkening of patches of skin brought on by the rise of estrogen during pregnancy. It can also be caused by birth control pills containing estrogen. Over time, the mask fades after pregnancy but may not completely go away. As exposure to sun can worsen the mask, treatment includes a daily sunscreen. Other treatments to diminish the darkening include prescribed bleaching creams and chemical peels. Your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can determine the best treatment for your skin type.
Hot Mama!
Many of the above procedures can be combined and performed at the same time to save on money and recovery time. If you’re ready to reclaim the body you had before children, schedule an appointment with your board-certified cosmetic surgeon today and find out which procedures may be right for you.
Instead of having the baby body blues, you’ll be on your way to becoming one Hot Mama!
