Pregnancy causes significant changes in a woman’s body. These changes vary from patient to patient and are permanent in most cases unless surgery is undertaken to reverse them. These changes can affect the breast, abdomen, and lead to fat accumulation in the hips and thighs. Many patients attempt diet and exercise, but this isn’t always helpful. This problem can ultimately affect self-confidence, self-esteem, self-image, and the quality of day-to-day life. For these reasons, many patients request breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction.The timing of surgery following pregnancy is important and several issues should be considered before proceeding with surgery. It takes time for a new post-pregnancy body to reach its new baseline following pregnancy. During this period, stretched skin may contract, a swollen uterus may shrink, and the weight gained during pregnancy may gradually disappear.
The breasts also undergo significant changes with pregnancy and breast-feeding. This results in breast enlargement, which continues with nursing. After nursing is stopped, it takes time for the breasts to return to their new baseline. At this point, the breasts may be smaller and have sag. This process takes three to six months to occur. All of these changes need to occur before a mommy makeover is considered.
In addition, we recommend that patients be done having children if they are considering abdominoplasty. Breast-feeding and lactation should be stopped three to six months before proceeding with cosmetic breast surgery. Ideally, patients should be within 10% of their ideal body weight and be in good health otherwise. They should have adequate childcare and support available to them.
If all of these criteria are met, you should be an excellent candidate for a mommy makeover. If you’re considering having a mommy makeover, a complimentary consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Aesthetic Surgical Images will help you make this determination.
