Miss Your Pre-Preggo Body? 5 Things to Know About ‘Mommy Makeovers’
It’s no secret that pregnancy can take a toll on your body. Have you tried diet and exercise but still aren’t satisfied? Here’s what you need to know about a “mommy makeover.”
It’s no secret that pregnancy can take a toll on your body. Bringing a child into the world is miraculous, but the physical changes that happen to you after pregnancy? Not so much.
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If you have tried diet and exercise and you still aren’t satisfied with how things look, you might look into the growing trend of “mommy makeovers.”
While mommy makeovers are growing in popularity, they aren’t right for everyone and the procedures aren’t without risks. Plastic surgeon Andrea Moreira, MD, offers insight about the procedures, and discusses what you need to think about if you are considering surgery.
A mommy makeover is a series of cosmetic surgery procedures that can help restore your body to your pre-pregnancy form. It can include a tummy tuck, breast surgery (augmentation, lift or reduction) and/or liposuction.
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles (and skin) stretch to accommodate your growing baby. Following pregnancy, you might find your tummy area is looser than it was before.
If you’re uncomfortable with how your abdominal area looks or feels, a tummy tuck helps remove excess skin around your abdomen and tighten your abdominal muscles.
If you aren’t getting the results you want from healthy eating and exercise alone, liposuction, the surgical removal of fat from your abdomen, arms or thighs, is sometimes an option. This procedure can target the hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Many people don’t realize that liposuction doesn’t remove cellulite, only fat.
If you’re thinking about a mommy makeover, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Dr. Moreira urges you to consider these things first before you opt for surgery:
When it comes to finding the right plastic surgeon, knowing what to look for is important, Dr. Moreira says.
The decision to have plastic surgery isn’t one to take lightly, says Dr. Moreira. Talking with your doctor about the risks, benefits and expected outcomes is an important first step.
“Many patients are very satisfied with the results of their procedures,” says Dr. Moreira. “Being able to fit back into their clothes makes them so happy.”
But first, take the time to learn as much as you can about the procedures and make sure a mommy makeover is right for you.