Many women find that being a mother is greatly rewarding, yet takes a toll on their appearance. After giving birth, mothers may experience sagging in certain areas and weight gain in others. Reshaping the body through diet and exercise becomes more difficult after childbirth, which is why women in and around Akron, Cleveland and Canton, who desire their pre-pregnancy shape, may elect a mommy makeover performed by Dr. Steven Carp at his Green or Beachwood, OH clinics.
You have given your heart and soul to your children and would do anything for them. But at some point in time, you also want to take care of yourself. The effects of pregnancy can result in unwanted effects to your appearance, especially your breasts and tummy. Morning sickness. Swelling. Weight gain. Skin changes. When pregnant, your body can experience dramatic changes. Unfortunately, for many women, it never returns to “the way it used to be.” A Mommy Makeover can help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy state.
During pregnancy, the abdomen must expand to allow for the growth of the baby. This stretching of the abdominal skin creates stretch marks. In addition, there is a separation of the abdominal muscle (rectus), adding to the all too familiar bulge.
Furthermore, women gain on average 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy, adding additional fat weight in the abdomen, love handles, buttocks, and thighs. Breasts increase in size partly due to weight gain, but also from the glandular changes needed to produce milk. Following delivery, moms will lose water weight initially, and then in many cases, will have to work extra hard to shed the additional fatty weight. Making matters worse is the loss of breast size, or a deflated look, with breast sagging.
Stretched skin. Abdominal bulges. Smaller, sagging breasts. The post-pregnancy look that women fear and despise. A Mommy Makeover can solve these and other problems.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
You see it in countless magazines and talked about on many TV shows. Simply put, a mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgeries that address the long-term body changes of pregnancy. The procedures may include any of the following:
After a thorough consultation, the most appropriate options will be discussed. For women who have lost breast shape or have sagging breasts, a breast lift may be recommended. If breast volume has decreased and needs to be restored, then a breast augmentation may be better.
To correct the loss of abdominal muscle support and excess fat in the abdominal region, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be preferred. Fortunately, the tummy tuck is a drainless procedure. For women who require less correction, a mini-abdominoplasty may be more appropriate. If there are areas of local fat that have good skin quality, liposuction works wonderfully. This includes the thighs, buttock, back, flanks, and hips.
What is all included in a mommy makeover?
The typical mommy makeover consists of a combination of two or more of the following procedures:
Many patients also include some form of vaginal rejuvenation treatment in their mommy makeover. We offer treatments like the Femilift™ and O-Shot® to tighten the vaginal canal, improve sensation, and enhance arousal and orgasm.
Are You Ready for a Mommy Makeover?
First, are you emotionally prepared? This is the first question to ask yourself. You should have the support of your spouse, family, and/or friends. Once you are comfortable with the emotional preparation, then consider the more physical concerns.
It is important that your weight is stable. Ideally, you should have lost your pregnancy weight and not be planning to shed any more pounds. If breastfeeding, you need to wait until your baby is weaned so that your breasts are no longer producing milk and have stabilized. Finally, consider whether you plan on having more children. If so, you may want to wait.
How do I prepare for a mommy makeover?
Preparing for your mommy makeover is like preparing for any other type of surgical procedure. You’ll want to make sure you talk to Dr. Carp about discontinuing the use of any of your medications and prepare to have a close friend or family member with you following your surgery to take you home and help you around the house.
What to Tell Your Kids
Many women are concerned with this issue. A parent knows that their child may not understand why mommy is having surgery and may be scared as a result. Many are also concerned that their child will unexpectedly develop an inappropriate attitude about other people’s looks.
Dr. Carp believes that it is important to have an age-appropriate discussion with children before surgery. Let them know what is being done and why and discuss how mommy will look and feel shortly afterward. Let your children know that you have electively chosen to have plastic surgery to make you feel better. However, be certain to emphasize the importance of self-confidence and inner beauty. Cosmetic surgery is not a substitute for these traits.
A mommy makeover is not needed by every woman. But for those who choose one, it can be a way to restore your body after pregnancy and help you feel better about yourself.
How long does it take to recover from a mommy makeover?
The time it takes for you to recover from your mommy makeover depends on the types of procedures you choose to undergo. Typically, our mommy makeover patients return to work between seven and 10 days following their procedures and make a full recovery in about two months.
How long after a mommy makeover can I exercise?
We recommend you taking about four to five weeks to fully recover from your mommy makeover before returning to your regular exercise routine. When you do start working out again, Dr. Carp advises you ease yourself back into your regular exercises by avoiding any heavy lifting or intense physical activity until you feel you are absolutely ready.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
Do I need to lose weight before a mommy makeover?
No, you don’t necessarily need to lose weight before your mommy makeover. Dr. Carp simply advises you are at a stable weight for a few months prior to your surgery. This ensures you will be able to maintain the results of your mommy makeover. The results of your mommy makeover can always be disrupted but excessive weight gain or pregnancy.
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
“Dr. Carp did an awesome job with my mommy makeover! He has went above and beyond to make sure I’m happy with the results. He’s a very caring doctor. Him and his staff are awesome! I’m so thankful I chose Dr. Carp for my surgery. I would highly recommend.
” – Lana B.
Each mommy makeover is different since no two women will require the same procedures to help them regain their pre-pregnancy figure. Having a custom plan created by Dr. Steven Carp can help patients in the Akron, Cleveland, Canton, Green and Beachwood OH, areas feel and look their very best. Contact us today!