On 11
Dec
2020
Being a mother is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest joys for countless women. Along with being the best mom they can be for their children, many women are also inspired and empowered to transform their post-pregnancy bodies.
One of our own plastic surgery patients, Danielle, found herself looking for ways to get back in shape and feel sexy in her own skin again after her son was born. Struggling to find the time to exercise and facing frustrating struggles with weight loss, Danielle decided it was time to explore her options:
“Prior to having my procedure, I was suffering a lot with body image issues. I was very self-conscious. I was very nervous about being seen out in public with a bikini on or a top without a sweater. I could have bought stock in Spanx, which I wore with everything. A lot of people had no idea what I had going on under my clothes, because I hid it very well and that hindered me from starting new relationships, being out in public, [and] dressing up because you have to find something you can wear the right undergarments with.
So when I went to see my surgeon, I was pretty much like, ‘Please tell me what you can do with me, fix this. I am 31 years old. I want to feel like I’m 31 years old, and I want to feel like I’m single and I’m beautiful, and I want to start my life over again.’ Since then, it’s just made a marked difference in my life.”
If you’re like Danielle and countless other moms, you may be searching for ways to transform your post-pregnancy body and boost your confidence in the process. Here are three procedures that can help you do just that.
1. CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting is the number one nonsurgical fat reduction treatment available, designed to target stubborn, isolated, diet- and exercise-resistant pockets of fat. The treatment works by freezing away fat cells, which triggers a natural breakdown in their structure and reduces the fat layer over time.
After pregnancy, women can have CoolSculpting to reduce fat in the abdomen, hips, waist, and many other areas of the body. Another amazing benefit to CoolSculpting® is the ability to accelerate results for women who are already doing all the right things to care for themselves through nutrition and physical fitness.
Many of the new mothers we see choose CoolSculpting because it’s nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and requires little to no downtime. Many patients start to notice a difference in just a few weeks, with final results from CoolSculpting typically seen about 12 weeks following the procedure.
2. Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a popular procedure for women looking to improve the appearance of the abdomen after having a baby. A tummy tuck removes unwanted fat and excess skin, which is especially important for women whose tummies have stretched out during pregnancy. The tummy tuck procedure results in a smoother, firmer abdomen and improves the curvature of the waist.
Muscle repair is another significant benefit for women after pregnancy, during which the muscles and skin tissues expand to accommodate a growing baby. A tummy tuck resculpts the muscles and tissue in the abdomen, enhancing your silhouette and tightening up your post-pregnancy body. There are different types of tummy tucks, and the best fit for you depends on your specific concerns and what you’re looking for in terms of results.
Although recovery can vary based on the type of tummy tuck you choose, most patients can walk within a day following surgery and return to work within 10 to 14 days. Full healing can take up to six months, and tummy tuck patients should avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks after the procedure.
3. Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a completely customizable option that combines multiple procedures to best address your goals for your appearance. Mommy Makeovers involve a combination of treatments, including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction (Liponique) to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state. Some women also choose to include an arm lift and/or a thigh lift to further accentuate their results.
Since a Mommy Makeover can be customized to meet your needs, you can reap several benefits at once and address all your areas of concern with optimal results. Danielle chose this option for that exact reason, and she has been incredibly satisfied with her results. Here’s how she described her transformation:
“I just overall feel so much more confident in myself, and I feel OK to be in a shirt without a sweater on, and I feel OK to wear a skirt without tights. I feel just overall like a huge weight has been lifted off of me, literally, and I feel so much more confident since having this procedure done.”
The Mommy Makeover is an outpatient procedure, so most women are able to return home immediately following surgery. Recovery can take anywhere from 10 days to six weeks, depending on the treatments you choose to include. The final results from your Mommy Makeover reveal themselves as your body heals and fullness resolves, typically three to four months after the procedure.
Choosing the Best Treatment Option For You: Factors To Consider
Choosing the best procedure to help you regain your body and boost your confidence depends on a variety of factors.
Nonsurgical Vs. Surgical Approach
Nonsurgical and surgical procedures achieve a different magnitude, in terms of results. Nonsurgical can result in a moderate improvement (and for some patients, that's all they're looking for) while surgical results can be much more dramatic. In other words, CoolSculpting is a great nonsurgical option for women looking for quick, effective treatment with no downtime or need for surgery. A tummy tuck or Mommy Makeover involves more downtime and the need for anesthesia, but they both achieve more significant results.
Your Goals For Your Results
The best procedure for you also depends on your specific goals for your results and the problem areas you’d like to address. For example, if you’re struggling with sagging and/or shrinking breasts that lost their volume and firmness during pregnancy, a Mommy Makeover with a breast augmentation and breast lift is likely a better fit for you than just a tummy tuck or CoolSculpting. If you have excess skin and a need for muscle repair, you’ll likely want to choose a tummy tuck or Mommy Makeover, as opposed to CoolSculpting.
The Timing In Your Life
Lastly, it’s important to consider the timing in your life. We recommend that women wait until after they’re finished having children before moving forward with a Mommy Makeover or tummy tuck to maximize the benefits of surgery. If you plan to have more kids in the future, CoolSculpting may be a good option for you in the interim, because it still achieves great results without the downtime.
Meeting With a Specialist To Transform Your Post-Pregnancy Body
If you’re a mom who’s inspired to get your youthful, pre-pregnancy body back, there are multiple body contouring options available to help you on your journey. Schedule your consultation with a specialist in surgical and nonsurgical breast and body procedures to explore your options and determine the best fit for you—and you’ll be well on your way to looking and feeling your best!
