Giving birth and having a child is a magical experience for many moms. But the body can go through some major upheaval. Cosmetic and restorative surgery with the Mommy Makeover helps anxious women recover their self-confidence.
What is the Mommy Makeover?
After giving birth, medical advice is that women eat a balanced diet and do regular physical activity (after completing perineal rehabilitation) to firm up flabby areas and reduce any unwanted marks. This doctor-recommended daily routine is beneficial and can allow some moms to get back the figure they had before they were pregnant. However, despite their efforts and a healthy lifestyle, other mothers still need a Mommy Makeover.
This treatment is a set of aesthetic and restorative surgical procedures that can restore the appearance of the body before pregnancy by repairing the damage it has caused. Motherhood, childbirth and breastfeeding can change the shape of the bust, belly and intimate area. The skin slackens, stretch marks appear, and the muscles may also begin to separate (this is known as diastasis).
In order to rebalance and correct the figure for the long term, a Mommy Makeover can be performed at least 6 months after delivery.
What procedures can be carried out?
A Mommy Makeover can firm the body, and remove excess fat and loose skin. It is also designed to reduce discomfort that may be experienced in the perineum and vagina.
Restoring your figure
A rapid reduction in breast volume, especially after breastfeeding, sometimes leads to breast ptosis (sagging of the breast). The surgeon can remedy this ptosis by lifting and reshaping the breasts. The procedure can also include a breast augmentation using prostheses or a lipofilling technique, to plump up busts that have reduced in size.
Pregnancy can also deform the abdomen. An abdominoplasty can be carried out to tighten the skin in this area. It involves two operations:
- Abdominal liposuction enhances the effects of the abdominoplasty and achieves better results. It can be performed on other areas where fat has clustered, which are resistant to weight loss after childbirth.
- Diastasis occurs when a gap forms between the muscles.
The procedures involved in a Mommy Makeover are performed under general anesthesia and last about 2 to 4 hours depending on the surgery chosen by the patient, following a consultation with the surgeon. Patients are usually discharged the day after surgery and recovery time is usually 3-4 weeks.
Improve your personal comfort
Natural childbirth stretches and loosens the muscles in the perineum and labia minora. Sometimes the pelvic floor needs to be strengthened, because it causes vaginal slackening if it weakens. Hypertrophy of the labia minora can often cause physical or mental discomfort during physical exercise or sexual intercourse.
Two operations can help to reduce these sensations of discomfort:
- Vaginoplasty, which includes strengthening the perineum, narrowing the entrance to the vagina, and vaginal rejuvenation. It is rarely performed surgically, but rather using a laser that tightens the affected areas. Dr. Rajao does not practice this type of laser treatment but can refer you to an appropriate specialist.
- Nymphoplasty is a reparative surgical procedure that reduces hypertrophy in the labia minora for improved comfort.
To find out more about the Mommy Makeover or to make an appointment, contact Dr. Natalie Rajao.