Busy moms may work hard to get their bodies back in shape after a pregnancy. But, sometimes, it just doesn’t happen. Here’s how to plan out, and research, a plastic surgery procedure if you decide on that method to get your body back.
How To Choose The Right Doctor
Choosing the right doctor isn’t as easy as it sounds. Beyond the credentials, you need to look for a doctor that understands your concerns, goals, and wishes. You should choose someone you feel comfortable with.
A doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is a good start, but you also want someone who has additional training – ideally in the area you’re looking to have work done.
Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery would be an example of additional education and training. This certification means that a surgeon is ABPS board certified, has met the requirements for continuing education, and has the necessary experience to help you.
How You Should Have The Work Done (It May Surprise You)
Most moms decide to have work done piecemeal, a little at a time. But, this is a mistake according to some professionals. By combining several surgeries at once, you reduce the healing time and make the entire procedure less risky than if you had multiple procedures.
A tummy tuck, breast lift, and implants would each require 7-10 days total for healing. That means up to a month if each procedure were done separately.
However, if you combined the procedures, you would only be looking at a total of 7 to 10 days of rest and recuperation.
When You Should Get Work Done
You can have work done at any time, but it’s probably best to wait until you’re done breastfeeding to get breast work done. At the same time, the younger you are when you get the work done, the better and more quickly you’ll heal. Plan for surgery immediately after breastfeeding.
What You Should Expect When It’s All Over
Depending on the procedure you have done, the results could be subtle or dramatic. During pregnancy, the midsection experiences some of the most profound and dramatic changes. There is considerable strain on the skin as the fetus develops.
Because of this, your skin is more likely to sag in this area than any other. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the process of removing the excess fat and skin and then tightening the ab muscles to restore that lean, fit, midsection you used to have.
The procedure can be limiting, since the focus is almost entirely on the lower abdomen. However, most doctors can perform light, moderate, or extended work on the area, fixing a wide range of problems. For examples of this kind of procedure, including the liposuction that needs to be done, click here.
Another area of concern is the breasts. Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts can go through drastic increases in size and shape. Even after the breastfeeding period is over, the skin of the breast can become stretched, resulting in sagging and an overall loss of youthfulness.
Breast augmentation and lifting can fix this. Most patients opt for either silicone or saline implants.
Healing times, vary, but most women find that their breasts remain swollen and abnormal for up to 5 weeks. Beyond this time, breasts will settle into their new normal appearance and shape.
Dr Kevin Rughe is a qualified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He always enjoys the opportunity to connect with an online audience and has already written a number of informative articles for other relevant websites.
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