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Having children is a big change, and the changes to your body are no exception. After pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, most women notice that their tummies are looser, their breasts droop or lose shape, and stretch marks or dark spots appear. And while nothing can compare to the wonder of bringing a child into the world, these unflattering after-effects are less than wonderful. I believe every woman should love herself, and love her body, regardless. I don’t think a woman should jump into surgery thinking it will cure her body issues and magically boost her self-esteem. That requires work on the inside. But as much as I love myself, and have come to love and accept my body, I would happily get rid of this flap of extra tummy skin that hangs over my pants and the sagging boobs that remain even after losing 40 pounds in a healthy way. Why the heck not! There are changes that happen to our bodies with childbirth that no amount of healthy eating and exercise can address. If you are comfortable with surgery and have the budget then I think it can be a very positive process if done under the right circumstances.
If you aren’t familiar with a mommy makeover, it is basically a combination of surgeries designed to enhance the areas of a woman’s body affected by having children. Surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tuck are combined and performed at the same time – creating drastic improvements while reducing the stress and cost of multiple surgeries.
But like all surgical procedures, there are risks and benefits. If you’re considering restoring your appearance with mommy makeover surgery, read these 5 must-knows.
You aren’t alone.
Moms still want to look and feel great, and the numbers prove it. Mommy makeovers continue to rise in popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation and liposuction were ranked as the top 2 surgical procedures in 2016. Breast augmentation was most popular, with 290,467 procedures performed last year (up 4%). Liposuction was a close second with 235,237 procedures performed (a 6% increase from last year). It’s no coincidence that these two rank so closely to each other – they are 2 of the 3 most commonly combined surgeries for a mommy makeover.
Surgery is not a magic wand.
If you believe that plastic surgery will finally give you the self confidence and body you’ve always dreamed of, you might need to check your expectations. It’s important to have a grounded understanding about what plastic surgery can and can’t do. In fact, those who are the best candidates for plastic surgery are people who are fit, healthy, and have realistic goals. Plastic surgery can significantly improve the shape and contour of your body and boost your confidence, but it must be combined with a healthy lifestyle for long-lasting results.
Wait until you are done having children.
The aesthetic results of body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or breast augmentation can be compromised with pregnancy and childbirth (as if you didn’t already know having kids takes a toll on your body). Although it is perfectly safe to have children after surgery, you will likely lose at least some of the benefits of your mommy makeover. If you want your results to last as long as possible, wait until your family is complete.
You’ll need time to recover.
A huge benefit of having a mommy makeover is that multiple surgeries are combined at once, so you are able to reduce your exposure to anesthesia and avoid multiple hospital stays. However, this also means recovery can be tough. According to the website of Dr. Marc DuPéré, a plastic surgeon in Toronto who specializes in mommy makeover surgery, you will need to take at least 2 weeks off work and other responsibilities. He also recommends planning your recovery by preparing meals ahead of time that you can freeze and eat later, arranging for child care, and getting your home ready by running errands (like filling prescriptions) in advance.
Customize, customize, customize.
Your mommy makeover is all about you. While combining breast and body procedures is common, it isn’t your only option. Facial plastic surgery, injectables, and other non-surgical options have also helped thousands of hardworking moms feel like themselves again. Choose the procedures that most interest you and that align with your cosmetic goals and your budget. Then, go for it!
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