Have you ever wondered how celebrities seem to be able to bounce right back to their pre-pregnancy bodies so soon after having their little ones? Well, we’ve got to give credit where credit is due, strict diet and exercise routines can be important factors in dropping pounds after pregnancy. That said, diet and exercise are only half of the story. Often, it can be very difficult or even impossible to achieve your pre-pregnancy body through diet and exercise alone. So just how do they do it?
When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough
It’s no secret that along with the glowing skin and other wonders that come along with pregnancy, some less desirable changes can also result. Studies have shown that on average, women are about 11 pounds heavier post-pregnancy than they were before becoming pregnant, and most women also report feeling some level of body dissatisfaction because of this. This negative self-image can lead to a host of negative health issues, both mentally and physically. (PsychCentral)
The problem is, though, that many of the body image issues that arise post-pregnancy can’t actually be solved through diet and exercise alone. For one, the skin naturally stretches during pregnancy, which can leave excess or loose skin that just won’t respond at all to exercise. Similarly, small pockets of fat, particularly in the belly, hip, and thigh areas, can actually be resistant to exercise, making it nearly impossible to lose.
Mommy Makeover
Before you start to feel disheartened, there is good news. If you’re a new mom in good overall health but with a few areas that won’t seem to budge even with regular exercise, you could be a great candidate for a mommy makeover. Believe it or not, many celebrities use this plastic surgery procedure to help them regain their confidence and positive body image following a pregnancy, and so can you!
The great thing about a mommy makeover is that it’s highly customizable and can really be anything you want it to be to fit your individual needs. Generally speaking, a mommy makeover includes multiple breast and/or body contouring procedures all tied into one. Many women choose some combination of a breast lift or augmentation with a tummy tuck and liposuction for their mommy makeover.
Breast Lift and Augmentation
One area of the body that most certainly won’t respond to diet and exercise following a pregnancy is the breasts. Because pregnancy can cause the breasts to change not only in size and shape, but also their position, a breast lift or combination lift and augmentation can be a great addition to your mommy makeover. A breast lift does just that. It lifts sagging breasts to give them that perkier, younger look, while maintaining their natural size. If you’d like to add a little volume as well, you may want to pair your breast lift with a breast augmentation, which can increase the size of your breasts as well. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Another area of the body that is most affected by pregnancy is the abdomen. The subcutaneous fat that is responsible for stubborn problem areas like the “pregnancy pooch” and love handles may be removed through liposuction. It’s worth noting that liposuction doesn’t work as a weight loss tool, but rather a finishing touch to remove small areas of fat. So an ideal candidate for liposuction will have reached or be close to her weight loss goal. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Many women who get mommy makeovers often opt for a combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck. After a pregnancy or weight loss, the abdominal muscles can be left weakened, and the skin in this area can become stretched and loose. Thus, a tummy tuck can be a great complement to liposuction, because while liposuction can remove small pockets of fat left behind, it can’t tighten the underlying muscles. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, can tighten any excess skin and loose muscles in the belly area, resulting in a toned, defined look. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Recovery
Because each woman’s mommy makeover procedure is different, each woman’s recovery time will vary as well. But in general, you should expect to schedule about 3 weeks off of work following your surgery, and your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t resume any regular strenuous exercise for the first 4 to 6 weeks after your mommy makeover. Be sure to discuss the details of your recovery period with your surgeon, and make sure you very closely follow his or her recommendations for the safest and most effective results. (Stony Brook School of Medicine, Department of Surgery)
Why Choose Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for Your Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Dr. Brian Heil of is a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience and knowledge in his field and excellent credentials. Dr. Heil has been selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, reflective of his being considered as among the top 10% of Pittsburgh plastic surgeons. Not only is the staff at highly knowledgeable and experienced, but they are also focused on patient satisfaction and comfort. To ensure that you get the best possible results, Dr. Heil will thoroughly discuss the details of your mommy makeover with you and walk you through each step of the process. To schedule a consultation with him, contact at 724-264-3608.
The Bottom Line
It can be frustrating to put so much time and effort into diet and exercise plans following childbirth, only to fall short of your goals. But many women, including many celebrities, experience the same problem. Sometimes, exercise can only do so much to get your pre-pregnancy body back. When that’s the case, a mommy makeover can offer you those last finishing touches to your new mommy look.
