Choosing Mommy Makeover

After a pregnancy, genetics and, to some degree, lifestyle will largely determine whether you return quickly to your pre-baby profile, or need some help in reclaiming the shape you remember. Experienced Scottsdale and Mesa Arizona plastic surgeon Dr. Genaro Valladolid often recommends mommy makeover as a way to target weakened or separated abdominal muscles, sagging breasts and folds of skin that arrived along with your baby.

Unwanted Changes

Most women gain at least 25 pounds during pregnancy, and often more. This extra fat settles in the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks and breasts. When the abdominal wall can no longer contain this weight gain, an unwanted bulge appears; this so-called “pooch” can be highly resistant to your best weight loss efforts, including healthy food choices and regular exercise.

As your baby matures within, your skin expands to accommodate a larger abdomen, breaking down collagen and creating stretch marks. After your pregnancy, fat will often stubbornly linger in areas that were once fit and trim. Meanwhile, rapid weight loss in the breasts after breastfeeding may actually lead to sagging or a “pancake” look.

Many Choices

Dr. Valladolid has helped hundreds of women turn back the clock with a combination of procedures commonly known as mommy makeover. These may include:

•  Liposuction, to target specific areas of stubborn fat
•  Tummy tuck, to repair the abdominal wall and pare away excess folds of skin
•  Breast lift to restore the natural profile and firmness to breasts
 
Many women like to add a few extras to their mommy makeover for an even more dramatic transformation. Laser skin treatments and chemical peels revitalize the complexion, and dermal fillers can erase fine lines and add volume to lips.

For new moms, the first step in choosing a procedure is to allow your body time to bounce back after pregnancy. Dr. Valladolid recommends waiting at least six months after childbirth to see how much of the weight and shape of pregnancy was temporary, and how much might need a surgical solution. 

For more information on mommy makeover, please call (480) 770-5015 or email Valladolid Plastic Surgery today.