When you become pregnant for the first time, you may not fully realize the extent to which pregnancy can change your body. While exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help, reversing some changes, especially those affecting the abdomen and breasts, may require cosmetic surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Garrett Harper and Dr. Robert Graper discuss some of these changes and explain how mommy makeover can help.
The Abdomen
As your belly expands to nurture your growing baby, your skin also expands to cover your growing midsection. Your skin may retract to its former size after you have given birth and lost the baby weight. However, if your skin is not as elastic as it once was (a common side effect of aging), the excess skin may sag. This effect is sometimes referred to as a “muffin top,” and the skin can look like fat beneath your clothing. Unfortunately, diet and exercise are not effective at eliminating loose skin.
The Breasts
The most significant changes to the breasts occur during the second trimester. Specifically, your breasts and areolas enlarge to prepare for nursing. Your breasts become heavier and may develop stretch marks as the skin expands to account for the larger size of the breasts. Once you have finished breastfeeding, your breasts should shrink, though they may not be the same size they were before you were pregnant. Because stretched skin may not retract to its former size, your breasts can look saggy or deflated.
The Solution May Be Mommy Makeover
New mothers who are discouraged by the effects pregnancy has had on their bodies often consult with a plastic surgeon to see if they can restore their pre-pregnancy body. Mommy makeover is a customized surgical plan that combines body and breast procedures.
For the stomach, Dr. Harper and Dr. Graper can perform tummy tuck to remove excess skin and reconnect shifted abdominal muscles. This surgery gives the stomach a smooth, firm appearance. You may also consider liposuction to eliminate stubborn deposits of fat.
Our surgeons can address sagging breasts with breast lift. This surgery removes loose skin to elevate the breasts and repositions the nipples so that the breasts have an appealing, youthful shape and appearance.
Meet with Leading Plastic Surgeons to Explore Your Options
If you are no longer as confident or satisfied with your body as you were prior to your pregnancy, you may benefit from meeting with Charlotte, NC’s best team of plastic surgeons to discuss mommy makeover. Schedule a consultation at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery by calling 704.375.7111 today.