Women’s bodies can change dramatically after pregnancy and nursing. These changes often negatively affect their self-esteem and confidence. If you’re unhappy with the way your body has changed after having children, there’s something you can do about it. Schedule a free consultation at North Texas Plastic Surgery to discuss having a mommy makeover in Dallas. Our elite surgical team has helped numerous patients enhance their figures with body sculpting procedures. We have convenient locations to serve the areas of Dallas, Southlake, and Plano!
A woman’s body changes in many ways after giving birth to a child. Some of these changes are caused by:
The most dramatic change a woman experiences is typically what happens in the abdominal area. As the baby grows inside the mother, the uterus expands and pushes against the muscles of the abdominal wall. This causes the abdominal muscles and the skin of the abdomen to become stretched. It can also cause the abdominal muscles to separate.
Both the skin and the muscles are likely to remain stretched after giving birth. In many cases, no amount of dieting or exercise can return this part of the body to its pre-pregnancy appearance.
A similar situation can occur with the breasts, causing the tissue of the breasts to enlarge. While the volume of the breast tissue reduces after pregnancy and breastfeeding, the skin doesn’t necessarily shrink to its pre-pregnancy state. As a result, a woman’s breasts may sag and appear shrunken, even if they’re the same size as they were before pregnancy.
For some women, the opposite happens. Their breasts grow larger with pregnancy and breastfeeding but remain larger rather than returning to their pre-pregnancy size.
During pregnancy, excess weight is commonly gained in the hips, thighs, and love handles. Women often find it difficult to shed their excess pounds afterward, even with diet and exercise.
In fact, it’s common for women to experience post-pregnancy body changes and a resulting loss of confidence. In one survey of more than 7,000 mothers, 86% said their abdominal area hadn’t returned to normal 1 to 2 years post-pregnancy while 64% said that their body image became worse after having a child.
If post-pregnancy body changes have reduced your self-confidence, you’re not alone. Fortunately, a mommy makeover surgery in Southlake can help you regain your pre-pregnancy shape.
The mommy makeover surgery procedure is designed to do two things: lift and reshape the breasts and tighten the abdominal area. This is achieved by removing the stretched skin that developed as a result of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
While the traditional mommy makeover typically includes a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, you can customize your own makeover based upon goals for your body. Some women choose to have additional liposuction in other parts of the body. Others choose additional reshaping procedures such as a thigh lift or facial injections.
At your mommy makeover consultation in Dallas, Southlake, or Plano, you’ll meet with Dr. Obaid to discuss your concerns about your body and your options for the makeover procedure. He can create a personalized makeover plan designed to help you achieve your body goals.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you have, whether they’re about the surgery, the post-surgery recovery period, or any other matter relating to the mommy makeover procedure. One thing that many people find daunting about cosmetic surgery is the uncertainty. It can be difficult to visualize the results of a procedure beforehand. When you’re thinking about your own procedure, this can make it difficult to make choices about how you want your body to look.
At North Texas Plastic Surgery, we provide essential information and tools to help you make the best choices for your body. One of these tools is Crisalix, a computer simulation program that allows you to see exactly how your body will change after surgery.
Our Board-certified plastic surgeon will take several photos of you at your consultation, then scan these into a computer program. The program generates a 3D image of your body, which can be altered to show the effects of different surgical procedures. Crisalix takes the uncertainty away, so you can feel confident that you’re making the right choices for you.
You’ll also discuss any medical matters that might affect your surgery, such as medications you’re taking. In some cases, you might be asked to stop taking a certain medication for a couple of weeks before the surgery. Additionally, smokers will be asked to cease smoking for one month before the procedure, as the effects of smoking slow down healing.
Once your consultation for a mommy makeover surgery is complete and you’ve decided to go ahead with the procedure, Dr. Obaid will schedule your surgery.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll meet with the doctor again to discuss any last-minute details. You’ll know exactly what’s going to happen and what to expect afterward.
Then it’s time for the surgery itself, which is performed under a general anesthetic. A typical breast lift or augmentation takes around one hour, while a tummy tuck takes two to three hours to complete. A full mommy makeover usually lasts between three and five hours. Depending on your current health and fitness and the procedures you choose, you may have the full makeover in one session, or you might return for a second session.
After the surgery, you’ll stay at the North Texas Plastic Surgery center overnight to make sure your needs are fully met during the first 24 hours. After this first night, most women feel well, are eating and drinking normally, and can return home. You might experience some pain and discomfort for two or three days afterward. You’ll want to rest for several days before returning to your normal routine. Your surgeon will give you more details.
A week later, you’ll return to the center for a post-surgery checkup. This is to ensure that your incisions are healing well and that your recovery is proceeding as normal. At this time your body will likely still be experiencing some swelling. The good news is you’ll probably be able to see some of the changes from the procedure.
For the first two to three months after a Dallas mommy makeover, it’s important to restrict your physical activity per your surgeon’s instructions. Pay close attention to lifting things and other activities that use the core muscles. You’ll probably be instructed to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks. This will help reduce swelling, as well as support and protect your breasts and abdomen.
You’ll start to see preliminary results soon after the procedure! Within two to three months, you should have a good idea of how your body will look when fully healed. It usually takes a full year before the final results of your mommy makeover can be seen. It takes time for your body to heal and settle into its new shape, and for scars to fade.
Our highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon genuinely cares about our patients. We use advanced tools and techniques with every procedure to ensure that each patient has the best results possible. Check out some of our mommy makeover before and after photos.
If you’re unhappy with the way your body has changed after having children, a mommy makeover may be just what you need to restore your confidence. See what our team can do for you by contacting North Texas Plastic Surgery to schedule a free consultation online or by phone. We serve patients in the Dallas, Plano, and Southlake areas!
After you’ve carried and delivered the gift that is your child, you may find yourself wishing you could return to your pre-pregnancy shape. Consider getting a mommy makeover in Dallas. While typically comprised of a breast augmentation, lift, and reduction; a full or mini tummy tuck; and liposuction, this procedure, which is done under general anesthesia, is built by you and your board-certified surgeon to achieve what will make you happy.