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“Mirror, Mirror…” Mommy Makeover Surgical Solutions
By Maria Harding
Through the eyes of maternal tenderness, mothers see perfection in their children. They are so much fun to watch, film, and photograph. When mothers are able to tear their gaze away from these little miracles and turn their attention to their own reflections in the mirror, many are frustrated by the changes that pregnancy and childbirth have brought to their bodies. Many of these changes cannot be undone by exercise and weight loss. Skin on the belly and hips may have stretched. Breast skin and structural tissue may sag. A series of surgical procedures can help improve the appearance of the abdomen, waist, hips, and breasts. This group of procedures is often called a “mommy makeover” because it addresses the body changes that result from pregnancy and childbirth. Having multiple areas of the body addressed at the same time also cuts down on total recovery time, which is of great benefit to busy mothers! When is the right time to consider a mommy makeover? A conversation with a skilled consultant at a cosmetic surgical center can begin at any time. Before any procedures can take place, a woman must be fully recovered from childbirth, and most doctors advise waiting until several months after moms are finished breastfeeding. It also makes sense to wait until after a woman feels she is done having children before having surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck or breast lift. Women who may have
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more children can consider non-surgical body contouring and skin treatments first. Another timing consideration is the recovery period needed. Lifting anything over five pounds is generally not allowed for several weeks after surgery. A woman may need time off from work, help caring for small children, and assistance with physical tasks like grocery shopping. Patients undergo a preoperative physical exam to determine if they have any preexisting conditions that need special consideration during surgery. Patients should stop using all tobacco products two weeks before surgery and avoid alcoholic beverages beginning one week prior. These substances can react adversely with the anesthesia used during surgery and the pain medication used during recovery. Choosing a surgeon and aftercare team is among the most important decisions a patient needs to make in this process. Because the mommy makeover is a set of procedures, it is important
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