Becoming A Better You

Posted on: 7 May 2018

Having children can be the most rewarding feeling of your life. Unfortunately, having children can also put a lot of stress on your body, leading to sagging skin and stubborn fat. More and more women are choosing to undergo a "mommy makeover" after they are finished having children. This makeover is actually a combination of multiple procedures, usually including a tummy tuck and a breast lift. If you want to reclaim the natural appearance of your body, check out these three facts regarding tummy tuck and breast lift surgeries.

The Procedures Are Often Part of a "Mommy Makeover"

Many women who want a tummy tuck also have sagging breasts, and many women with sagging breasts also have excess skin or fat around the tummy because both can be caused by pregnancy. This is why many women choose to undergo both procedures at the same time. A tummy tuck and breast lift can correct sagging, uneven breasts, dropping nipples, stretched areolas, loose skin around the abdomen, love handles, etc.

Although these groups of procedures are often referred to as a "mommy makeover," any patient who has similar concerns can benefit. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend some liposuction around the waist or thighs to help improve results. Buttock augmentation may also be an option if you are concerned about a sagging or flabby butt. Last, vaginal rejuvenation is another option many women consider after childbirth. It can be performed surgically and with lasers.

Breast Enhancement Won't Correct Sagging

If you are also unhappy with the size of your breasts, you may have already been considering breast augmentation. Unfortunately, that procedure alone will not correct sagging. You can, however, typically have breast enhancement surgery in addition to your breast lift. Of course, this increases the cost of the procedure. 

If you choose to have both a breast augmentation and a breast life, the breast lift is performed first. The doctor reshapes and tightens the existing natural breast tissue and then removes excess skin to stop the sagging. Once the breasts have been fully lifted, including repositioning the nipple and areola, the implant is inserted to make the breasts larger. Having the procedures performed together tends to create better results than doing them separately.

Recovery Takes Time

Breast lifts and tummy tucks are not minimally invasive procedures, so you will need time to recover. Depending on exactly which procedures you had performed, you will likely need to wear a special bra during recovery to protect your breasts from stretching, tearing, etc., during healing. Your doctor will also likely to recommend that you do not lift your arms over your head, including to get dressed, so you'll need to take it easy and rest at home during the first portion of recovery.

You'll be bandaged, and tubes will likely be inserted to assist in drainage from swelling and fluid buildup. You'll also need to clean the tubes regularly by removing clots to prevent blockage. During recovery time, keep in mind that your body is swollen, so your breasts and stomach may look larger than they will when you are fully recovered, so you'll have to wait to see your final results.

Being a mother may be your dream come true, but you don't have to let it alter your body for life. Pregnancy and birth put a lot of stress on the body, but there are many cosmetic procedures designed to give you back a more natural, youthful appearance. If you would like more information about breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, or other cosmetic procedures, contact a provider at a company like Gary Takowsky MD, A Plastic Surgery Group in your area today to schedule a consultation.