(503) 488-2344
5 Signs That You’re A Good Candidate For A Mommy
Giving birth is a magical time for every mother, but it’s also a huge change not only for your life but also your body. Pregnancy can leave your body looking very different. You may have noticed that your breasts have lost volume, stretch marks appear, and you have excess skin and tissue in different areas. Getting back to a proper diet and exercise plan can help fix the issues you are having, but they won’t always solve the whole problem. This can be extremely frustrating for a lot of women.
Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fichadia, offers mothers the chance to rejuvenate their bodies with a mommy makeover. This type of makeover addresses the after-effects that occur from giving birth. It is a combination surgery that involves multiple procedures to address each woman’s specific concerns. It typically involves a tummy tuck, breast surgery with or without implants, and liposuction. The end goal of the mommy makeover is to make you feel good about your body again. While it is a great procedure for many women, it is not for everyone. That is why we always speak closely with every patient in order to make sure that the procedure is right for them.
Are you interested? Here are five signs to help you decide if a mommy makeover is the best option for you:
1. You’ve Already Tried to Lose Weight
A mommy makeover works best for patients who are healthy and within 10-15 pounds of their goal weight. If you are in your weight loss journey, it is recommended that you are approaching your target weight before considering surgery, as any dramatic postoperative weight loss may cause loose skin. Women who are overweight, smoke, or have conditions such as hemophilia are not typically good candidates for such an extensive procedure. For women who are trying to get back into shape after pregnancy, it is important to always seek the advice of a doctor. If you have worked hard at losing weight but are still dealing with excess skin and saggy breasts, a mommy makeover may be right for you.
2. You are Done Having Children
Sure, you can have a mommy makeover if you plan to have more children. However, once you get pregnant again you may lose all of the benefits you gained from the makeover itself and may need additional procedures to correct any damage done. In order to maximize the incredible results of a mommy makeover, we do recommend that most patients wait until they are done having children before they undergo the procedure.
3. You Had a C-Section
A cesarean section leaves a large scar on the lower third of your stomach, which can sometimes be associated with loose skin above the scar, resulting in a noticeable step off. A tummy tuck can correct this. It is also a great option for women who have stretch marks, scars from previous surgeries, hernias, or diastasis recti—a separation of the rectus abdominal muscles that is fairly common after a pregnancy. Consult your doctor to discuss imperfections in the abdominal area that bother you, as many of them can be resolved with a mommy makeover.
4. Your Last Birth was Six or More Months Ago
Your body needs time to recover after giving birth, especially if you underwent a C-section. The tissue in your abdominal wall, skin, and breasts progressively stretch for months during pregnancy. It is recommended to give them time to shrink back and return to their baseline before considering surgery. You will always want to wait for a minimum of six months before you think about a mommy makeover.
5. It Has Been At Least Six Months Since You Breastfed
Breastfeeding is a great way to make sure your baby gets the nutrients they need. However, it can also change the way your breasts look. You will want to wait until you are through breastfeeding and they settle back into a more natural state before you consider getting a mommy makeover.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Fichadia will answer any of your questions or concerns. She is a double-board certified plastic surgeon located in Portland, OR. We want your experience to be the best you have ever had! Feel free to call our office at (503) 488-2344 for more information.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
