All About Plastic Surgery After Pregnancy

Our bodies are an incredible feat of nature. Having the ability to create and sustain a new life is a wonderful gift, but it comes at a cost. The truth is that the human body is built to change over time, and birth often expedites the process. For many women, the drastic changes that come with pregnancy permanently alter their bodies, and those changes can be difficult to process. You aren’t alone if you are overjoyed by the new addition to your family and disappointed in the way your body looks afterward. These two emotions are not mutually exclusive, and they are both entirely normal. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for plastic surgery after pregnancy.

Adjusting to the New You

Immediately after pregnancy, your body needs time to heal. Medical experts suggest waiting at least six months before having plastic surgery after pregnancy. Some argue that twelve months is even better to ensure that your body is ready to undergo surgery. Not only is the wait beneficial for your physical health, but it gives you time to get to know your body again as it begins to normalize in the months following the birth of your child.

You will almost certainly have stretch marks. You may also notice that your breasts seem less perky, and your waist seems wider than normal. Unfortunately, these are normal results. During pregnancy, these areas of your body swell. And, a larger pregnancy may even result in some damage to the abdominal muscles, causing them to spread apart. You will likely see these parts of your body heal and improve over the next year. Especially if you have a well-thought-out diet and fitness routine, but there are no guarantees.

To take care of your physical and mental health, you must continue to show your body the love it deserves. If you consistently experience negative emotions after pregnancy, then don’t hesitate to seek professional help. One in nine mothers experience post-partum depression after giving birth, so there is no shame in acknowledging that you are struggling. By taking six to twelve months to heal, and learning to love your body again, you give yourself the opportunity to evaluate what you really want. At this point, you are better able to decide whether an aesthetic procedure will actually help you to feel more confident and happy.

Choosing the Procedure that is Right for You

At Tampa Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, Mommy Makeovers remain one of their most popular options for plastic surgery after pregnancy. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it isn’t just one procedure. Rather, a Mommy Makeover is a group of procedures that a patient chooses with the help of her board-certified plastic surgeon. Most Mommy Makeovers in Tampa include breast augmentation and tummy tuck. Still, you may also choose to include procedures that address changes to your buttocks, labia, and vagina for a complete revitalization.

Of course, each of these procedures comes with their own set of risks. So, it is important that you find a surgeon you can trust. During your consultation, look for a specialist who listens to your needs and speaks to you frankly regarding risks and recovery periods. These will vary widely based on the procedures you request, so listen carefully during your initial consultation. If you are worried that the potential risks are too high or the recovery period is too long, then ask Dr. Brown about alternative plastic surgery in Tampa. A Mini Tummy Tuck or Laser Skin Resurfacing may better suit your needs and give you the results you want with far less downtime.