There are many patients who seek out a Mommy Makeover out our Portland-based Waldorf Center. Since the body-contouring strategy is not a single procedure, but a customizable suite of strategies chosen for each unique patient, the approach to restoring a pre-baby look is especially popular.
That said, what exactly happens to a pregnant person’s body (and after) that would prompt someone to choose a Mommy Makeover?
The Belly
Most obviously, a growing baby causes skin on the abdomen to stretch. As the baby gets larger, it needs more room—and while the process may feel like it takes forever to the one actually carrying the baby, it actually happens quite rapidly when you consider that you’re building a whole person! Because the growth is so fast, the skin often can’t keep up. Thus, stretch marks form, and the abdominal skin as a whole can have trouble “snapping back” after the baby is out. This can give the belly a deflated look, or even cause the development of a “pooch.”
A growing baby can also cause the abdominal muscles to separate, making them less effective at holding the contents of the abdomen back and resulting in more of a bulge.
A tummy tuck can address both of these issues by repairing the muscles and removing excess, stretched-out skin.
The belly is also a common area for stubborn fat deposits to remain, even after the baby is born. This is because hormone fluctuations that happen throughout pregnancy and beyond cause the body to store more fat, which can help with production of breast milk.
Liposuction, which is surgical fat removal, can remove large fat cells from the belly area and elsewhere.
The Breasts
In anticipation of breastfeeding a newborn baby, a pregnant person’s breasts begin to create milk-producing tissue and grow in volume. This can cause the breasts to increase in size by a cup or two, though the specifics are different for everyone.
In addition to the volume change, the nipples and areolas may darken. Also, much like the rapidly growing belly, skin that can’t keep up with the change can develop stretch marks.
After the baby is born and breastfeeding is completed—if it happens at all—the breasts will “deflate” again, losing their milk-producing capabilities and shrinking in size. This can lead to sagging due to the skin having been stretched out. A breast lift is ideal for elevating the breasts back to a higher position on the chest, as well as repositioning nipples that have begun to point downward.
Breasts do not always go back to their original size, either. They may remain overly large (which can be addressed with a reduction), become smaller than before (which can be addressed with an augmentation), or be obviously asymmetrical (which can be addressed in a number of ways).
The Vaginal Area
Not everyone is comfortable talking about this very intimate area, but the realities of childbirth are that the process can cause the labia to change size and shape, as well as prompt other changes. Labiaplasty is a possibility at The Waldorf Center, as are nonsurgical treatments to improve feminine wellness.
Ready to see what a Mommy Makeover at The Waldorf Center could do for you? Reach out online or call our Portland office at 1.800.310.7901.