Dr. Gutowski in Glenview, IL understands that there is no greater joy a person can experience in life than becoming a parent: but the process of pregnancy and childbirth often causes changes to the body that leave mothers feeling like they have lost a part of themselves. Many mothers are opting for a Mommy Makeover to help restore the body, and self-esteem, to its original state.
A Mommy Makeover is a personalized set of procedures designed to reverse the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. While not every woman will need every procedure offered in this series of procedures, there are four main options that are typically offered. These include:
A breast lift or augmentation is the name of a procedure that is used to enhance the overall appearance of the breasts. Breasts can be made larger and/or more firm by this process. It is also often used to even out the breasts, creating a better sense of symmetry by increasing one breast’s size or moving the placement of the areola.
The breasts expand and contract dramatically during milk production, so it is not uncommon for the skin to stretch during this phase of maternity. This can often leave breasts that are in need of a lift. Some mothers also choose to have breast augmentation done at this time to increase their breast size, offering a more youthful appearance and form.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that is implemented to remove fat tissue from places where diet and exercise aren’t aiding in the minimization. This procedure is typically performed in the hips, belly, thighs, butt, back, arms, and around the face and neck.
Liposuction is typically used to remove minimal fat deposits before a skin tuck, but can also be used to remove some deposits from the hips, thighs, and other areas where accumulation has occurred. This process can help smooth stubborn areas that regularly stand up against typical weight loss and body toning routines.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a process that removes excess skin and tissue along with restoring weakened and separated muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
During a tummy tuck, your surgeon will make a long incision that follows the bikini line. From there, they will pull down the skin of the abdomen to tighten the skin and muscles. If upper abdominal tightening is needed, a second incision is made near the belly button. This not only works to improve the overall appearance of your tummy but can assist in muscular damage repair and even sometimes improve urinary incontinence and irregular urinary flow.
Labiaplasty is sometimes known as labia minora reduction or labial reduction. It is a type of cosmetic procedure that is used to alter the labia minora and labia majora. These are the folds of skin that surround the vulva, and the procedure helps mold them into a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable size ratio.
In some cases, the labia stretches substantially during the process of childbirth. This can cause the labia minora to protrude beyond the labia majora, which can create both physical and emotional discomfort. This increases the risk of chafing during sexual contact or even exercise. Labiaplasty repairs this situation with the removal of excess skin.
A Brazilian Butt Lift is a procedure that uses fat that is removed from other areas of the body to the butt. This adds volume and helps contour this area of the body.
Again, not every procedure will be necessary for every situation. If you would like to include some of these procedures but not all, that is completely feasible. Your procedure process can be customized to your individual needs.
If you are considering this process, you may be wondering about the numerous benefits the process has to offer. While the benefits of the makeover are numerous, you might find that they are also surprising in regard to health benefits that extend far beyond their cosmetic appeal.
Because numerous procedures are taking place at the same time, there is no need for multiple anesthetic applications. Because all procedures can be done under the same anesthetic, there is a reduced risk of complications and a quicker overall recovery.
As your baby grows, you will no doubt want to take lots of photographs and appear at numerous social events geared toward your child’s development. Especially when facing the public, it is important to look and feel your best.
Back pain can be reduced as a result of the procedures included in this process. You might also find that urinary incontinence and difficulties are eased, as can abdominal diastasis, which is common after pregnancy.
Because all procedures are being completed at the same time, the costs of clinical visits and procedure scheduling are reduced. This minimizes the economic impact of the procedures, allowing you to save more money to put toward the needs of your growing family.
When you feel better, you do better. As a mom, it is important to be comfortable with your appearance. Many mothers struggle with reduced self-esteem because of the way their bodies change during pregnancy and childbirth. Reversing these effects can help you move forward into the adventure of motherhood feeling your best.
These are, of course, just some of the many benefits of this series of surgical procedures and won’t apply to all situations. There are other emotional, financial, and physical benefits that are more specific to an individual’s personal situation that can possibly be addressed in one place. If you think any of these procedures might be helpful for you, schedule a consultation to discuss why you want the procedures and if they are right for your situation.
Depending on the options you select for the process, the entire surgical process can take anywhere from three to six hours. While this is a good estimate, it should not be used as a guarantee. Dr. Gutowski is happy to discuss any extenuating circumstances that may exist which would either decrease or minimize this time.
In terms of time off work, the general recommendation is at least two weeks to ensure you are feeling your best before you return to a normal working or exercise regimen. Most will feel ready before the two weeks, however, they should take time to rest. After all: how many opportunities does a new mom get to do so?
Your individual results should last at least a decade, and probably much longer. This is, of course, dependent on you maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the years. While the Mommy Makeover is a great start to a new sense of self, there are lifestyle changes involved in maintaining these effects.
Your doctor can also speak to you about dietary and exercise regimen changes to help maintain the benefits of your Mommy Makeover long after the process is complete.
You will need to wait at least six months after childbirth to schedule your consultation for the procedure process to begin. This ensures that your body is ready for the process and that you have had time to consider it at length. Aside from this, there are a few other criteria that must also be met.
This makeover involves more than one procedure. For this reason, it is extremely important that you be in good health before you begin the process. This means that you should get a clean bill of health from your regular practitioner and be cleared of gestational diabetes, which can interfere with the healing process. You should also discuss the effect any prescription medications you are taking might have on the procedural process.
Furthermore, it should be well understood that a Mommy Makeover is not an efficient “weight loss” procedure. While some areas will be addressed during the process, you will need to have lost the majority of the baby weight before going under the knife. This is necessary for skin re-sectioning, healing, and overall risk reduction.
While this isn’t totally necessary, it is a factor to consider before you begin. Ideally, you will be finished having children before you begin the process to reduce the risk of procedure outcome reversal in subsequent pregnancies. Revision procedures are available if another pregnancy occurs, but not without their own added risks.
Once these criteria are met, you can move forward in the scheduling and consultation process.
There are various things that will be discussed during your consultation. You should be prepared to discuss a number of topics, including:
Your surgeon will walk you through the goals you hope to see as a result of this process. This will include health goals as well as any desires you have for cosmetic changes for your body.
It is important to disclose any health issues or surgeries you have had in the past. While very few things will put you at risk of being excluded from the procedure, it is important to keep your safety at the forefront of the process. The only way your surgeon can give you the results you desire is if they go into the process with all the knowledge they need.
In an effort to ensure you are physically ready for the procedures involved, you will undergo a physical during your consultation. This will include lab work and vitals screening.
Your surgeon will also want to take photographs. Don’t be alarmed. This is a normal part of planning your procedures, and your photos will not be made available to anyone but you and your surgeon. These photographs will help your surgeon map out the procedures involved and create the best possible plan for body sculpting.
Finally, you will have an opportunity to clarify anything you still aren’t understanding about the process. Be sure to ask any questions you have regarding the process and make sure you understand all the aspects discussed concerning your surgical procedures and the process. While it is natural to feel some anxiety, don’t be shy about discussing anything you are unsure about.
Call Dr. Gutowski in Glenview, IL today to schedule your initial consultation and begin the process of your Mommy Makeover. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and it’s never too late to get started on regaining your confidence!
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