Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD - The Aesthetic Institute
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Orange County | Fullerton, CA

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Category: Body Contouring

Body Contouring Procedures After Pregnancy and Childbirth

6 Minute Read: 

Three curvy women in colored bikinis standing arm-in-arm.

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Childbirth is the most incredible experience a woman can go through. The result of it is the most precious gift and the source of joy unlike any other. Still, the immense happiness comes at a considerable price for a new mom’s body. Namely, pregnancy, giving birth, losing a substantial amount of weight, and breastfeeding come with some not so delightful physical changes. And the consequences of these changes may linger for quite a long time. Some of these are excess loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, there is little strict dieting, and strenuous exercise can do about this. Thankfully, body contouring procedures after pregnancy and childbirth are a great option that gives fantastic results.

What Is Body Contouring?

Body contouring or body sculpting has become very popular with young moms trying to get their old figure back after childbirth. It involves several procedures that all give excellent results relatively quickly. The most popular surgical practices included under the umbrella term body contouring are tummy tuck, liposuction, breast enhancement, and vaginal rejuvenation. If we combine all of these procedures, we get what is knows as Mommy Makeover

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Body Sculpting?

To be considered a good candidate for one of the body contouring procedures after pregnancy and childbirth, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • your weight is ideal or near that number
  • your weight doesn’t oscillate much
  • you are not a smoker or willing to quit
  • you are in good general health
  • your expectations and goals are realistic.

Given that there is a range of factors that can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for body sculpting procedures, it would be best to schedule a consultation with your doctor. They will be happy to answer all your questions and resolve any dilemmas. Furthermore, a medical professional is the only person who can advise you on the adequate procedure for your particular situation.

Close-up image of a pregnant belly against a peach background.

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A woman has to take care of herself during pregnancy and after.

Also, it’s necessary that you are in an appropriate physical and mental state to undergo any of the surgical procedures. Just like you need proper preparation and care during pregnancy, you also need to take care of yourself after pregnancy. That way, you will ensure you are a good candidate for the surgical practice you wish or need. 

Different Body Contouring Procedures After Pregnancy and Childbirth to Consider

As mentioned, there are several surgical procedures that body sculpting involves. Let’s take a look at them.

Cosmetic Procedures Around the Abdomen

During pregnancy, the skin stretches. If a woman carries multiple babies or she has had multiple pregnancies, there can be excessive stretching. After childbirth, it is expected that the skin doesn’t go back to its original state. Consequently, there can be a lot of excess sagging skin. Moreover, abdominal wall muscles can separate; even despite the regular physical activity, a woman can still have a big pregnancy-like stomach. And, of course, there will likely be a few stretch marks.

While these are reminders of a beautiful period of a woman’s life and the greatest gift of all, they can severely impact her confidence. Luckily, two procedures can help tremendously around the tummy area.

Liposuction

Liposuction involves breaking up fat cells and removing excess fat from various areas of the body. Many women struggle to eliminate stubborn fat deposits from their abdomen, arms, legs, and bottom. Therefore, they decide to try liposuction. This plastic surgery procedure can do wonders in restoring a woman’s confidence and help her get her pre-pregnancy body back. Moreover, this procedure is relatively simple, and recovery doesn’t take long.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that many women undergo after childbirth. Like liposuction, abdominoplasty also involves the removal of fat deposits. However, it also removes excess skin. Women usually opt for this surgery if there is loose skin they can’t get rid of. Also, in case abdominal wall muscles separated during pregnancy, this procedure will tighten them. While this is as standard a procedure as liposuction, it is more invasive too, and thus, the recovery takes a bit longer.

A woman representing all the benefits of body contouring procedures after pregnancy and childbirth

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After tummy tuck and liposuction, the stomach is flatter and firmer.

After the procedure, the stomach will be firmer and flatter, and the waistline will be better defined. If you have had a C-section, the scar can possibly be incorporated into the existing one. If not, the scar will be positioned on the lower abdomen. That way, it can be easily hidden with most undergarments or swimwear. Moreover, abdominoplasty can remove stretch marks in the lower part of the abdomen.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Women who didn’t have a C-section may want to schedule vaginal rejuvenation, i.e., labiaplasty. The reason behind this decision is that they are worried about their vaginas not being as tight anymore. Therefore, they believe it may make sex less pleasant both for them and their partners. This procedure, hence, helps women regain their sexual confidence by eliminating those worries and fears. It involves reducing and reshaping the inner labia, and it doesn’t affect the clitoris.

Breast Enhancement

Besides that abdominal area, pregnancy and childbirth can severely affect a woman’s breasts. They expand relatively quickly during pregnancy and can potentially lose elasticity while breastfeeding. Therefore, after everything, they can look deflated, making the woman lose her confidence. However, breast lift or breast augmentation can make an incredible difference. Your breasts can look just as great or even better than before the baby.

A woman posing for a painting wearing black undergarments

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Body contouring procedures after pregnancy and childbirth can help a woman regain her confidence and feel good about her body.

Having a baby is a beautiful experience that women have the privilege to experience. However, what this blessing can do to their bodies is less appreciated. And becoming a mother will imply giving all you have to your little bundle of joy. You will need a lot of time for the baby, a lot of patience, piles of toys, parenting books, baby food recipes. Then, you will need lots of onesies, tiny shoes, bottles, pacifiers, and other adorable baby clothes. Still, don’t forget that you need to do something for yourself.

Being a good and dedicated parent doesn’t mean forgetting and disregarding your needs and feelings entirely—quite the opposite. So, once you have finished breastfeeding and have a bit more time for yourself, body contouring procedures after pregnancy and childbirth can help you regain your confidence and start feeling good in your body again. If you are in good general health, these surgeries are perfectly safe, and it won’t take ages to recover from them.

Top Reasons Why Winter Is the Best Time for Body Contouring

5 Minute Read: 

Woman in underwear against a mirror

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Body contouring combines several different plastic surgery procedures with the same aim – to remove excess skin and fat, tighten loose skin, and lift areas of the body that are drooping. It treats several different body parts and regions, including the neck, arms, thighs, hips, breasts, and buttocks. Combining different procedures into one surgery makes it possible for the patient to recover from only one surgery appointment, instead of having multiple procedures and extended recovery periods over the years. Body contouring can completely transform a person’s appearance and boost their confidence. 

And winter is the best time for body contouring, so schedule your liposuction for the summer, or book another procedure to get your desired body shape before the beach season.

It’s Easier to Take Time Off for Recovery

Many people have extra time off during the winter. That makes it easier to schedule a week or two of downtime without using up all the paid time off. It also allows people to take time off without anyone wondering why and without a necessity to explain their choices to colleagues.

If you have school-aged kids, book a mommy makeover procedure once the school is back in session. That will allow you to have more peace at home and rest after your surgery.

Winter Clothes Hide Fresh Scars

When the patient recovers from body contouring, they have signs of the surgical procedure all over their body, such as:

  • Scars
  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Swelling

That’s all normal and unavoidable after such a surgery. However, fresh scars and other signs are much easier to hide beneath a chunky sweater and comfy pants than a summer dress. Full-coverage clothing is good for protecting healing incisions from sunlight. Bulky, loose, and baggy clothes are essential if you want healing incisions to fade optimally and to be more comfortable while you’re recovering. After plastic surgery, a patient is often advised to avoid direct sunlight. UV rays weaken the body’s ability to heal naturally. Post-op wounds are very sensitive, and scars exposed continuously to sunlight risk being burned. This can lead to post-operative scar tissues growing darker and thicker. The resulting discoloration may never fully go away, which is one of the main reasons why winter is the best time for body contouring.

Woman smiling in comfortable winter clothes

*Model – Fresh scars and other post-op signs are much easier to hide beneath cozy, bulky clothes.

Recovery Is More Comfortable

After the right abdominal procedure for each patient or any other body contouring procedure, a person must wear a compression garment for a few weeks. That supports the results and controls swelling. However, those garments get hot and sweaty, especially during the summer, because of high temperatures, sunshine, and humidity. During the winter, compression wear serves as a sort of cozy thermal underwear for the post-operational stage and allows the patient to stay nice and warm as the temperature outside gets colder. Furthermore, cool weather helps to keep post-op swelling under control. It’s because a patient’s body isn’t working as hard to dissipate heat.

Be Ready for Swimsuit Season

Many people find it hard to wait a couple of months before showing off their results after liposuction or a tummy tuck. However, if they decide to have a procedure done in winter that makes it easier to be patient and pay attention to the plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions. When the hot weather is finally there, a patient will get rid of their compression garment and be ready for the summer in the City of Angels. People from California know that winter is the best time for body contouring, so they wait patiently to show off their bikini bodies proudly on the beach in the summer. By that time, they don’t have any restrictions on activities or their clothes.

Fit blonde in bikini chilling in a pool

*Model – Women who decide on a body contouring during winter can proudly show off their bikini body in summer.

You Don’t Have to Admit That You’ve Had a Plastic Surgery

The most common New Year’s resolutions everybody makes are to eat healthier, get more sleep, stick to exercises, etc. These are great habits to adopt, but if you’ve already tried it and the results didn’t show, body contouring is the right choice. Everybody wants to look better and slimmer, and body contouring procedures can secure predictable and reliable results. Patients who jump-start their fat loss goals with liposuction or other procedures often find it easier to stick with a healthy routine of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

That’s because their results motivate them to stay on the right track. If the patent decides to book a fat reduction procedure in the first months of the year, the final results will be visible by spring. That’s the perfect timing if you want to go along with the story that you’ve just spent more time at the gym and decided to follow your New Year’s resolutions. Not everyone is comfortable sharing with the world they have had any cosmetic surgeries done. That should be a choice each individual has to make.

Woman pointing at the sky on a seashore

*Model – Patients often find it easier to stick with a healthy routine after liposuction or other body contouring procedures.

Ready to Get in Shape?

To be considered a good candidate for body contouring procedure, you should be in good overall health and understand what results you can realistically expect. The best time for plastic surgery is the time that works best for each patient. However, winter is the best time for body contouring because recovery is more comfortable. If you’ve decided to get that long-awaited tummy tuck now, schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon and take advantage of the following winter weeks. A good plastic surgeon will explain the surgery procedure and recovery process from the beginning till the end, so you’ll know what to expect. Body contouring will address many imperfections and boost your confidence. It will give you a more youthful, attractive, and revitalized appearance that you dreamed of for so long.

Complement Your Weight Loss With a Body Lift

beautiful young woman with big jeansLosing a tremendous amount of weight is an inspiring accomplishment for those who are dedicated to leading a healthier lifestyle. Significant weight loss often leads to sagging, excess skin from the waist down due to a loss of skin elasticity. When diet and exercise stop producing the results you desire, you may want to consider undergoing body lift surgery to enhance your figure after weight loss.

Tighten a Droopy Tummy

Wald Abdominoplasty PatientOne of the most bothersome outcomes of dramatic weight loss is droopy abdominal skin. Many people expect the hard work involved in shedding pounds to result in a flatter tummy, but that is not always the case. Body lift surgery usually includes a tummy tuck procedure, which removes excess skin and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. Body lift patients can enjoy a firmer midsection that displays the success of their weight loss efforts.

Lift a Saggy Behind

Two other features that can become compromised after losing a substantial amount of weight are the thighs and buttocks. While you may be able to build gluteal muscles for a rounder, more prominent bum, excess sagging buttocks and thigh skin cannot be fixed using traditional at-home methods. A body lift may involve a buttock and thigh lift, smoothing these areas for a more pleasing shape.

Remove Stubborn Fat Deposits

Being able to target pockets of unwanted fat with diet and exercise would be convenient, but, unfortunately, it is not possible. After massive weight loss, it is likely you will experience uneven and disheartening fat distribution. Liposuction is typically performed during body lift surgery to smooth out the lumps and bumps of troublesome fat, resulting in a smoother, sleeker silhouette.

If you are looking to revamp your body and are interested in undergoing body lift surgery, contact Dr. Ward by calling 714-312-3549 to set up your consultation.

Am I Ready for Plastic Surgery?

The demand for plastic surgery continues to stay on the rise. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2016 statistics, more than $15 billion dollars were spent on plastic surgery in the last year. It isn’t surprising though, as most people care about their looks and want to stick to the societal standard to maintain a young and fresh appearance. Some might try to improve their body and/or face with diet, exercise, and at-home treatments, but even with rigorous efforts, they have little to no success. The only way for some people to meet their aesthetic goals is through plastic surgery. However, plastic surgery is a serious process, and it may not be for everyone. How do you know if you are ready for plastic surgery?

Are You a Plastic Surgery Candidate?Liposuction Patient Before and After photo by Dr. Wald

There are several factors patients must consider before they undergo a plastic surgery procedure. Making sure you are ready, emotionally and physically, for surgery will ensure the most comfortable and safe surgical process possible. Here are some questions you should ask yourself first:

  • Are you realistic in your expectations?: Plastic surgery is designed to enhance and rejuvenate a person’s natural features. Patients should be realistic in their expectations. They should be aware that plastic surgery is not going to provide them with a dramatic change but rather a more youthful, enhanced version of themselves.
  • Are you physically healthy?: Surgery involves anesthesia and recovery. Someone who is not physically healthy has a higher risk of complications. Patients should be honest with their surgeon about their medical history and any current medical conditions. If a surgical procedure appears unsuitable for a patient, Dr. Wald offers a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as SculpSure®, that provide beautiful results without as many risks and with minimal recovery time.
  • Have you already tried diet and exercise to achieve your goals?: Patients considering body contouring procedures such as liposuction should not treat plastic surgery as a weight loss method. It is recommended that patients be at or near their ideal body weight with only a few pockets of fat they would like to target.
  • Are you willing to maintain your results?: Plastic surgery is not a permanent solution to one’s body and facial flaws. The best patients are willing to maintain their results with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Patients should stick to a regular exercise regimen and skin care routine to achieve a longer-lasting outcome. It is also highly recommended to refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in excess.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you a candidate for cosmetic surgery? If you answered yes to the above questions, now is the time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wald. He can discuss your goals and concerns as well as evaluate your anatomy and health to help you decide if you are suited for a cosmetic procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical. Dr. Wald will go over all of your options and design a personalized surgery plan.

Dr. Wald is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in performing several procedures and techniques for the face, breasts, and body. Schedule your consultation by calling us at (714) 312-3549 or fill out our online contact form.

What Is the Right Abdominal Contouring Procedure for Me?

An abdomen that lacks definition and tone can prevent men and women from feeling comfortable and confident in their bodies. For many people, traditional diet and exercise cannot correct all of their abdominal problems. It is common to become discouraged when your hard effort stops yielding the results you desire. Dr. Wald offers a variety of procedures to treat common issues that are preventing you from having the abdominal contour you desire.

Reasons You Lack Abdominal Definition

A lack of abdominal definition is caused by excess fat, excess skin, or a combination of the two. The severity of your excess tissue will determine which procedure is best suited for you. Localized fat around the abdomen, especially in patients who work out, can be caused by a genetic predisposition to store fat in the abdomen. Recent weight loss can cause skin laxity and excess tissue to develop.

SculpSure® ResultsCreating Abdominal Definition

Dr. Wald undergoes a thorough consultation with all of his patients to determine which abdominal contouring procedure is best suited for them. While each patient is unique, these are general guidelines to help determine which procedure is best for you.

Tummy Tuck ResultsMinimal Fat and Minor Laxity

Patients with stubborn fat deposits and minor laxity issues can benefit from SculpSure®. As a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment, SculpSure® eliminates unwanted fat from the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and back. In addition to fat elimination, SculpSure® can also promote skin tightening in patients with minor laxity issues.

Excess Fat and Skin

Following pregnancy and weight loss, patients are likely to have excess skin on the abdomen that prevents from having the contour they desire. Tummy tuck surgery is ideal for patients who require more extensive contouring because of redundant folds of skin. Women post-pregnancy may benefit most from tummy tuck surgery because the abdominal muscles can be tightened during the procedure.

No matter the reason for your lack of abdominal definition, Dr. Wald has a treatment for you. Schedule your consultation today. Call us at (714) 312-3549 or contact us online.

Dr. Wald Looks forward to
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Robert Wald, MD
100 E. Valencia Mesa Drive, Suite 300
Fullerton, CA 92835


Phone: 714-312-3549
Fax: 714-738-1862

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