Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD - The Aesthetic Institute
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Body Contouring Procedures After Pregnancy and Childbirth

6 Minute Read: 

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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.

Dr. Wald Looks forward to
helping you reach your
cosmetic goals.
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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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