Many women who embarked upon working careers, before becoming mothers, are often faced with going back to work after childbirth.  For some, the need to regain their self confidence and appearance is important to them.  Childbirth can cause a wide range of changes to a woman’s body, which include a flabby tummy, visible stretch marks and increased weight gain.  A woman’s breasts can also be permanently changed as a result of childbirth, in some cases losing their perkiness and firmness altogether.

There are many surgical procedures that are available to turn back the clock and help a woman regain her pre-childbirth appearance.  This is known as a “Mommy Makover,” which include the following procedures:

Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes the excess skin and fat caused by muscle stretching and skin laxity as a result of childbirth.  A surgeon will carefully make an incision, usually below the bikini line, and cut away the excessive skin and fat.  They may also need to tighten up the abdomino-muscles with sutures as well as recreate the belly button since it is often removed in the procedure.  Recovery times can vary per person, however, expect at least a week or two down time with up to six weeks recover before feeling completely back to normal.  Women who are in a better physical condition usually have a shorter recovery time than those that don’t.  Click here to learn more about a tummy tuck abdominoplasty.

Liposuction: Liposuction is the process of using a small cannula, inserted past the dermis of the skin that sucks out and removes localized deposits of fat.

• Tumescent Liposuction, uses large volumes of natural saline solution combined with diluted lidocaine and adrenaline which is injected into the fatty tissue.  The tumesent technique allows for a smaller cannula to remove the fat – and reduces the amount of bruising and bleeding.
• Hydroliposculpture, uses a combination of fluid injection liposuction in conjunction with a specifically designed flexible ultrasonic cannula.  This type of procedure is most known for being the most gentle.  Unfortunately, many surgeons prefer not to use this method because it requires the use of two different liposuction systems simultaneously.
• Ultrasonic Liposuction utilizes a high frequency vibrating cannula to loosen and melt the localized fat deposits.  First and second generation ultrasonic liposuction equipment suffered from producing too much heat as a result of inadequate cooling for the device.  This often resulted in “cooking” the surrounding tissue causing a whole host of problems including nerve damage.
• Laser Assisted Liposuction, is the newest form of liposuction.  It uses a small focused laser with low energy waves to melt and break up the localized fat deposits.  This method  requires less recovery time for the patient and produces the smallest scar.

Dr. Park and Dr. Sorosky can help you determine what type of liposuction would be best for you.  To learn more about liposuction click here.

Breast Augmentation: In some cases women may desire to have breast augmentation or a breast lift (mastopexy) with their Mommy Makover to regain their pre-childbirth figure. There are many options for women who desire breast augmentation.  Women have the option to request saline or silicone gel implants, size, shape, placement of the implant and even incision.  These choices are best saved after personal research and a consultation with your surgeon since every women is different with regards to her own body and personal goals.  To learn more about breast augmentation click here.

Dr. Park is ab expert in Mommy Makeovers and would be happy to consult with you on your many options to achieve your goals.