There is no denying that each and every woman faces issues over her stomach and breasts after baby no matter how little she gained during pregnancy and no matter how well she "bounced back" after baby. Not only that, but once a woman is on her second, third, or fourth baby, her body just doesn't look the same no matter how much she breastfeeds, diets or exercises.
In today's world, the media, the fashion industry and Hollywood are all focused on image, and as we all know image is everything. Fortunately good genetics, diet and exercise can certainly minimize the effects of pregnancy; however, there is just so much we can do about mother nature. There are women who will suffer from stretch marks, enlarged nipples, saggy breasts, and excess skin post-baby no matter how hard they try to defy genetics and gravity.
Because of the effects of pregnancy, today more women are turning towards plastic surgery to reverse the changes that pregnancy has created in their bodies. A large percentage of women opt for breast augmentation after pregnancy since after baby, their breasts have lost their formerly "perky" appearance and even become saggy. Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that it's not necessarily breastfeeding that does all the damage, but pregnancy itself.
Even women who either couldn't breastfeed because of a busy career, or women who were physically incapable of breastfeeding and chose formula instead, even they have dramatically different looking breasts after giving birth via c-section or vaginal delivery. Whether you breastfeed or not, the woman's body still goes under major hormonal changes during pregnancy and her breasts become engorged following delivery, as every mother knows!
After giving birth or after weaning, the breasts naturally become saggy. Just how much your breasts return to their pre-pregnancy look will all depend upon how much weight you gained during pregnancy, genetics and your skin elasticity. Other factors that come into play are smoking and excessive sun exposure, both of which can diminish the skin's natural elasticity.
What if your breasts don't "bounce back?" Fortunately, breast augmentation might be the right option for you, and it may give you the opportunity to not only have firm breasts once more, but you can achieve better-looking breasts than ever before. These days, some women are hesitant to get breast implants because they are afraid of them looking fake as in the older versions; however, today breast implants are more natural looking than ever before. Not only that, but today's implants can last as long as 15 years and women have the choice of choosing between silicone or saline implants, both of which are considered to be safe options.
Believe it or not, the size of your breasts before baby may dictate what type of procedure you get. For example, if a woman's breasts were an A or B cup before baby, then they will most likely need an implant. On the other hand, if the woman's breasts were a larger C or D cup before baby, then they may need a lift.
Each and every woman's particular situation is unique and will have to be evaluated by a surgeon. Mothers are extremely important and as we all know, a happy mother makes a happy, healthy family. Women often times get so wrapped up in caring for their families that they forget to take care of themselves. For many women, the appearance of their breasts is an important part of how they look and feel before their colleagues, their husbands, and their friends, and we always take this into consideration.
If you are interested in a "Mommy makeover," we encourage you to contact Board-Certified surgeon Dr. Gorodisky at West Coast Plastic Surgery Center to schedule your first consultation. We work with clients that are mothers each and every day and we are very sensitive to the effects pregnancy has on a woman's body, and we are here to assist you in achieving the post-baby body that you have been dreaming of!