Moms Deserve To Be a Little Selfish
This is the time of year we celebrate mothers for giving so much to their children, husbands and families. Many moms sacrifice their time, careers and often times their body – to experience the joys of motherhood. The combination of pregnancy with overall aging can result in unshapely breasts, stretch marks, loose skin and redeposited fat. While diet and exercise can help mothers look and feel better after having children, sometimes surgical intervention is necessary to fully address post-pregnancy concerns.
I see many moms in my practice who are unhappy with sagging breasts after breast feeding or may have loose abdominal skin and stretch marks. They want to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies AND their self-confidence. But often times, these self-less mothers who have sacrificed so much for others struggle with the decision to invest in themselves and undergo plastic surgery. I always try to reassure these ‘guilty’ moms that after everything they have given others, it’s perfectly acceptable to give back to themselves.
Although the definition varies by plastic surgeon, typically a mommy makeover combines breast surgery such as an augmentation or breast lift with body contouring procedures including liposuction or a tummy tuck. As long as the patients are healthy and the surgery can be performed by a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon in a reasonable time, mommy makeovers are perfectly safe. By performing multiple procedures in one surgery, patients often save time and money, and can generally expect results more quickly.
When considering a mommy makeover, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has provided the following suggestions :
- Wait at least six months to a year after having your last child before undergoing mommy makeover procedures.
- Be specific about your post-baby body goals so that your plastic surgeon can recommend the best procedures for you.
- If you are trying to lose weight, do so before undergoing the procedures.
After months of pregnancy, hours of labor, years of breast feeding and decades of dedication to your children and family, you deserve something special just for you!
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.
