Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery After Having a Baby?

A new baby brings joy and makes life more meaningful, but pregnancy, childbirth and nursing can take a toll on your body, sometimes affecting your body image. The postpartum period, (6 weeks after giving birth) is a critical time. Although the main focus is the baby's wellbeing, you need to take care of yourself too.

Your body is going through a healing process and experiencing many chemical and hormonal changes to support this. Some people gain a lot of weight or find it hard to drop the pregnancy weight fast enough. The good thing is, the best time to have any surgical cosmetic procedure is after childbirth. The results will be more permanent.  If you've been postponing a visit to your rhinoplasty surgeon, or want a mommy makeover, a tummy tuck, or a breast reduction procedure, start planning now.

What Happens After You Give Birth?

After pregnancy, you may have stretch marks on your stomach, thighs and arms. Your skin had to stretch to accommodate the baby's growth. Although the belly may shrink back to its former size, you may still have some stubborn loose skin that doesn't go away even after exercise. Your breasts will also enlarge as they prepare to nurture your child. But after you are done with nursing, the breasts may reduce in size, but you may not recover their former shape, size and perkiness. You may also have fat deposits on different parts of your body such as the face, abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

Most moms experience an increased appetite right after childbirth for several months. If they don't control the urge to eat or stick to healthy foods, they may gain a lot of weight fast. Lack of enough sleep, stress, postpartum depression and anxiety can also cause weight gain.

The postpartum period is usually a difficult time for most mothers and newborns. Babies are trying to adjust to the new life, may suffer from gas, fatigue, colic, acid reflux, or even anxiety. Mothers get stressed and lack enough sleep when babies cry all the time and at the same time, have to deal with postpartum pain. Despite the challenges, most babies thrive, and mother and baby establish a schedule that helps them bond, rest and relax.

Also, don't hesitate or feel guilty, asking for help. Some mothers take care of house chores when the baby sleeps, forgetting that they too need the rest and sleep. Have family members help out or hire someone.

Should You Go for Plastic Surgery?

Take the time to identify the parts of your body that you might want to enhance before you make the trip to your surgeon. You should get a good idea of the costs to make sure that you’re able to budget accurately for the treatment. For the aforementioned saggy breasts or any other changes to them, you should take a look at the breast augmentation cost to see if you can cover it. Otherwise, it can be frustrating to start going down a route of treatment only to find yourself blocked enough because you’re not able to pay.

Many women would like to get their pre-baby body or close enough, but it's easier said than done. Some complain that they've tried dieting, and exercise, but they still have stubborn fat, saggy breasts and skin. Plastic surgery can help restore your body or take care of most of the issues such as excess fat and sagging skin. A breast lift(mastopexy)or reduction can result in firmer and perkier breasts.

Before you go for any procedure, first go for a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Express your worries and desires then ask for his suggestions. If you are still breastfeeding, you may want to wait until you are through. Also, its best to have any procedure after you are through with childbirth. It helps to have realistic expectations. The outcome will depend on your body type, how much you weigh and the type of procedure.

After finding out the most appropriate procedure, get to know the cost and the available payment options. Will your insurance company take care of all or part of the cost?  How much time does the process take? How much downtime do you need? Are there any particular medications such as painkillers you need to take?

Schedule an appropriate time to have the procedure. Have someone take care of the baby, and attend to house chores for several days as you recover. Most operations take several hours, and you can walk into the surgeon's office to have the surgery but make sure there is someone to drive you back home.

Are Plastic Surgery Results Permanent?

Although the doctor may not promise permanent results, you can keep the body of your dreams for long with the right care. Make sure to eat healthy foods and exercise, get enough rest and meditate. Most procedures can last for over ten years with proper care. Others such as rhinoplasty are permanent.

To reduce stress and concentrate on your healing journey and the new baby, don't dwell on the post-baby body changes. You will have enough time after recovery to work hard to achieve the body you desire. However, eat healthy meals and start a manageable exercise routine early enough to make the process easier.