Jane hated the "kangaroo pouch" she acquired after her second pregnancy. But even worse than her pouch, were Jane's breasts that now seriously sagged after breast feeding. For many years, Jane's children came first, but Jane came to a point where she said "I'm through ignoring myself, my body has taken a toll....I am undergoing a Mommy Makeover."You might be like Jane. You may want to erase the signs of pregnancy and here is what you should know about getting "The Mom Job".
A "Mommy Makeover" consists of a trifecta: breast enhancement (which may include a lift and/or implants), a tummy tuck and/or liposuction. The Mom Job intends to uplift, reduce stretch marks, remove loose skin and contour your body. Among women in their 30s, there was a 9% to 12% rise in tummy tucks and breast surgery between 2005 and 2006. In 2007, 59 % of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members surveyed said they saw an increase in patients seeking post-childbirth cosmetic surgery procedures in the previous three years. Abdominal skin that becomes stretched during pregnancy does not snap back after the baby is born. The rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically, can separate and the connective tissue becomes lax, adding to the abdominal protrusion. The breasts often sag after delivery and/or breastfeeding because the skin covering them gets overstretched when breasts become engorged during pregnancy and nursing but remains lax after they return to their pre-pregnancy size. The result is less support for the breasts. Some women also lose breast volume as a result of pregnancy. These physical changes are common but not inevitable. Many mothers do not have to contend with these aesthetic issues. Age and how much weight you gain during pregnancy are contributing factors, however, your genetic predisposition is by far the most important.
This trend is a logical extension from our culture that idolizes youth and fitness (i.e. perky breasts and flat tummies). We have images of celebrity "hot mamas" who seem to whip back into shape in no time flat. Additionally, what we also need to take into consideration is that mothers in our time and culture are not simply that...just mothers. They have professional and personal lives outside of the home and don't want to look like a stereotypical mom. Women should not be judged for wanting to look like they did before they got pregnant. Social approval is empowering in our society.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOM JOB.
Tummy Tuck: Excess skin and fat are cut away in an elliptical (football) shape. The scar is usually hidden below the panty line. Vertical abdominal muscles are also tightened. It's a two to three hour procedure that is done under general anesthesia. You may be able to return to work in a couple of weeks but cannot exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
Breast Enhancement: Your options include putting in an implant to increase your volume and/or having a lift to correct ptosis (drooping of the breast). These procedures take between one to two and a half hours and are performed under general anesthesia.
Liposuction: Fat is removed through a canula ( a hollow pen-like instrument). This procedure takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the volume of fat removed. You can usually return to work the next day. Has a lower complication rate than the other surgeries.
Questions concerning The Mom Job with Dr. Mills? Email: diane@danmillsmd.com
For more information on Breast Augmentation visit: www.dcmbreastaugmentation.blogspot.com
For more information and before and after photos regarding Abdominoplasty, Breast Surgery and Liposuction visit: www.danmillsmd.com
You can find 3-D Animations that walk you through each procedure step by step for Dr. Mills' version of "The Mom Job" @ www.danmillsmd.com
