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Plastic surgery helps thousands of women each year restore their bodies after the dramatic changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
Our bodies simply aren’t the same after giving birth, but certain procedures can help women look and feel better than they ever did before.
There are several procedures women can use to bounce back after pregnancy, and many can be combined into a single procedure famously known as the Mommy Makeover.
For moms in need of rejuvenation, post-partum plastic surgery is a great way to improve and even strengthen your body after giving birth.
Breast Rejuvenation After Pregnancy
Bringing a child into this world can be tough on new mothers. You’re faced with a brand new baby and body that’s rapidly changing in ways you might not have expected.
For example, many women struggle with weight fluctuations after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This can eventually cause certain areas of the body, especially the belly and breasts, to start to sag as skin tissue stretches and grows weaker.
For new mothers, breast augmentation can be done together with a breast lift to restore and perk up breasts.
Breast Implants
Procedure Timeline: The procedure takes between one to three hours to complete. Dr. Alexander uses incisions along the breasts to then place implants, customized for each patient’s needs.
Recovery takes about six weeks, with most patients going back to work within two weeks after surgery.
Results: Noticeably bigger breasts for a fuller, shapely bustline.
Breast Lift
Procedure Timeline: This surgery also involves the use of incisions, usually around the areola, to allow Dr. Alexander to remove extra tissue and lift breasts higher.
Recovery takes about six to eight weeks.
Results: Breasts that are firmer and sit higher, often creating a fuller-looking bustline.
Liposuction After Pregnancy
It’s common to gain weight during pregnancy, but many women struggle to rid themselves of the excess fat after childbirth. Pregnancy also stretches skin and muscles, causing certain areas to sag or droop.
Liposuction can be used to help women remove and contour those stubborn extra inches for a svelte, sculpted shape again.
Procedure Timeline: The procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours to complete, depending on the size of the area treated.
Dr. Alexander creates incisions in areas where fat will be removed, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips. Small thin tubes called cannulas are inserted into the targeted area, and then the fat is suctioned out.
Recovery can take several weeks, with patients using compression bandages and avoiding strenuous activity for ideal healing.
Results: A noticeably firmer, improved body contour with less excess fat in target areas
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy
Procedure Timeline: For women who are done having children, a tummy tuck directly addresses the extra fat left behind on their bellies for a firmer, smoother outline.
It involves a horizontal incision along the abdomen, which Dr. Alexander uses to remove any excess fat and skin.
Recovery can take four to six weeks. A compression garment will be used to facilitate healing.
Results: A flatter, firmer midsection and improved body contour.
Labiaplasty After Pregnancy
Some women may find that their labia (the “lips” that form the inner and outer parts of the vagina) have changed due to childbirth—and not always in the best way.
The labia may become enlarged, stretched, or loose, and are now uncomfortable or even painful.
Labiaplasty directly targets these concerns by reducing the excess skin and tissues “down there” for complete rejuvenation.
Procedure Timeline: It typically takes Dr. Alexander about an hour to complete a labiaplasty. He will carefully remove excess tissue, reducing scarring while keeping the natural shape intact.
Recovery can take several weeks. Sex or any other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a month or two, but most patients can go back to work within two weeks.
Results: Shorter labia that no longer droops or stretches and a beautifully natural appearance. Most women are happy with their results, with labiaplasty generally having a satisfaction rate of over 90 percent, according to studies.
Recovering From Post-Partum Plastic Surgery
Getting plastic surgery is a commitment where time to rest is crucial.
But for busy moms, life doesn’t stop for a break so easily.
It’s important to prepare ahead of time before undergoing plastic surgery to ensure recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Here’s some tips for moms looking for smoothest recovery possible after plastic surgery:
1. Arrange help with childcare in advance: Most procedures will require a few weeks of healing. Try to get extra babysitting in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it as you take the time needed to fully recover.
Enlist a loved one, friend, or babysitter to help take care of the kids, especially in the first few days after surgery when movement is limited.
2. Get help around the house: Make sure you clean the area where you will be resting and recovering prior to your arrival from the hospital.
Anything too strenuous will have to be avoided for a few weeks, so extra help around the house can help keep a household running smoothly as you rest.
3. Take the time you need to rest: The most important aspect of recovery is giving your body the time it needs to heal. This can only be achieved by taking some time off and resting.
Even if you start to feel better within days, follow all of your doctor’s post-op instructions for recovery. Don’t try to do too much as your body heals.
Drink as much water as you can, and sleep as much as you need to.
Interested in Learning More?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander at either our North Miami or Fort Lauderdale offices by calling us at 954-589-0722; 305-756-8743 or visiting our website online.