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Top parenting stories this week
Post-Partum Plastic Surgery
If your post-baby body has you contemplating surgery, here’s what you should know about the procedures most often chosen by moms
by: Alison Dunn
In This Article
Post-Baby Plastic Surgery
- The most common procedures moms choose are breast augmentations and tummy tucks.
- Most surgeons recommend waiting until you've finished having children before going for a tummy tuck or breast reduction.
- It can take six weeks to fully recover from these types of surgery.
- Wait at least nine months after weaning before undergoing any breast procedures to ensure there is no milk left in your ducts.
- Most women who undergo breast augmentation can breastfeed if they have another child, but women who have breast reductions have more difficulty.
f you're having trouble accepting your post-baby body and are considering a major "mommy makeover," here's what you should know about the plastic surgery procedures most often chosen by moms:
1. Breast Augmentation
Many women complain that their breasts are smaller or look saggy from breastfeeding. Breast augmentation is probably the most common post-baby procedure, says Dr. Sean Brian Rice, a plastic surgeon in Toronto.
What it is: A surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and places breast implants under the skin and tissue of the breasts. The incisions can be made in the creases of the breasts, in a circle around the nipples and areolas, or in the armpits.
There are several different types of implants available–most are filled with either a form of silicone gel or saline (saltwater) solution. Today's silicone gel implants are nothing like the ones that caused problems a few years ago, Dr. Rice says. Today, the gel implants are much safer and are designed to mimic real breast tissue.
What to expect: The surgery takes about 45 minutes under general anesthetic and can be done on an outpatient basis. Many plastic surgeons have operating rooms in their offices and you can usually go home the same day.
Dr. Rice says you can expect to be back at work within a week, although you should avoid heavy lifting for about two weeks. You can resume physical activity in two to four weeks.
Special considerations: The majority of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery can breastfeed again if they have another child. However, Dr. Rice recommends waiting at least nine months to a year after weaning before undergoing the procedure.
Cost: $6,500 to $8,000
