Refine and Rejuvenate
Despite the overwhelmingly positive attitudes we have about pregnancy and childbirth, many women experience significant changes in their bodies during the time they are pregnant or breast feeding. The changes result from weight gain, stretching of the skin, hormonal changes and the nutritional and genetic influences that also play a role during pregnancy. Even with an intense diet and exercise regimen many women cannot undo the changes that have occurred during pregnancy.
The 'mommy makeover' is a term popularized to describe the various procedures that can be used to help a woman regain her pre-pregnancy shape. For more information about how Miami board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Harrell can help you recapture your figure before motherhood, please call (954) 526-0066 today.
Restoring the Breasts*
The breasts can dramatically increase in size during pregnancy and breast feeding. For some patients the ultimate result can be breasts that are sagging, breasts that have lost significant volume and frequently a combination of both problems. Loss of volume can be easily corrected by breast augmentation. Available techniques include the placement of implants filled with saline or silicone as well as fat transfer for suitable patients. A breast lift (mastopexy) is another procedure designed to improve the shape of the breasts by removing excess skin to create more lifted, youthful looking breasts.
Restoring the Abdomen*
A significant number of women experience significant changes in the abdomen during and following childbirth. The growth of the baby causes persistent increased stretching of the abdominal skin and in some women this results in tearing of the deep skin which results in 'stretch marks'. In some women the skin never contracts back totally, leaving them with loose skin which may form a fold in the pubic area or create loose skin overhanging the umbilicus.
The umbilicus itself may appear deformed and may even develop a hernia. In addition to these possibilities the stretching of the muscles of the abdominal wall can create permanent laxity with a round contour. Caesarian section patients have the additional possibility of scar related deformities and further damage to the abdominal muscles. As if this wasn't enough, many patients develop persistent and unwanted collections of fat around the abdomen that can be difficult to improve even with diet and exercise.
The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure can correct many of the concerns noted above. Designed properly, the skin can be tightened, the muscular layer of the abdomen can be flattened, small hernias can be repaired and in most patients the contour of the abdomen can be made to look youthful and toned. The incision is hidden low in the abdomen and is covered by typical 'bikini' type underwear and swimwear.
Restoring Body Contours*
After pregnancy and breast feeding, many women find their weight returning to its pre pregnancy level. However I see many women who, despite dieting and exercising, simply cannot get their weight back to where it was. A large problem can be localized areas of stubborn fat collections that seemingly refuse to leave. In cases like this, liposuction can offer a quick and virtually permanent correction of the residual hip rolls, thigh rolls and other collections of fat that cannot be removed by more conservative means.
Dr. Harrell frequently sees women who can drop one to two dress sizes following liposuction. In others, they simply fit better in their clothes and have a more youthful figure. Liposuction is frequently combined with breast and abdominal procedures when indicated.
Please call (954) 526-0066 or complete our online contact form to ask questions or set up a complimentary appointment at The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Harrell serves patients in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and elsewhere in South Florida.