Pregnancy and childbirth change you, and for all the joys that come with this period of life, many women don’t love the body they’re left with. Sagging breasts, a thickened waistline, and altered vaginal anatomy can cause feelings of negative self-esteem and low confidence, but a mommy makeover in Richmond, VA, can help enhance a post-pregnancy figure. Dr. John Zinsser, a skilled mommy makeover surgeon at Zinsser Plastic Surgery, can help you design a custom procedure tailored to your needs so you can get the results you want.
Why Weight Matters for a Mommy Makeover
When you undergo a mommy makeover at your ideal weight, your procedure and results often go more smoothly. Extra weight can increase the risks of infection, poor wound healing, and anesthesia complications, but having surgery when you’re near your ideal weight decreases these risks.
Starting at a stable weight can also allow Dr. Zinsser to sculpt and contour your body more accurately for natural-looking, long-lasting results. If you lose a lot of weight after a mommy makeover, your skin may start to sag, but maintaining a stable weight after surgery prevents loose skin.
What Is Typically Included in a Mommy Makeover?
For each patient, Dr. Zinsser creates an individualized surgical plan. Some typical mommy makeover procedures include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift with or without implants
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
- Vaginal rejuvenation
Your custom combination is performed under general anesthesia, and the length of your surgery depends on the options you choose. At your mommy makeover consultation in Richmond, Dr. Zinsser will listen to your desires and concerns, perform a gentle assessment, and discuss all your options so you can make an informed decision.
Who Should Get a Mommy Makeover
The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover in Richmond should have good general health, realistic expectations of the surgery, and shouldn’t smoke. Mommy makeover candidates should also be finished with having children and breastfeeding, understand the surgical risks, and have time and help at home to recover well after the procedure.
Women who have a mommy makeover at their ideal weight often recover from surgery more quickly—an important factor if you have little ones who need your attention.
Ideal Mommy Makeover Weight Varies
In general, patients should have a BMI of 30 or lower before they consider a mommy makeover. However, ideal weight varies. Body type, height, and muscle mass can all affect your ideal weight.
Dr. Zinsser can assess your body weight against all these factors at your consultation and make recommendations for the timing of your procedure. Once you’ve identified your ideal weight, it’s best to get within 10 to 15 pounds of that number before surgery.
How Long Does Postpartum Weight Retention Last?
Every woman loses weight after childbirth on their own schedule, but many return to their pre-pregnancy weight within 6 to 12 months. This range depends on several factors:
- Weight gain during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise habits
- Overall health or underlying conditions
Women who breastfeed tend to lose weight faster, but metabolism can vary, meaning some women naturally lose weight faster than others.
What Happens If You Don’t Lose Weight Before Surgery?
Having surgery before you reach your ideal weight can lessen the procedure’s aesthetic effectiveness, but it also comes with additional risks. These risks can include more strain on the heart and a higher risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung).
Extra weight can also slow down wound healing, which can increase your risk of infection. But you can avoid these risks by attaining your ideal weight before a mommy makeover, so you can heal faster and enjoy beautiful results.
How Do I Prepare My Body for a Mommy Makeover?
To prepare your body for a mommy makeover and get closer to your ideal weight, you can:
- Exercise regularly: Consistent physical activity can boost your heart health, which helps with your recovery. Try to get 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity plus two days of muscle-strengthening exercises every week.
- Follow a healthy diet: When you choose foods full of vitamins and minerals, your body can attain a healthy weight before surgery and heal much better after. Try to limit sugar, salt, and processed foods for the most benefit.
- Stop smoking: Nicotine slows down healing and can increase your risk for complications after surgery. It’s vital to quit smoking for at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery and stick with it for another 4 to 6 weeks afterwards.
- Slow down on alcohol: Alcohol can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding after surgery, so try to avoid or limit your alcohol intake for at least 2 weeks before and after your procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. John Zinsser
If you’re ready to find out more about the possibilities of a mommy makeover, our team at Zinsser Plastic Surgery is ready to assist you. We are committed to helping you achieve long-lasting results so you can reclaim the body you love. Schedule your consultation with Dr. John Zinsser today by calling us at (804) 474-9805 or completing our online form.