Pregnancy is a transformative experience—both physically and emotionally. While bringing a child into the world is incredibly fulfilling, changes to the body can be significant and long-lasting. For those looking to restore their pre-pregnancy contours, a board-certified plastic surgeon can provide a Mommy Makeover—a life-changing, fully customizable cosmetic surgery designed to address your post-pregnancy changes.
Since a Mommy Makeover can include various procedures, it’s helpful to understand how pregnancy and childbirth can impact the body. Parkins Plastic Surgery offers the most effective approach to finding the right solution by providing in-depth education and personalized treatment options to restore confidence and help you achieve your goals! Conveniently located and serving the Madison and Milwaukee areas, they are here to help you on your journey. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common physical changes.
Fat Storage
One of the earliest and most noticeable changes during pregnancy is weight gain, as the body begins storing fat to prepare for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. This fat accumulation is particularly common in the breasts, belly, hips, buttocks, and other areas. While some of this stored energy is naturally used throughout pregnancy and postpartum, many individuals find that certain areas of fat persist long after childbirth, even with a healthy diet and exercise. When these stubborn pockets remain despite lifestyle efforts, liposuction can be an effective solution for breaking up and removing excess fat to restore a more contoured shape.
Stretched-Out Skin
As the baby grows, the uterus expands rapidly, causing the surrounding skin and tissues to stretch. This process happens at an astonishing rate, especially in the third trimester when a fetus can gain more than seven ounces per week. The rapid expansion often leads to the development of stretch marks, particularly on the abdomen. While youthful skin has more elasticity, older skin may struggle to adapt to these changes, making it less likely to retract fully after childbirth. This results in sagging, which is most common in the abdominal area and the breasts. A tummy tuck can address this concern by removing excess skin, repairing separated abdominal muscles, and incorporating liposuction if necessary. For sagging breasts, a breast lift can help restore a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Breast Changes
In preparation for breastfeeding, the breasts undergo significant changes due to the development of milk-producing glands. This growth causes the breasts to enlarge, often leading to stretching of the skin and underlying tissues. After childbirth and once breastfeeding ends, the breasts may shrink, remain larger than before, or even become asymmetrical. While some women hope their breasts will return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape, the reality is often unpredictable. Sagging and volume loss are common concerns, which can be addressed with a breast lift to improve shape and elevation. For those who experience a loss of volume, breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer can restore fullness, while breast reduction is an option for those who find their post-pregnancy breasts uncomfortably large.
Other Physical Changes
Every pregnancy is unique, and so are the changes it brings. Some women experience skin discoloration, such as melasma, which causes dark patches on the skin. Others may notice changes in muscle tone, body proportions, or vaginal laxity and dryness. These effects can vary widely, but for those with cosmetic concerns, consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon at Parkins Plastic Surgery can help determine the best course of action to address them.
Learn More
If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover or want to explore your post-pregnancy options, contact Parkins Plastic Surgery at (262) 269-1050 or submit a contact form online. Our practice is conveniently located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Madison, making it easily accessible for patients in all of Southern WI, Central WI, and Northern IL areas.
