The Post-Maternity Journey: Understanding Body Changes

From pregnancy to childbirth and beyond, the female body undergoes a remarkable journey that often leaves lasting imprints. In this blog article, we will explore the physical transformation and the reasons why some women seek plastic surgery.

Pregnancy and maternity are extraordinary phases in a woman's life, marked by a multitude of changes, both physical and emotional. As the body embarks on this journey, it undergoes numerous transformations to accommodate and support the growing baby. These changes are a natural and essential part of pregnancy, but they can also be overwhelming and challenging.

Body changes during pregnancy and maternity

Abdominal distention

The abdominal wall stretches to accommodate the growing uterus during pregnancy. This can lead to muscle separation (diastasis recti) and loose excess skin postpartum.

Loose skin in the stomach area

As the baby grows larger, the skin naturally stretches to accommodate the expanding size and, in some cases, it won’t go back to its natural shape after childbirth. Saggy skin is usually very hard to get rid of with diet and exercise and that is why a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is so popular among women who have had children.

Stretchmarks

Stretchmarks, also called striae, develop when the elastic fibers located just below the skin break. This usually happens when the body grows very fast during pregnancy or when gaining weight very quickly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 90% of women develop striae when they are seven or more months pregnant. Like saggy skin, stretchmarks can be removed with a tummy tuck or breast lift depending on their location.

Breast size and shape

During pregnancy, the breast size increases due to the hormonal fluctuations and production of milk. When the milk is consumed or absorbed, the size decreases. The same thing that happens to the stomach area happens to the breasts. They usually stretch out and are unable to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and size. 

Stubborn fat deposits

Hormonal shifts and changes in metabolism during pregnancy can lead to the accumulation of stubborn fat deposits, particularly in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or flanks.

Post-maternity plastic surgery 

While many women embrace the changes brought about by motherhood and eventually manage to return to their pre-pregnancy body with diet and exercise, some might seek plastic surgery to reverse the physical changes. These are the most common post-maternity procedures.

Breast surgery

One of the most common procedures performed postpartum is breast augmentation. The surgery enhances breast volume and shape using breast implants or fat transfer. Breast lift (Mastopexy) lifts and reshapes sagging breasts addressing ptosis (sagging) caused by breastfeeding and changes in breast tissue elasticity.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles to restore a flatter, firmer abdomen, particularly effective for addressing diastasis recti and post-pregnancy abdominal laxity.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and flanks to improve body contours.

Mommy makeover

A multiple surgical procedure that combines typically a tummy tuck and breast enhancement surgery (breast augmentation or breast lift), and liposuction to address various post-maternity concerns in a single surgery.

How long after pregnancy should I wait to get a plastic surgery?

Plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after breastfeeding as the earliest possible time to undergo surgery.

In general, the best candidates for plastic surgery are women who no longer plan to be pregnant as future pregnancies can affect the final results of the procedures.

The role of compression garments

You may be recommended to wear a compression garment during the recovery after c-section delivery. Most common choices are compression girdles or abdominal binders. You can explore the post-natal collection of compression garments here.

Resources:

My Plastic Surgeon. (2024.). Tummy Tuck After Baby. [online] Available at: https://www.myplasticsurgeon.ca/cosmetic-procedures/surgery/abdominoplasty/tummy-tuck-after-baby.html [Accessed 16 July 2024].

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2018). Everything You Need to Know About a Mommy Makeover. [online] Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-mommy-makeover [Accessed 16 July 2024].

Centre for Surgery. (2024). Post-Pregnancy Surgery: Mummy Makeover. [online] Available at: https://centreforsurgery.com/post-pregnancy-surgery-mummy-makeover/ [Accessed 16 July 2024].

Northeastern Plastic Surgery. (2024). A Timeline for Plastic Surgery After Pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://www.northeasternplasticsurgery.com/blog/a-timeline-for-plastic-surgery-after-pregnancy [Accessed 16 July 2024].