Moms want to regain their shape. . . .
By Dr. Mitchell Kaye
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center of Kentucky
Pregnancy and childbirth are something one must experience to really understand the physical and emotional effects that we experience. Motherhood has many rewards and is one of the most fulfilling experiences a woman can have. Pregnancy prepares the body of the mother to nurture the baby as well. However, it can also leave us self-conscious about our bodies. Sometimes weight loss and strength training does not return your body to the flat, firm tummy you had before children. Additionally, pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to sag and lose their “perk.”
It is not realistic to expect immediate weight loss after pregnancy. Do not try on your favorite pair of jeans! Your body needs time to adapt and recover. Remember, you gained weight over nine months.
Some things you can do:
- Check with your doctor. Be sure to consult your doctor for information on exactly when to begin postpartum exercise. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that changes that take place during pregnancy can continue for four to six weeks following birth, which means that it’s important to resume exercise gradually.
- Set realistic goals.
- Find ways to exercise with your baby.
- Reward yourself.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Increase fluids.
The Time Factor!
Once a mother, it is difficult to find time to take care of yourself. Time becomes a factor. Let’s face it; women take care of everyone else before taking care of themselves.
You may be very dedicated to your exercise plan but still have some fat pockets that will not respond to diet and exercise. Or, maybe you are a busy mom and do not have time to go to the gym. Many women become unhappy with the shape and size of their breasts or begin to have drooping.
Dr. Mitchell Kaye of the Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center of Kentucky states that “commonly requested procedures include tummy tucks and liposuction as well as breast augmentation and lifts.”
Statistics back up the trend. Among the top ten most commonly performed procedures at AACS member practices in 2007, the greatest increase in procedures performed occurred for (tummy tuck) abdominoplasty (42.4%), followed by breast lift (41.8%) and (eyelid surgery) blepharoplasty (34.0%). According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), women have accounted for 80% of cosmetic surgery patients.