Becoming a mother has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences in my life. I love my daughter more than words can say. She truly is my everything, but my body has gone through a lot bringing her into the world.
You may have heard of moms getting plastic surgery after having kids, I know I’ve heard a lot. I was curious to learn more about this, so I visited a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Max Lehfeldt to ask some questions.
Shooting with Dr. Lehfeldt
What happens to the loose skin around the abdomen? Or what about deflated breasts after having children? Lately I’ve been thinking about taking some time to do something for myself. After putting my family first, I am starting to feel like I deserve to learn more about my treatment options, whatever they may be. Dr. Lehfeldt let me in on what to expect as women prepare for plastic surgery and what a patient should do afterwards in terms of recovery.
Chatting with Dr. Lehfeldt
Here are some important pieces of information that I learned from my meeting about plastic surgery:
When it comes to downtime, for a breast augmentation it is usually around one week,(3) while an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) usually takes a couple of weeks of recovery.(2) A return to all normal activity (working out, etc.) is normally after six weeks post-op.(2) Of course, recovery time is different for everyone. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days. However, for at least a couple of weeks you should avoid any strenuous activities that could raise pulse and blood pressure, or require strenuous use of your arms and chest.(5)
Though some people may believe otherwise, it can be possible to breast feed after having a breast augmentation.(3) Breast implants may affect your ability to breast- feed, either by reducing or eliminating milk production.(6) If you are not finished having children, make sure you tell your doctor so that you can develop the best surgical plan for your breast augmentation.
For abdominal reconstructive surgery, timing is very important and one should be done having kids before undergoing the procedure.(2)
With Allergan Natrelle® breast implants, size can be customized to each patient’s preference.(4) Make sure you discuss with your doctor that your results you are expecting are both reasonable and realistic.(3)
In order to get the most out of the procedures, according to Dr. Lehfeldt, one should maintain a healthy weight, not smoke and have excellent follow-up care in the years after surgery.(2) One should always get evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any sort of cosmetic medical procedure.(2)
You can find a board-certified plastic surgeon and learn more about these procedures by visiting ItsMyTurn.com.
Even though I did not get any of these procedures done personally, I am happy that I was able to learn more about the process and I would love to know your thoughts. Comment below!
This post was sponsored by Allergan.
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Natrelle® BREAST IMPLANTS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Who may get breast implants?
Natrelle® Breast Implants are approved for women for the following:
• Breast augmentation for women at least 22 years old for silicone-filled implants.
• Breast augmentation for women at least 18 years old for saline-filled implants.
Breast augmentation includes primary breast augmentation to increase breast size and revision surgery to correct or
improve the result of a primary breast augmentation surgery.
• Breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction includes primary reconstruction to replace breast tissue that has been removed due to cancer or trauma or that has failed to develop properly due to a severe breast abnormality. It also includes revision surgery to correct or improve the result of a primary breast reconstruction surgery.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should NOT get breast implants?
Women with active infection anywhere in their body, with existing cancer or pre- cancer of their breast who have not received adequate treatment for those conditions, and women who are currently pregnant or nursing.
What should I know before getting breast implants?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices or necessarily a one-time surgery. If you have your implants removed and not replaced, you may experience unacceptable dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes of the breast, which may be permanent. Breast implants may affect your ability to produce milk for breastfeeding. Silicone-filled implants may rupture without symptoms. You should have MRI examinations 3 years after surgery and then every 2 years thereafter in order to detect ruptures.
What should I tell my doctor?
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: autoimmune diseases, a weakened immune system, planned radiation therapy to the breast or planned chemotherapy following breast implant placement, conditions/medications that interfere with wound healing and blood clotting, reduced blood supply to breast tissue or a clinical diagnosis of depression, other mental health disorders, body dysmorphic disorder or eating disorders.
What are some complications with breast implants?
Key complications are reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture with silicone-filled implants,
implant deflation with saline-filled implants, and severe capsular contracture (severe scar tissue around the implant). Talk to your doctor about other complications.
Talk to your doctor. For more information or to report a problem with Natrelle® Breast Implants, please call Allergan at 1-800-433-8871. Please also see the patient brochures at www.allergan.com/labeling/usa.htm.
Natrelle® Breast Implants are available by prescription only. References:
- Rinker B, Veneracion M, Walsh CP. The Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2008; 28(5):534-537.
- Smart Beauty Guide: Tummy tuck. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- Smart Beauty Guide: Breast Augmentation. American Society for AestheticPlastic Surgery.
- NATRELLE® Product Catalog, 2014.
- NATRELLE® Breast Augmentation Patient Labeling
- NATRELLE® DFU
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