Starting a family is probably one of the biggest milestones of our lives, but pregnancy can be tough on a woman. Postpartum body changes, in particular, can really sting. The truth is, regaining one’s pre-pregnancy weight takes many months, and sadly, most women face permanent alterations to their skin and body shape.
Women have been turning to surgeries to reclaim their former bodies, but there are also non-invasive treatments that are effective for regaining one’s shape. So for new mothers, what sort of help is out there to help you get over the initial bloated and “I am still pregnant” appearance, and what treatments are there for various postpartum body changes?
You Still Look Pregnant When Your Baby Has Already Started On Solids
This is what reminds people that you have just had a baby. And mommies say that this gets worse as you have more! No matter how much you diet or exercise, your dreams of a washboard tummy is completely squashed.
The problem is often 2-fold. Firstly, the tummy muscles are stretched during pregnancy and almost never return to their pre-pregnancy state. This is known as diastasis recti. Secondly, fat and loose skin also worsens the appearance of the bulge. This can cause some unfortunate women to continue looking pregnant long after they have delivered their babies!
Body shaping with Coolshape trims fat exactly where you want it, sans scalpel. Coolshape uses FDA-approved fat freezing technology to permanently reduce fat in an area. Up to 2 areas may be treated at one time, and one treatment takes only 60 minutes. Expect a 20% reduction of fat in the treated area within 8 to 10 weeks. Next, try a skin tightening radiofrequency treatment such as Thermage Body, which induces a production healing response of the skin which promotes collagen growth and a skin tightening effect within 3 to 6 months.
Contrary to popular belief, stomach crunches too early can worsen diastasis recti. Severe cases may consider a simply surgical procedure under a qualified plastic surgeon to tighten the muscles beneath the skin, and liposuction or tummy tuck to regain your pre-pregnancy figure.
Your Belly, Hips, Inner Thighs Have Angry-looking Cat Scratches
You have probably figured that I am talking about stretch marks! These can occur very early on during pregnancy or anytime during the 12 to 20 over kilos expectant mothers put on during their pregnancy.
Stretch marks present as red initially, then they turn purple, before changing to a silvery white. Red stretch marks are very effectively treated with a pulse-dye laser such as the VBeam, whereas the older silvery white stretch marks do better with a microsurfacing laser such as Fraxel Light.
Your Breasts Have Gone Down 2 Sizes
Breastfeeding mamas take note. Breast deflation and droopiness are common, so are nipple changes. This is worse for older mothers than for younger ones.
Breast augmentation is probably the best solution, which replaces the volume loss with natural fat grafted from somewhere else in your body, or with implants. Speak to a breast augmentation specialist first to determine if you need just implants or a breast lift as well. It is always ideal to have some 3D imaging of your breasts such as the Vectra 3D Imaging System, a breast augmentation simulator which will help you visualize with which implant size and shape you prefer before you dive in.
To learn more about dealing with postpartum body changes, doctors of the SW1 Clinic will be presenting at the Mummy to Yummy Workshop on 4 August 2018. Find out more here.
