Cosmetic Surgery and Pregnancy

Having a baby is a life changing, beautiful thing to experience, however giving birth also changes a woman’s body image. Many women try to get their ‘pre-pregnancy’ figure back by their own efforts such as a healthy diet and an exercise regimen. Unfortunately many women are not always able to achieve their desired result on their own. Due to all the advances in plastic surgery, there are many options available to mother’s who want to regain or even improve their figure. Many of these women have come to San Diego Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti to discuss their options and how they might benefit from plastic surgery.

Many mothers-to-be worry that breastfeeding will ruin the shape of their breasts and wonder whether or not to breastfeed. The truth is breastfeeding is not necessarily the culprit, changes in the breasts actually occur during pregnancy. As the body prepares to nurture a child, milk glands in the breasts swell and replace fatty tissue. After childbirth, these glands shrink. What’s left is a skin “envelope” with little to fill it. This causes the breasts to look less full or sag. Plastic surgery offers safe, natural-looking implants that return your breasts to their youthful contour. Dr. Pousti can perform Breast Augmentation on an outpatient basis, in a fully equipped surgical center. The small incisions are virtually undetectable, usually made around the nipples. Implants are inserted beneath the muscle tissue or just under the gland of the breast. Some women experience extensive swelling in their breasts during pregnancy. In addition to the postpartum loss of fat tissue, swelling can cause the skin to stretch and sag. And no amount of exercise will re-tighten this skin. A procedure called a Mastopexy (Breast Lift) can remove excess skin and reduce sagging. This tightens the skin of the breasts, which lifts and firms them.

Nowhere else is pregnancy more evident than a woman’s abdomen. It’s also the place where stretch marks, C-section scars and loose skin may linger long after childbirth. This can frustrate and depress a woman even as she rejoices at the life her body helped create. An Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is a procedure that can remove the “pooch” of excess skin that lies below your navel. It can get rid of stretch marks and turn a very visible vertical C-section scar into a small bikini line that’s easy to conceal. For many women, excess skin is not the only abdominal change they experience after pregnancy. It’s not uncommon for the stomach muscles to separate when holding an expanding uterus. Often those muscles fail to reconnect after childbirth, even with endless sit-ups. This condition can only be repaired with surgery.

One of the most commonly-requested cosmetic surgery procedure, Liposuction can especially benefit women after pregnancy. Despite dieting and working out some new mothers complain they just cannot lose fat in certain spots like the thighs, buttocks and upper arms. Dr. Pousti can re-sculpt the body, removing fat deposits that contribute to flabby underarms or bulges in the thighs.

During a normal vaginal delivery, many women tear or otherwise damage the labia (the opening to the vagina). A Labiaplasty can repair this damage, helping a woman heal faster from such injuries. Local irritation, problems with personal hygiene, interference with sexual intercourse and discomfort during cycling, horse back riding, wearing exercise clothing, walking or sitting are indications for surgical reduction. Dr. Pousti is an expert in labia reduction surgery.

Pregnancy After Plastic Surgery

Whether planned or unexpected it is not uncommon for patients to go through pregnancy after having plastic surgery. One of the most asked questions regarding pregnancy after already having plastic surgery is in regards to breast feeding. Dr. Pousti understands the importance of the nutrients breast feeding provides for your infant and takes that into account while performing breast augmentation surgery. Although it can not be guaranteed, the majority of our patients are able to breast feed without complications.

More information on breastfeeding with implants.

Patient Before Breast Augmentation, After Breast Augmentation, 1 Year Post-Op/2 Months After Childbirth

Patient Testimonial

“I had breast augmentation performed by Dr. Tom Pousti after breast feeding 2 kids. My breasts were empty and a little “saggy”. I didn’t feel good about my body after pregnancy but everything changed after having my breasts enhanced. My results are wonderful! I had saline implants and was a “C-cup”!! I love them. My incision is at the junction of the areola and my breast. 2 years after my surgery, I found out that I was pregnant again! I was worried about how the pregnancy would affect my breasts and if I would be able to breast feed. My breasts got larger while I was pregnant and I was happily surprised to see that I had no problem breast feeding even after the breast augmentation surgery. I ended up having 2 more kids and nursing both of them with no problems. My breasts were still beautiful and looked very natural. After my last child, I decided to exchange my saline implants for silicone gel breast implants (that had just become FDA approved). Dr. Pousti performed this procedure for me as well and I am extremely happy with my results. He truly cares for his patients and does beautiful work! Thank you!!”