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Dr. Granzow specializes in repairing lingering physical conditions moms may experience after pregnancy and childbirth. He believes that the physical conditions are unique to each mom and should be carefully examined through a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment program. As part of the treatment plan, Dr. Granzow may recommend:

  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) for sagging breasts.
  • Breast Augmentation to restore volume to your breasts. This may be performed with either breast implants, or with fat grafting from other areas of your body.
  • Breast Reduction to reduce your breast size.
  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) for abdominal muscle separation and regaining tone.
  • Scar Revision after a C-section.
  • Liposuction to remove uneven fat deposits that diet and exercise cannot improve.
  • Physical Therapy specially designed for pregnant and new moms

Dr. Granzow works jointly with physical therapists that have expertise in women’s health and postpartum issues to provide the optimum treatment program for each patient.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Dr. Granzow offers comprehensive treatments to repair abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) and restore pre-pregnancy abdominal tightness. During pregnancy, the skin and tummy wall over the abdominal muscles of a mom’s abdominal area stretch to accommodate for the growing baby. After birth, the skin and tummy retract a certain amount, but rarely to the tightness that was present before pregnancy. This means that skin and tummy may become deflated and create a sagging or prominence that will not go away despite diet and exercise.

What Is Abdominal Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti)?

A common but neglected condition, abdominal muscle separation reduces the integrity and strength of the abdominal/tummy wall. Most moms experience mild to extensive separation of abdominal muscles caused by the size of the baby and the growth of the uterus to accommodate the baby. Symptoms often include:

  • Back pain
  • Poor posture
  • Pelvic floor problems
  • Gastro-intestinal issues such as constipation and bloating

Additional trauma where there is already abdominal muscle separation even may cause a hernia to occur. Dr. Granzow recommends a tummy tuck not only to improve appearance but also to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a weakening of the abdominal wall around the belly button. Some moms develop umbilical hernias because of increased abdominal pressure during a pregnancy that may further weaken a small defect that may have been present prior to pregnancy. Symptoms can cause your stomach:

  • Bulging
  • Pain
  • Tenderness at the belly button

Dr. Granzow can surgically repair the hernia to eliminate weakening of the abdominal wall around the belly button.

The Role of Physical Therapy

Dr. Granzow believes that receiving treatment from a physical therapist specializing in postpartum issues can make a tremendous difference for abdominal muscle separation. Whether combined with a tummy tuck or not, physical therapy can help return muscles to their original form.

 

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) and Breast Augmentation

Pregnancy and breast-feeding can increase the size and engorgement of your breasts. After completion of breast-feeding, the extra volume can disappear, causing breasts to shrink, often to a size smaller than before pregnancy. However, the stretched skin usually doesn’t shrink as much as the breasts themselves, adding to breast sag.

During an initial consultation, Dr. Granzow will discuss:

  • How a breast lift can improve the shape and position of your breasts.
  • Your concerns and preferences for size and shape.
  • Whether augmentation using fat grafting or implants can help to restore volume.

Dr. Granzow will use the consultation time at his office to determine what you want and provide you with information about the results that these procedures can accomplish.

C-Section Scars

Every mom heals and scars differently. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect scarring resulting in keloids, hypertrophic (thick) or wide scars. Some patients experience pain and discomfort due to these scars, which can be treated with:

  • Topical creams
  • Silicon scar treatment
  • Cortisone injections
  • Scar revision surgery

Dr. Granzow will evaluate which scar treatments are best suited to you and resolve the problem as part of your mommy makeover.

Uneven Fat Accumulation

It is healthy and expected that moms will gain appropriate weight with each pregnancy. However, some moms experience uneven distribution of fat deposits that remain most commonly in the:

  • Belly
  • Hips
  • Thighs

These fat deposits remain long after pregnancies and are often unaffected by diet and rigorous exercise. Dr. Granzow offers targeted and mini liposuction to help with these issues and can graft this fat to restore volume to breasts.

Expectant Moms

Dr. Granzow recommends a preliminary mommy makeover evaluation so that expecting moms understand the possible physical issues that may be encountered during pregnancy and after birth. Dr. Granzow believes that it is important for moms to:

  • Work with physical therapists who specialize in pregnancy care.
  • Incorporate tailored physical therapy to prevent or mitigate some of the common physical issues during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Coordinate treatment with obstetricians to improve the appearance of your C-section scar.

Starting physical therapy and correcting problems soon after birth will speed your recovery.

For more information on mommy makeover, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions  or contact our office to schedule a consultation at (310) 882.6261.