In a society often defined by unrealistic beauty standards and stigmas surrounding plastic surgery, Kristen’s inspiring journey is a testament to self-empowerment and personal transformation. Through her experience with a mommy makeover, Kristen defied societal expectations and embraced the opportunity to enhance her self-confidence and reclaim her sense of identity.
Kristen’s Story
Meet a woman who would change your negative opinion on “regular women” getting cosmetic surgery. Kristen is a Midwestern mom of three, a very busy woman who has never been totally in love with her figure but hasn’t felt confident about a decision to have aesthetic refinements to improve it.
In everyday society, plastic surgery often sounds like more than a luxury. It can be considered frivolous and immodest. It’s what the superficial and famous (or wannabe-famous) use their copious funds for, right? And undergoing the knife would likely be fodder for gossip among the mom groups which would require a lot of courage, depending on what you expect from your peer’s opinions.
Kristen is a loving wife, daughter and mom, but she’s more. She’s a mom who didn’t expect to have twins for her second pregnancy. A person who was always a little unhappy about her curves: not that she has them, but the top and bottom size, shape and balance. A human who has always longed to feel confident as herself, not in imitation of anyone else.
You may assume that Kristen sounds like a typical adult female in the U.S., and you’d be partially correct. She’s prioritized practicing self-care to be a better mom, human and example for her daughters, choosing to do what it takes to be the best version of herself.
Choosing Procedures
In a mommy makeover, various procedures can be combined to address the specific concerns of each individual. Kristen chose to have a breast augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction of the stomach and upper back areas to contour her shape and reach the proportions she always wanted.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) helps address loose or sagging abdominal skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. Kristen still looked pregnant well after her birth, so removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles results in a firmer and more toned midsection. Also, in Kristen’s case, having twins after 35 placed a more considerable strain on the abs than expected, and she was dealing with diastasis recti, where the muscles don’t snap back into place together as they should, which can be corrected with a tummy tuck as well.
Breast augmentation enhances size and shape. It involves the placement of implants to achieve the desired volume and improve overall breast symmetry. It can result in a lifted look without undergoing the reconstruction of a breast lift (mastopexy). Kristen had always desired a slightly fuller bustline, especially when seeing how her pregnancies affected her chest.
Liposuction targets localized areas of stubborn fat that may persist despite diet and exercise. It involves the removal of excess fat through a suctioning process, helping contour and sculpt specific areas of the body. It can also involve grafting fat from one unwanted place into another, such as how Kristen used her stomach and back areas to balance her bottom.
*Photo is used for illustration only. May not be Kristen, but are actual Edina Plastic Surgery patients.
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Why Edina Plastic Surgery?
Through diligent exploration, Kristen cared not just about the significance of finding a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who could address her unique concerns but one who treated the emotional side of her journey with consideration and care.
She knew Edina was exceptional from the moment she found Edina through mommy group referrals and checked the website online until she walked through the door for her thorough consultation. But it was the sheer kindness of the staff that helped Kristen feel at home and that her decision was one of self-care and empowerment.
Surgery Time
Thanks to the skillful hands of her plastic surgeon and a dedicated medical team at Edina Plastic Surgery, Kristen’s uniquely tailored mommy makeover commenced. Advanced technologies and innovative approaches were employed to ensure natural-looking, harmonious outcomes that would enhance Kristen’s body contour and restore her self-assurance.
Kristen embarked on the necessary pre-surgical preparations with her chosen plastic surgeon by her side. Through thorough consultations and open communication, she clearly understood the mommy makeover procedure, its associated risks and the realistic outcomes she could anticipate. Dr. Wilke emphasized the importance of setting achievable expectations, ensuring Kristen felt informed, prepared and empowered throughout every step of the journey.
Recovery Was a Dream
Maybe it was the managed expectations or the well-managed pain, but Kristen’s recovery wasn’t as difficult as she had feared. Some reasons were due to advanced planning. During the surgery, Dr. Wilke prepared her body for pain with medications to help facilitate recovery to normal function and reduce any possibility of adverse physiologic and psychological effects. And it worked! This made the pain manageable and the journey back to typical life a straight line upward.
Reaching All Her Goals
Despite working to reduce her weight after the birth of her twins, Kristen’s body wasn’t changing with sheer grit and determination (which is hard to muster as it was with three kids under 3.) With her youngest ones turning 18 months, she hadn’t shed a single pound on the scale. But Kristen lost 6 pounds of loose skin and an additional 8 pounds of fat during her surgery. She woke up 14 pounds lighter!
A mommy makeover allowed her to break free from the stigmas associated with plastic surgery and redefine her own standards of beauty. Through her story, Kristen seeks to inspire others to embrace their unique paths and prioritize their well-being. Kristen firmly believes everyone deserves the opportunity to feel confident, empowered, and unapologetically themselves.
Kristen’s journey exemplifies the power of self-transformation and defying societal stigmas. And by sharing her story, Kristen inspires others to embark on their own transformative journeys, reminding them that they have the strength to overcome societal pressures and embrace their unique beauty. In a world that often imposes unrealistic ideals, Kristen’s path stands as a shining example that true empowerment comes from within.
What Else Can a Mommy Makeover Include?
The following are some of the common options available for a mommy makeover:
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to lift and reshape breasts that have sagged or lost their firmness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. The procedure repositions the breast tissue, removes excess skin, and elevates the breasts for a more youthful appearance.
Breast reduction surgery aims to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, alleviating discomfort and improving overall breast proportions. It involves removing excess breast tissue, reshaping the breasts, and repositioning the nipples for a more balanced and proportionate outcome.
A body lift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses multiple body areas affected by pregnancy and childbirth. It typically involves a combination of procedures, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and buttock lift, to reshape and contour the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces the size of the labia minora, enhancing comfort and aesthetics. It can address issues related to enlarged or asymmetrical labia, helping improve confidence and quality of life.
Your Turn
Contact the skilled and welcoming team at Edina Plastic Surgery, where our board-certified plastic surgeons carry years of expertise in executing all kinds of cosmetic procedures. They are poised to assist you in identifying the perfect blend of techniques to actualize your aesthetic aspirations.
We commonly receive mommy makeover patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby areas in Edina, Minnesota. Nevertheless, we extend our services to out-of-town patients across the country who choose our practice. We stand by our commitment to delivering all-encompassing care for every patient, ensuring your comfort and care at every stage of the journey.
To commence your transformation journey, please call or text us today at 612-688-3177.
