Looking Your Best After Baby

By Jessica Gordon

It’s often said that having a baby changes everything—including your body. “Pregnancy can certainly take its toll on women’s bodies,” says Karen Whitney, PA of Anderson Cosmetic and Vein Institute. “The most frequent concerns we hear are the appearance or worsening of spider and/or varicose veins, residual weight, and reshaping of the body.”

Casey Boyce, MD of Hilltop OB/GYN agrees. These changes can be tough to take, especially for moms hoping to spring right back into pre-pregnancy shape. “There’s a big misconception about how long it’s going to take,” says Boyce. “While Hollywood stars seem to do it in a matter of weeks, it can take several months and up to a year.”

Whitney says, “It is important to remember that after a nine-month pregnancy and with the demands on the mother postpartum, it can take a while to feel fully recovered…It is also important to remember that each woman will respond to pregnancy differently, and likewise the postpartum recovery will vary.”

Ultimately, it’s all about looking and feeling good. A big part of achieving a toned and shapely post-pregnancy body comes down to a common sense approach: “In my opinion, the old-fashioned way is best,” says Boyce. “Plenty of exercise and a smart diet.”

But there are ways to help nature along—including a new body-slimming treatment offered at Anderson Cosmetic and Vein Institute that’s completely painless and non-invasive: Zerona.

Zerona works by producing a small pore in the fat cell that enables the fatty matter to seep out of the cell. The excess fat is eliminated from the body through normal detoxification. To achieve results, professionals recommend six 40-minute treatments over a two-week period.

And there’s more good news: Varicose and spider veins can be taken care of during a simple office visit with a series of small injections.

For dull skin, opt for treatments like microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, peels, light-based treatment, or facials. Or treat yourself to physician-grade products to rejuvenate your skin and hair.

Remember: Make sure any healthcare professional you visit is board certified for all procedures offered.