Spirit of Women magazine is a national publication presented to women by hospitals and their physicians. The magazine provides up-to-date, evidence-based healthcare information and promotes our hospitals as leaders in women's health excellence.
Issue link: https://spiritofwomen.epubxp.com/i/543839
9 w w w. s a m c . c o m S U M M E R 2 015 H E A LT H Y S P I R I T J essica Balderama, 34, of Visalia, has always been an active person. She's played sports all her life, and every weekend, without fail, she takes her two children Ella, 10, and Julian, 9, hiking at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. You'd never think someone as active as Jessica would need reconstructive surgery. But after having back-to- back pregnancies, she wasn't happy with her post- baby body—her skin didn't have time to retract and breastfeeding left her breasts deflated. For an entire year, Jessica tried consistently exercising and eating healthier—losing a total of 40 pounds. But that left her with even more excess flabby skin that wouldn't go away. "I was constantly looking at my body, like when getting out of the shower, and seeing all the flaws, and I wasn't happy with it," she says. So Jessica began her search—wanting to find a plastic surgeon with extensive experience. She chose John F. Burnett, MD, of Saint Agnes Medical Providers Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. During his 25-plus years of practicing in Fresno, Dr. Burnett has built a trusted reputation as one of the area's most caring and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. "I wanted to look and feel like I did before I had kids," Jessica says. "I was contemplating it for years, like should I spend the money or not, but it was worth it—I feel better than before!" Just one month after breast reconstructive surgery and a tummy tuck, Jessica is back to exploring the Sequoias with her children. "I came here a lot when I was a kid and had good memories, so I'm trying to give those to my kids, too," she says. Post-surgery, Jessica is now a size 10--12, down from a size 16. Staying active has become easier, too. "My core feels tighter, I'm not as wobbly feeling when working out," she says. "Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to become stretched and separated," Dr. Burnett explains. "These loose muscles can cause the abdomen to permanently protrude from the body. With a tummy tuck, the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, and the muscles are tightened to improve definition and shape in the midsection." As a busy active mother of two, Jessica was concerned the surgery would slow her down. But Dr. Burnett was adamant that she stay active rather than sit around and wait to heal. In fact, Dr. Burnett asks his patients to come back and visit him the day after surgery just to get them up and moving. "If you have a large tummy that interferes with physical activity, I recommend having the surgery, staying active, and then losing additional weight," Dr. Burnett says. "Patients just want shape—it's all about the curves. Weight gain after these surgeries may compromise the results," he added. "Mommy makeovers" like Jessica's, which typically include breast augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction, take about three and a half hours and are performed at Saint Agnes Outpatient Surgery North. With an additional hour of recovery time, patients are able to get up, walk, and go home the same day. The recovery period lasts about two to three weeks with some pain or discomfort in the first few days. When asked about post-surgery reactions, Dr. Burnett says patients are always pleased. "They can be more physically active and feel better about themselves, they're happy—that's what it's all about." In addition to mommy makeovers, Saint Agnes Medical Providers Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics offers a full range of procedures for the body, breasts and face. Medical spa services are also offered and include: · Laser hair removal and skin resurfacing · Facials · Microdermabrasions · Botox and fillers · Anti-aging products · Intense pulsed light · Smart liposuction For more information, visit www.JohnBurnettMD.com or call (559) 432-5156 . • Mommy makeover If you have the following characteristics due to childbirth, consider a mommy makeover: • Sagging or uneven breasts, decreased breast volume, drooping nipples and stretched areolas (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). • Enlarged breasts that are out of proportion with the rest of your body and cause back pain. • Loose skin and stretch marks and a waistline that has become thick and undefned. • Areas of fat hanging over your surgical scar (if you had a C-section). • Excess fat in the hip and thigh area. C A N D I D A T E S PHOTOS Y PERRY COOPER • 316