7 Things to Know Before You Schedule Your Mommy Makeover
As a mother of two myself, I know first-hand that having kids changes almost everything in your life, including your appearance! Many women would restore their pre-pregnancy shape if given the opportunity—and that is exactly what a mommy makeover is designed to do.
A mommy makeover is personalized to your needs. Most typically, it includes a tummy tuck with a breast lift and/or augmentation, but can also include liposuction, facial rejuvenation, or skin resurfacing. The goal is to target your top concerns and help you feel more confident and comfortable in your appearance.
If possible, schedule your mommy makeover during a relatively calm time for your family; for instance, a typically slow time at work for your spouse, or while your kids are away at camp.
One benefit of a mommy makeover is that it can address multiple concerns at the same time, a huge plus for busy moms who might only get one chance to take time off for surgery and recovery. However, this also means that you’ll want to plan your mommy makeover well to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are my top tips, not only as a board certified plastic surgeon who performs a lot of mommy makeovers, but also as a mom.
1. You will need plenty of help around the house; arrange it in advance.
While a mommy makeover can bring many positive changes to your life, the initial recovery period can be a little stressful. You will be largely out of commission as far as work and heavy-duty mothering go for about 2 to 3 weeks, and you’ll have activity limitations for up to 6 weeks.
If possible, schedule your mommy makeover during a relatively calm time for your family; for instance, a typically slow time at work for your spouse, or while your kids are away at camp. In any case, make sure before you decide on a surgery date that friends and family are available to help with housework, childcare, transportation, etc.
2. It’s important to reach a sustainable weight before having a mommy makeover
My Richmond mommy makeover patients who are at a healthy, sustainable weight (meaning they aren’t having to extreme diet or exercise to stay at that weight) are the happiest with their results and enjoy them the longest.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits you can maintain long-term: crash dieting in the weeks before your procedure date will weaken your body, which you do not want going into surgery.
While a mommy makeover can help your body appear slimmer by removing excess skin, tightening ab muscles, and sculpting the body, it is not a weight loss procedure: we typically remove only 2 to 5 pounds of tissue. Moreover, significant weight loss after a mommy makeover can lead to more sagging skin or drooping breasts.
If you want to lose weight, do so well before undergoing mommy makeover surgery by adopting healthy lifestyle habits you can maintain over the long-term. Crash dieting in the weeks before your procedure date will only weaken your body, which you do not want going into surgery, and any weight loss from crash dieting is unlikely to last.
3. You won’t be able to lift or carry your kids (or anything over 10 pounds) for a few weeks.
After surgery, you must avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Lifting heavier objects (babies included) engages your chest and abdominal muscles and strains incisions on the breasts and tummy, which can delay healing, or even cause incisions to open up again. Additionally, strenuous activity too soon after surgery can risk internal bleeding as it raises your blood pressure.
Putting stress on incisions can also negatively affect your results: straining can easily widen your scars, making them more noticeable after healing is complete.
While it will undoubtedly be hard not to pick up your children for a day, much less 6 weeks, it is critical that you heed this rule during your mommy makeover recovery. Until you get the green light, show affection for your kids in other ways. Invite them to hang out with you on the couch, play board games, or read books together. You’ll also need to avoid bear hugs: sweet smooches or high-fives are safer alternatives.
Do not take supplements, herbs, or medications before or after surgery without your plastic surgeon’s permission, as certain common items may interact with anesthesia or increase risk of complications.
4. Prioritize your health and nutrition before and after surgery—it’ll pay off with a smoother recovery and better results.
A healthy, well-rested body heals faster, plain and simple. Whether you are just starting your research or you are ready to book a surgery date, it’s never too soon to focus on healthy living and self-care. Good nutrition is key—eat a whole foods based diet with plenty of high-quality protein, fruits, and veggies. Additionally, make sure you are sleeping well and exercising regularly. There’s no need to train for an Ironman, but do try and do some vigorous walking or other cardio as well as strengthening exercises most days.
Vitamin supplements may be appropriate for some patients, but DO NOT take any supplements, herbs or medications before or after surgery without clearing it with your plastic surgeon first to ensure you aren’t taking anything that might interact with anesthesia or increase risk of complications.
5. The first 3 to 5 days of recovery are the toughest—then it gets better every day
Even if you choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and you go into surgery with perfect preparation and in optimal health, there’s no getting around the fact that a tummy tuck is a pretty major procedure, especially when combined with breast surgery. You may go home feeling pretty darn uncomfortable and wonder what the heck you have done to yourself!
Post-op blues are normal, but remember that recovery is a temporary state. Soon enough, you will be back to your normal routine and enjoying your new breast and body contours.
It’s not unusual to experience extreme fatigue, tightness and soreness, and even constipation after surgery. Be patient—these issues peak within the first few days and then get noticeably better every day. If you have drains placed to collect fluid at your tummy tuck site, this can add an extra element of discomfort, but these will typically be removed within 7 to 10 days.
6. Post-op blues are normal and almost always short-lived
Plastic surgery recovery also has an emotional element. Physical discomfort and fatigue combined with having to lay low when you’re normally very active can be difficult. Also, it can take some time to get used to your new appearance, even if you love the changes you made. Again, be patient. Recovery will end! Soon enough, you will be back to your normal routine, with the added bonus of breast and body contours that you’re happier with!
7. It’s okay to do your mommy makeover in stages if that works better for you
While mommy makeovers are typically marketed as all-at-once procedures—and there are benefits to having only one recovery period—that doesn’t mean that you have to approach it this way. If it doesn’t fit into your budget or your comfort level to undergo a breast augmentation, breast lift, and tummy tuck at the same time, there is nothing wrong with splitting your mommy makeover up into stages.
Address your topmost concern first, and reserve other procedures for later. You’ll still get a major confidence boost, and you’ll learn a lot about the plastic surgery process that will come in handy when you’re ready for your next procedure.
I hope reading this has given you a better idea of what it’s like to have a mommy makeover and how to prepare. If you’re considering a mommy makeover in Richmond, please reach out! I love helping women make changes that will help them feel more confident in their appearance, and I will be happy to help you understand your mommy makeover options at a personal consultation.