4 Tips For An Easier Recovery After A Mommy Makeover

There’s no doubt that becoming a mom transforms your life in many ways, and your priorities typically change. In addition to the mental and psychological impacts that growing a new human brings, the associated hormonal surges can cause the breasts, abdomen, and other areas to grow and look different. Along with some often permanent changes to the physique, there’s societal pressure on women to return to their pre-baby weight, so post-partum body insecurities are very common. A Mommy Makeover, explains New Jersey’s Burnett Plastic Surgery, can be a way to feel more empowered and confident about yourself by making your figure look more like how it was before you had children. The procedure has a very high satisfaction rate.

Before having any surgery, patients should be aware of what to expect while they’re recovering, including the emotional highs and lows, as well as the physical symptoms they may experience. Mothers can feel guilty because they may think that they’re being vain for choosing cosmetic surgery or that they should have spent the money on their family instead of themselves.

This can be compounded by the fact that, while a Mommy Makeover patient is in recovery, it’s often a struggle for those with young toddlers and babies to sit by and get the rest they need instead of taking care of their children. Not to mention, the bruising, swelling, and other uncomfortable side effects may not go away for a few weeks. Patients may have feelings of regret soon after their procedure, as well as experience intense emotional mood swings.

If you’re worried about what to expect from your own surgery, or are just considering a Mommy Makeover, check out these four ways to improve your chances of having a smooth experience.

1. Arrange for Care Ahead of Time

Since you won’t be able to exert yourself by running around or lifting anything after your procedure, don’t underestimate the need for around-the-clock care for young children, toddlers, and babies. It can take some time before you feel energized and are cleared to go back to your normal activities, so you’ll need at least some level of help with your children for several weeks to months.

2. Take Time for Yourself

If you try to do too much when you haven’t healed, complications could occur that could cause setbacks for your recovery and jeopardize the final results. While it might be difficult to not get involved, it’s important to learn to rely on others for help with basic everyday tasks, children, and household chores. Sleep is essential for healing after surgery, and you should stick to low-impact activities. Taking naps can also help you to feel less stressed out if you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

3. Be Patient

It can take a longer time to recover from a Mommy Makeover than some other surgeries because it involves several different procedures, possible including liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation or lift. Patients often feel frustrated or may even begin to panic if their body doesn’t look exactly as they hoped it would due to post-procedure swelling—but just remember that it can take more than a month before ultimate results begin to be visible.

4. Prepare a Special Area for Yourself

Before your surgery, organize your home and your bedroom to make the spaces as comfortable as possible during your recovery. Fill prescriptions for pain medications ahead of time, too, as you will feel swelling and discomfort, especially during the first week. Stock up on all of the other essentials you will need during recovery—such as snacks, bottled water, and pre-cooked or easy-to-make meals—lay out clean sheets and linens, and set out some comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Make sure everything is easily accessible, since your mobility will be limited.

Ready to start planning your Mommy Makeover? Start by having a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to find out whether this treatment would be the most suitable choice for you. Patients who are interested in finding out more about the procedure can contact the Burnett Plastic Surgery team to have their questions answered. Call 908.233.0200 or fill out a contact form to request an appointment.