How Do You Prepare For A Mommy Makeover?
Planning and preparing for any kind of plastic surgery procedure can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking—especially if it’s a Mommy Makeover, which can target multiple areas on the body at the same time. Making yourself aware of what to expect can help you to feel more in control of the outcome. The type of preparation you need to do will depend on the specifics of your unique Mommy Makeover, which may include work on the abdomen, breasts, and more. Having a Mommy Makeover? Here’s what St. Louis-based West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University recommends patients do before the big day to get optimal results along with an easier recovery.
Wait at Least Six Months After Baby
You need to give your body time to heal and recuperate fully after all the immense stress involved in childbirth, so a Mommy Makeover won’t be an instant post-delivery fix to get your body shape back right after you’ve had a baby. It’s recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine after pregnancy to get yourself into shape before considering plastic surgery. This is because weight fluctuations—up or down—after the procedure can alter and even “undo” the results. Not to mention, women who are active before they have plastic surgery generally heal at a faster rate. Note that you’ll need to gently ease back into exercise after surgery to avoid harming your body.
Do Your Research
Since a Mommy Makeover is typically a very involved type of surgery, you’ll want to do as much research as possible. Talk to other women who have had the procedure. During your consultation, ask the surgeon all about the risks, benefits, and expectations involved. Ask about the type of anesthesia that will be used and how much recovery time will be needed. During this time, you’ll be able to pick and choose which parts of the body you want to focus on. Don’t forget to also ask about what you’ll need to do during recovery, such as which types of medications will be needed, how to bathe, how to position yourself while sleeping, and how to care for incisions.
Prepare Your Home in Advance
Patient play an important role in their own recovery. During your rest and recuperation time, you won’t be able to lift or bend normally for around three to four weeks. Take steps to get prepared at home, such as arranging pre-cooked meals ahead of time or having someone to cook for you. Also, be sure to arrange for support to take care of young children or elderly relatives. Don’t overdo it and delay your own healing!
Wait Until You’re Finished Having Children
While being done with pregnancy is not a necessity to be eligible for a Mommy Makeover procedure, ideal patients for the surgery are those who don’t plan to have any more children. This is because additional pregnancies could cause your skin to be stretched out again, reversing the results from the treatment and returning your body to its previous state. If you think you may want to have more children, it might be best to hold off on having plastic surgery.
It's a Personal Decision
Ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether this procedure is the right choice for you. The decision needs to be made by you alone. You shouldn’t have plastic surgery to impress someone else, in an attempt to fix an underlying emotional issue, or with the expectation of “perfect” results. Plastic surgeons prefer to work with patients who maintain a realistic outlook—and you’ll be happier with the results!
Learn more about Mommy Makeover from West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University. Call them at (314) 996-8800 or submit a contact form to request a consultation so that you can discuss your concerns and find out whether you would be a good candidate for this procedure.