A Mommy Makeover is a comprehensive surgery designed to address the physical toll pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can take on the body. While exercise and healthy eating may help, many women still experience sagging breasts and excess abdominal skin. If you’re considering this procedure, proper preparation is key to a successful outcome and smooth recovery.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover typically includes a combination of procedures tailored to restore the body’s shape after pregnancy. Common surgeries include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancements, such as lifts or augmentations. Each combination is personalized based on the patient’s needs and goals.
Steps to Prepare for Your Surgery
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Choose the Right Surgeon Start by researching board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in Mommy Makeovers. Look for reviews from previous patients and check their credentials. Open communication during consultations is essential—discuss your goals and ask questions to ensure you feel confident in your choice.
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Undergo a Pre-Op Medical Checkup Before the surgery, your primary physician will likely need to confirm that you're in good health for this elective procedure. The surgery can last several hours, so this pre-op exam is essential to reduce risks.
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Reach a Stable Weight Being at or near your ideal weight before undergoing surgery helps ensure the best results. It’s generally advised to wait six months after childbirth (or after you’ve stopped breastfeeding) to give your body time to stabilize in its postpartum shape.
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Quit Nicotine Use Smoking or using nicotine products, including vaping, hinders circulation and healing, increasing the risk of complications like infections. It’s recommended to quit nicotine at least a month before the procedure and to stay nicotine-free for at least a month afterward.
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Limit Alcohol Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your body and raise the chances of complications during surgery. Stop consuming alcohol at least two weeks before surgery to ensure your body is in the best condition for the procedure.
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Pause Certain Medications Certain medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., aspirin and ibuprofen), can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Herbal supplements, like Ginkgo biloba, and diet medications should also be avoided before surgery. Consult with your doctor about which medications to stop and when.
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Prepare Your Prescriptions Fill any post-op prescriptions, including pain relievers and antibiotics, before the day of your surgery. Having everything ready ahead of time ensures a smoother recovery with minimal stress.
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Arrange for Childcare You won’t be able to lift heavy objects, including children, for several weeks post-surgery. If you have young kids, ensure someone is available to help with childcare, even if you have a partner at home.
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Create a Comfortable Recovery Space Set up a comfortable area in your home where you can easily rest, access your medications, snacks, and water, and avoid unnecessary strain. This will make the initial recovery phase much easier.
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Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for a faster recovery. Focus on protein-packed foods like eggs, chicken, and nuts, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables to support your healing process.
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Have Realistic Expectations Finally, it’s important to mentally prepare for the surgery. A Mommy Makeover can significantly improve your appearance, but it does involve some downtime and scars. Understanding the recovery timeline and being realistic about the results will help ensure you’re satisfied with the outcome.
Final Thoughts
A Mommy Makeover is a significant procedure, and thorough preparation will help you achieve the best results. By following these steps—choosing the right surgeon, getting your body ready, and planning for recovery—you’ll be well-prepared for a successful transformation.