Getting a Mommy Makeover? Here’s How To Make Sure Recovery Goes Smoothly
Plastic surgery will typically require downtime to ensure the best results, especially when it comes to a combination of procedures known as a Mommy Makeover.
It can be intimidating to think of the amount and time needed to fully heal from all of it, but preparing for recovery beforehand can ensure healing goes as smoothly as possible.
How to Prepare Before Your Surgery:
Women address the changes to their bodies from pregnancy and childbirth with a Mommy Makeover.
Some of these changes include drooping breasts, loose skin, and excess flab along the belly, thighs, and hips.
A Mommy Makeover often combines several procedures, including a breast lift/augmentation, a tummy tuck, and liposuction, to restore women’s pre-pregnancy bodies.
Patients should expect a few weeks of downtime after getting a Mommy Makeover.
Clean Your Home or Rest Area
Take some extra time to get your house clean in the days before surgery—especially your bedroom or wherever you plan on spending most of your recovery.
This will not only give you peace of mind as you rest after surgery but also ensure your recovery area is clean and germ-free, cutting down the risk of infection or any other complications.
Cook Meals Ahead of Time
It will be difficult for patients to move around after getting a Mommy Makeover, especially in the first few weeks. Having some meals ready beforehand is a huge help for recovering patients.
Cook a few extra portions of your family’s favorites the week before surgery and freeze the leftovers to make dinnertime during recovery quick and easy.
Arrange Childcare or Other Assistance
Getting a babysitter or some other form of childcare in the first few days after surgery can help you get your much-needed rest while your tots get a day of fun in a safe environment.
Lean on family or friends if they’re nearby and available. Iron out a schedule and arrangements beforehand, so surgery day is as stress-free as possible for everyone.
Cut Back on Alcohol and Tobacco
Most surgeons will suggest patients cut down on drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco for at least two weeks before surgery.
This helps reduce the risk of excess bleeding during surgery and cuts down inflammation during recovery.
You may also need to adjust any current medications or herbal supplements. Always check with your surgeon and follow all pre-operation instructions.
After Surgery: How To Heal
While it might seem like a lot, a Mommy Makeover actually reduces recovery time in the long run by combining the procedures instead of getting them done and recovering separately.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
The first few days after surgery are often the roughest since pain and swelling at a maximum.
Make sure to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions for post-surgical care, which often includes managing prescribed medication to help deal with discomfort. Most patients will need to wear a compression garment in the first few weeks after surgery.
Take Time to Rest
The only real way to make sure your body heals is by giving it the time it needs to rest. Make sure to take the time needed off work or any other responsibilities in the week your surgery will be done.
Your calendar should ideally be clear for at least a week after surgery to ensure you get as much time as possible to rest in those crucial hours and days right after surgery.
Call a Friend
It’s nice to have a helping hand as you heal, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Make sure you have someone available and ready to take you home after surgery and also someone to help you at home for those first few days after.
Typically, patients can get back to work within a week or two after surgery.
Have More Questions?
Want to learn more about a Mommy Makeover? Contact us online or call our New York office at 631-352-3556 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pincus soon.