Pregnancy and childbirth can be incredibly rewarding experiences. You are growing a human being and bringing new life into the world. At the same time, this process can take a toll on your body. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can be difficult to get back to your pre-baby body. A mommy makeover can help you address problem areas and feel more confident about the way you look.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover combines several different procedures at once to create more comprehensive results and a shorter recovery period. Instead of undergoing each procedure by itself and having to wait several months until the next one, multiple areas are treated at the same time, so you only have one surgery and go under anesthesia once. It also allows the plastic surgeon to adjust accordingly, so all of the procedures complement one another.
While your mommy makeover will be tailored to your individual needs and aesthetic goals, common procedures include:
Your doctor will work with you to determine which procedures may be a good fit for you and discuss how they can help you achieve the results you desire. Not every woman’s mommy makeover is exactly the same, as everyone has their own ideas about what they want to change.
Planning Your Recovery
Because you will be undergoing multiple surgical procedures at once, you should expect to spend several weeks recovering. As you begin to heal, you can return to some of your day-to-day activities, but there will still be limitations. Planning ahead and having the necessary support systems and resources in place will enable you to focus on your recovery and caring for your body.
Take Time Off
Be prepared to take at least two weeks off following surgery. If you have a relatively sedentary job, you may be able to return to work after two to four weeks, but if you have a more physically demanding job, it may be four to six weeks or longer. You do not want to rush back into too much activity and put unnecessary strain on your body. For the first week, it is normal to just rest and relax, only getting up to use the restroom or do simple tasks.
Organize Ahead of Time
Before surgery, get your recovery area organized to your liking. Gather up some materials to keep you entertained, whether that is books, magazines, puzzle books, movies, music, or other non-strenuous activities. Have your electronic devices – and chargers – close by for easy access. Organize your medications, snacks, and water on a nearby table or nightstand.
You may also want to clean your house, do some meal prep, and tie up loose ends so you have less to stress about and can just relax. Make sure you have comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear during recovery. Some women find that button-down shirts are easier to get on and off after surgery.
Arrange for Help
Mothers, in general, are used to doing everything themselves and giving everyone else what they need. A mommy makeover is something you are doing for yourself. Let others help. Before surgery, put plans in place to have someone around 24/7 for the first week or so. You will not be able to lift anything heavy – including small children – for a few weeks, so you will need to depend on others to help with childcare, light housework, meal preparation, and errands.
You just underwent major surgery; do not be afraid to relinquish some control to your family and friends, and ask them to pitch in. There may be several people who all take turns or different people who are responsible for different tasks. Figure out what works best for you and those who are helping.
Wear Compression Garments
While they may not be incredibly stylish or comfortable, compression garments will help reduce swelling, enhance circulation, and provide support after surgery. You may have a wrap around your stomach after a tummy tuck or a special support bra after a breast lift or augmentation. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how long to wear them and when they can be removed.
Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, you will want to quit smoking at least three weeks prior to surgery and maintain cessation for at least two weeks after surgery. Smoking can interfere with the recovery process and put you at greater risk for complications.
Listen to Your Body – and Your Doctor
Your surgeon will give you post-operative instructions, so ensure that you are following them and asking questions about anything that is unclear. If you had a tummy tuck, it might be difficult to stand up straight for several days, and that is okay because you do not want to stretch the sutures. In addition, you may only be allowed to walk short distances at first, so do not try to be a hero and push the limits. Take it easy. If you are in pain, rest and ask for help. Your body needs time to recover and heal. Contact your doctor if you experience any concerning pain or symptoms.
When Can I Return to My Normal Activities?
Given your doctor’s approval, you should be able to return to some of your normal activities within about two weeks. This does not include any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. You will still want to have help around for childcare and tasks such as carrying in groceries.
Exercising will depend on the type of physical activities you engage in. Light exercises that do not put too much strain on your muscles or stretch incision sites can often be resumed after about a month. It can be several weeks before you are cleared to return to your normal exercise routine, especially if it involves any weight lifting. This will depend on the exact surgery that you had and how your recovery is progressing. However, getting back to being active is important because you will want to maintain a stable weight so as not to reverse the results of your tummy tuck or liposuction.
When Will I See Results?
Some results will be more quickly noticeable than others, such as breast augmentation or breast lift. It can take a few weeks for swelling to resolve and other changes to emerge when considering a more contoured waistline or flatter abs. Scars will also fade over time and become less visible.
How Can I Maintain Results?
To optimize the appearance of results, you will want to adhere to all post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments with your doctor. Developing a healthy diet and exercise routine can help with maintaining a stable weight and not re-stretching tightened skin or leaving behind loose skin. And while you can have more children, pregnancy may negate previous outcomes, so it is a good idea to get a mommy makeover after you have finished growing your family.
Feel More Comfortable and Confident in Your Body with a Mommy Makeover
Make your well-being a priority by getting a mommy makeover to address some of the changes to your body following pregnancy. Get the contoured physique and more youthful appearance you have been dreaming of by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bruno at William Bruno Plastic Surgery or by contacting a skilled plastic surgeon near you. There are many options to enhance your natural beauty and help you feel more confident in the way you look.
