6 Questions To Ask Your Mommy Makeover Surgeon?

If you are a mom in the greater Northern Virginia area and you find yourself looking in the mirror on a daily basis asking yourself how can you possibly get your pre-baby body back, you are not alone. Pregnancy can take its toll on the body and in many cases, cosmetic surgery is often the only solution to remedy certain problem areas. So if you are contemplating your options, then there's no time like the present to consider yourself a priority and get to feeling like your old self again. A mommy makeover can help and can restore the appearance of your abdomen, breasts, and other areas that were affected by pregnancy.

Your mind may say you are ready but considering a mommy makeover is a big decision. While making the choice to treat yourself can be a thrilling idea, it can also be stressful to make sure you find the right plastic surgeon and do your research so you get the results you want. A mommy makeover typically involves multiple types of cosmetic procedures and there are several aspects to consider while leading up to the big day. To make sure you are prepared, the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston in Northern VA are here to give you some advice on your mommy makeover consultation. The process starts by asking all of the right question. Here are six you don't want to avoid.

Do I have a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon?

During your mommy makeover consultation, it is important to ask your surgeon questions. You essentially need to interview them so you feel comfortable with the surgeon you choose. Finding a trustworthy plastic surgeon in the greater Northern Virginia area is crucial to the process and success of your makeover. They need to medically understand the condition you wish to treat, listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and create a solid plan to reach your aesthetic goals. Here are some questions you will want to ask:

• Are you ?
• How many years have you been performing plastic surgery?
• How often do you perform mommy makeover procedures?
• Do you have photos I can see?
• What procedures are best for me and what should I expect?
• Is your facility accredited or do you have access to a reputable hospital, if on the rare chance, there are complications?

Am I the right fit for a mommy makeover?

In general, women in good health and physical shape can be excellent candidates for a mommy makeover. It is always recommended that women be done with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and be at least six months out from giving birth before considering a mommy makeover. When talking to a plastic surgeon, patients may need to be prepared to answer these questions to make sure they will get the most out of their mommy makeover results. Answering these questions allows your Northern Virginia plastic surgeon to customize your surgical plan and let you know if you are the right fit for this life-changing makeover.

• Are you still breastfeeding?
• Are you done growing your family? Do you plan on being pregnant again?
• When was your last pregnancy?
• What are your aesthetic goals for this makeover? What do you want to change?
• What areas on your body bother you most and what results do you desire to attain?

What cosmetic procedures should I consider?

If your plastic surgeon has determined you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover then the next steps are to decide what procedures you may need. Sharing your expectations and goals for your makeover after your examination will help the surgeon prepare a surgical plan. A mommy makeover typically consists of one or more cosmetic procedures done at once. Common procedures for a mommy makeover are a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction (sometimes a blend of all three), as well as a tummy tuck, and liposuction. Many mommy makeovers have expanded to include other treatments such as vaginal rejuvenation (labiaplasty), or skin resurfacing and skin enhancement treatments to help give you your pre-baby glow back. Asking your surgeon what they recommend once they have heard your personal goals and have completed an examination. This will help determine what procedures you may need to consider.

How will my procedures be done or where will the incisions be made?

As a patient, you have the right to ask your surgeon for a detailed plan of how they plan to do your mommy makeover. If doing more than one procedure, you should ask in what order will they do done? You can ask what type of incisions will be made, how large will they be, and where will they be made. If doing a tummy tuck, will liposuction be necessary to optimize the results? If doing breast augmentation, will you need a breast lift prior to implants? What size and type of implants do they recommend? Going over your surgical plan with your plastic surgeon only makes you be better prepared and gives you an idea of what to expect for your recovery.

What can I expect with my recovery?

Most mommy makeover patients take at least 1-4 weeks off depending on what type of procedure and how many they have done. It is imperative to ask your plastic surgeon what you should expect with recovery regarding each surgical procedure. Will there be bruising or swelling? If so how much is normal and for how long? What will their post-op instructions be? How long should I have help? When can I return to normal activities? Work? When will I be fully healed and can enjoy my new look? Being fully prepared for your recovery and knowing to expect will only allow you to relax, heal and get the best results from your mommy makeover.

Most mommy makeover procedures are considered elective surgeries so they are typically not covered by standard medical insurance. At your consultation, come prepared to ask what the costs will be for each procedure. Even ask if there are any extra costs for pre-and post-op care. Your plastic surgeon should have every cost detail outlined in your treatment plan. It is always better if patients come prepared with what their costs will be prior to their mommy makeover so there are no surprises when it is done.

Finally, many women throughout the greater Northern, VA area wonder, can I afford to do this? They hold off on taking steps to get their pre-baby body back for fear they cannot afford the surgery. Our Reston plastic surgery center offers a variety of payment options and financing plans to help moms make their dreams a reality. So don't hold off on getting the surgery you want out of cost fears alone. We are here to help you!

Taking the first step to improving the way you look and feel by scheduling your mommy makeover consultation is part of the process but come prepared! Your consultation is important, not only for the physical exam, but to discuss your goals, ask questions and find out more about your plastic surgeon. Having a good dialogue with your surgeon and knowing what you both can expect will only enhance your mommy makeover results! The 4 plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston have over 75 years of combined experience and have been voted 'Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice' in Northern VA and Washington, DC. Their premier practice and expertise will provide you with beautiful mommy makeover results so you can feel beautiful again. Call or schedule your mommy makeover consultation at Austin-Weston in Reston, VA today!