Recovering from A Mommy Makeover—How to Do It with Ease

A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that can help a mom restore how she looks and feels before she gained the coveted title of “mom”. For some women, despite regular exercise and a healthy diet, they are still struggling with post-baby body issues. Loose skin in the tummy area, stretch marks, and sagging breasts are some of the common aspects that moms contend with after having children. A mommy makeover is a customized approach utilizing a variety of cosmetic procedures to give moms back their bodies and help them feel more confident about how they look. Once you make the choice to proceed with a mommy makeover, it's important to be prepared before surgery day so that you can have an easy recovery after.

The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery are leading experts in the procedures associated with mommy makeovers in Northern Virginia. They offer a comfortable, welcoming environment featuring the most up-to-date technology and knowledge with cosmetic treatments in order to give Northern Virginia moms great results. Moms play a very important role in their household and are keenly aware that timing is everything -- including when the right time is for surgery. Being prepared ahead of time and knowing what to expect for the recovery part after mommy makeover surgery only helps her get back up and running sooner.

Here are some helpful recovery tips from the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery concerning mommy makeover surgery and how moms can be fully prepared before and after.

The decision to have a mommy makeover

It is hard for moms to put themselves first, especially with the thought that they could be down for a certain amount of time following surgery. The decision to proceed with a mommy makeover definitely takes a considerable amount of thought and planning. Pregnancy and childbirth can affect a mom's body in different ways, and despite her best efforts with diet and exercise, some of those changes won't go away. For women in Northern Virginia, a mommy makeover typically is comprised of breast augmentation and maybe a breast lift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck (full or mini). There are even nonsurgical options that can be included such as BOTOX or dermal filler injectables.

A major benefit of a mommy makeover is that you can undergo multiple procedures at the same time and have only one recovery period for al of them. Recovery varies but usually is 2-3 weeks depending on the extent of each procedure. One of the most important issues you should discuss with your plastic surgeon as you get ready for a mommy makeover is how you should prepare for your makeover day and the days and weeks following.

Preparing before your mommy makeover

The recovery process can go smoother for any cosmetic procedure if a patient is ready beforehand. For moms in Northern Virginia, a mommy makeover is no different. It is actually even more important because it involves mom and puts a temporary halt to all the important tasks and responsibilities she takes on every day. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for your big day:

Be in good health

It always helps with the recovery process when patients are in good shape and healthy before their surgery. Being at your ideal weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking is highly recommended. It is also generally advised that moms wait 6-9 months after their last child before having a mommy makeover. Waiting allows a mom's body to be fully recovered from pregnancy and childbirth before taking on surgical procedures.

Make sure you have help

For a few days after and up to a week after surgery, a mom will need full-time assistance. Find someone you and your family are comfortable with so you can rest easier. The recovery process is vital to smooth and faster healing. If someone is helping run the household for a week, everyone benefits and mom can rest and eventually get back to her normal activities sooner.

Be prepared before your surgery

All moms must have at least a full week to recuperate and rest. Make sure your home is ready for you to be out of commission for a short amount of time. Stock up on groceries, have your medications ready, make a detailed list of your kid's activities for whoever is helping, and most importantly, have your own recovery space prepared. Make sure you have items ready to entertain you while you rest and have comfortable clothes available that are easy to get on and off.

Post-op recovery from a mommy makeover

It is just as important to plan your after surgery time as it is to plan beforehand. Your recovery is key to a successful mommy makeover and getting back on your feet as “mom” again. Here are some helpful recovery tips for Northern Virginia mommy makeover patients:

Rest is key!

The experienced, plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery know it is hard for Northern Virginia moms to relax and rest on a normal basis, much less make time to recover from surgery. The first two weeks are crucial for moms not to do too much too soon. Be gentle with yourself and listen to your body. Even if you feel better, you need to make sure you don't overdo it. Taking it easy only makes for a quicker recovery and will also benefit your final results.

Listen to your plastic surgeon

A plastic surgeon's recovery instructions and follow up protocol are excellent barometers on what to do. They are the experts, and their guidelines should be taken seriously. Certain instructions like no heavy lifting, staying hydrated, avoiding the sun, getting plenty of rest, and taking medications are all part of the healing process. Your plastic surgeon's post-operative care guidelines will give you a more comfortable and safer recovery so you can enjoy how you look sooner.

Follow up with your plastic surgeon

Every mommy makeover in Northern Virginia is different. Follow up appointments are essential for the plastic surgeon to track your progress. A mommy makeover usually involves different cosmetic procedures at one time. Follow up appointments allow the plastic surgeon to assess how you are doing and make any changes to your recovery plan if needed. Keeping to the original post-operative schedule and not skipping appointments allows your plastic surgeon to be with you every step of the way.

Moms who are wanting to look great again after they are finished having children may be interested in considering the transformation that comes with a mommy makeover in Northern Virginia. Taking the necessary steps to be prepared before and after your combination of procedures will only make the journey to getting your body back easier. Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is comprised of a team of plastic surgeons who are well-versed in a variety of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Their skill and expertise, along with their professional staff, serve to help moms look and feel great again. If you are considering a mommy makeover in Northern Virginia, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our talented plastic surgeons today.