What is a mommy makeover? This term can mean different things to different people. It generally refers to improving the abdomen, breasts and other areas have been affected by pregnancy. Patients usually undergo different cosmetic procedures of these areas based on their unique anatomy. 

Nothing quite changes your life like becoming a mother! Whether you have one, two, three or more children that are dependent on you, you will have less time for yourself. This can make restoring your pre-baby body even harder. Moreover, many of the changes that occur after pregnancy cannot be changed with diet and exercise alone.

Pregnancy and childbirth can have a profound effect on various parts of your body, from obvious areas such as your abdomen and breasts to your thighs, buttocks and hips. While diet and exercise are important components in an effort to restore your pre-pregnancy appearance, breasts that have lost volume and elasticity, and an abdomen affected by stubborn fat, excess skin and separated muscles may persist leaving you still looking pregnant. 

Many of these lingering effects in your post-partum body’s appearance can be improved in multiple ways, in one operative procedure. A mommy makeover offers you the opportunity to do just that, combining a tummy surgery, breast procedure and / or liposuction into just one surgical procedure. This means just one recovery period for a major body transformation. When appropriate, this is hugely beneficial for moms who may simply not have the time or the childcare to undergo numerous procedures and their associated recovery times. Combining procedures can also decrease cost as only one anesthesia and operating room fee is necessary. 

However, since a mommy makeover is such a comprehensive transformation, the prospect of the procedure itself and the recovery can be daunting. One of the best ways to help alleviate your concerns is good planning and thorough preparation. Here are important tips to prepare for your mommy makeover.

Consider if your family is “complete”

Another pregnancy is feasible but could change the results of your mommy makeover, so it is worth considering your future plans. If additional pregnancies are a possibility, think about less invasive mommy makeover options. If your final pregnancies are planned for the near future, consider waiting until after these are complete. It would be a wasted recovery and financially inefficient to undergo the procedure when you know that your family is expanding again! 

Be as healthy as possible

You should strive to be in the best possible health prior to your procedure. This is for several reasons including reducing the risk of complications during and after your procedure, and to enable you to make the fastest and most straightforward recovery. Since a mommy makeover may include several procedures, it is especially important that you are in the best of health ahead of your appointment. Eat right, cut back on alcohol and follow your physician’s advice to ensure you are in optimal health. Safety is an overriding concern in all that we do. There is one piece of advice that surgeons give very often – quit smoking. Smoking is not only awful for your health, but it can also have serious repercussions for anyone undergoing surgery as it is well known to cause complications and extend the healing process. This is because the flow of oxygen around the body and to the wound sites is compromised and can impede healing.

Prepare your home

You and your loved ones should take steps to ensure that everything is taken care of prior to your procedure so you can take it easy while you are recovering and you aren’t driven to do chores when you should be recuperating. Whether you arrange for some household help from a loved one, hire an assistant, or generally cut back on your obligations, it is your turn to take some time off during your recovery! Your family should prepare so that following surgery, your work, home and family obligations can be managed appropriately, particularly in the first 10-15 days after surgery depending on the procedures you undergo.

Do you want childcare?

While you will want to spend time with your children after your mommy makeover, there may be temporary limitations on your activity after surgery. A helpful support system in place ahead of your surgery will help you to feel more relaxed as you know your babies will be well taken care of. 

Choose your surgeon wisely

Research your doctor! Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Be sure your surgery is performed in an accredited operating room with experienced personnel including a board certified anesthesiologist in cases involving sedation or general anesthesia.  

Your surgeon will give you more specific information about how to prepare for your mommy makeover in the weeks and days ahead of your procedure. You should always follow the guidelines as they are provided to you as they are designed specifically to minimize risks and maximize outcomes. If you have questions about your mommy makeover, ensure that you ask us at your consultation or get in touch with our office prior to surgery. Don’t go into your procedure feeling unprepared – we are on your side! 

Alan Matarasso, MD’s expert team would be happy to assist you with any queries you have. Call our office in Manhattan, New York to schedule your appointment.