Although the name may sound light and catchy, a Mommy Makeover is a serious surgery that requires an elevated level of skill and artistry from your plastic surgeon. Because it includes multiple procedures (typically tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction) performed during a single operation, a Mommy Makeover comes with a steeper financial commitment than other surgeries and has a prolonged recovery time. Even so, it has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any plastic surgery and can help a woman reclaim her pre-baby body and confidence after childbirth. If you are considering a Mommy Makeover, here are five pieces of advice from Dr. Robert Wilke, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and partner with Edina Plastic Surgery.
#1 – The best time to have a Mommy Makeover is after you have had your last child.
“Patients need to factor in family planning when considering a Mommy Makeover,” advises Dr. Wilke. “We want you to be able to enjoy your surgical results for a very long time, so we strongly recommend that you wait until after you’re done having kids before pursuing a Mommy Makeover. Your body needs adequate time to heal from childbirth, and breast tissue, which significantly changes with breastfeeding, will need time to settle back into its natural state. Depending on how long you breastfeed, this could be as early as one year after your last child.”
Mommy Makeover surgery does not affect a woman’s ability to carry a child, but a future pregnancy could reverse the results of her procedure. The time, cost, and risk of surgery may not be worthwhile unless a woman knows for sure that she will not be adding to her family in the future.
#2 – Choose your plastic surgeon very carefully.
“A Mommy Makeover is a very skill dominate, artistically demanding, and time-intensive procedure for a plastic surgeon to perform, so you should be meticulous about the credentials and experience of the provider you select,” warns Dr. Wilke. “Make sure your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon and that they can show you lots of pictures of the Mommy Makeovers they have performed. Pay special attention to the appearance of the nipple area (areolas) and belly buttons in these pictures, as a highly-skilled surgeon will maintain a very natural appearance to these regions after breast lift, breast augmentation, and tummy tuck surgery.”
#3 – Ask your plastic surgeon about their pain management protocol for your recovery.
Because the recovery after a Mommy Makeover is extensive, you’ll want to inquire about the strategies and protocols your plastic surgeon implements after your procedure to ensure you remain comfortable for the days and weeks following your surgery. A Mommy Makeover is customized to each patient, so pain management plans will vary. Once your surgery is complete, you will spend time in a recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. Then, your plastic surgeon will send you home with a specific list of post-care instructions and medications for pain management. At Edina Plastic Surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon is on call 24/7 if any concerns or questions arise once a patient returns home.
#4 – Take your recovery seriously and commit to following all post-care instructions.
“The recovery time required after a Mommy Makeover can be one the biggest challenges for a woman, especially if she is the primary caregiver to her children,” explains Dr. Wilke. “A patient should plan for an initial recovery of two weeks and make sure their schedule is cleared and that they have help and support in the home so they can focus their energy on a healthy, stress-free recovery. Even if a woman is a speedy healer, she must follow post-care instructions closely to avoid the risk of complications.”
A woman’s recovery time after a Mommy Makeover will depend on the particular procedures she has undergone during her surgery. Some procedures are easier to recover from than others. Lifting more than five pounds and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least a month after a Mommy Makeover. Think carefully about the ideal time to schedule your surgery to avoid a stressful recovery.
#5 – Hang in there. You’ll love your results!
“The first two days after Mommy Makeover surgery are anything but fun,” says Dr. Wilke. “Remember that with this surgery, we are performing multiple procedures, so various parts of the body will experience discomfort all at once. Hang in there and stay in direct communication with your surgeon about the level of pain you’re experiencing and your progress. After the first week, it will feel like your recovery speeds up significantly. Remember, tens of thousands of women undergo Mommy Makeovers every year because the recovery is worth the results!”
As the weeks pass after your Mommy Makeover surgery and bruising and swelling subside, you’ll see a whole new body begin to reveal itself. Be patient. Depending on which procedures you’ve undergone, this process can take six months to a year. Although this can seem like a long time to realize your final results, the majority of patients proclaim that having a Mommy Makeover is life-changing and has dramatically improved their self-confidence. This surgery can restore your control over your body’s appearance, renew your confidence, and improve your quality of life!
Are you interested in discussing Mommy Makeover surgery with Dr. Wilke or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery? Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (612) 688-3177, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
