Best Tips for Mommy Makeover Patients
One of the best things a mommy makeover patient can do for peace of mind is to prepare properly for the surgery. San Diego plastic surgeon Abhay Gupta thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of tips for women getting ready to undergo a mommy makeover. These tips can help make the day of surgery and the recovery go smoother for an overall satisfactory experience.
Here are Dr. Gupta’s best tips:
Communicate with Your Surgeon
Open and honest communication with your surgeon about your treatment goals is critical. Be as specific as possible when describing how you want your body and breasts to look after surgery. Photographs of your pre-baby body or celebrities you admire can also help provide a visual (although the surgeon will help you determine what is reasonable to expect after surgery). Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions about your day of surgery and recovery. Your surgeon has heard it all and wants you to have the information you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Do an Inventory of Your Medicine Cabinet
Ask your surgeon which medications, vitamins and supplements you need to stop taking in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Hint: he will probably advise you to cut out aspirin and other anti-inflammatories. Also, fill your prescription medications ahead of time so they are waiting for you as soon as you get home from surgery.
Recruit a Caretaker
Hard as it may be, you will need to stay off your feet and in bed or on the couch during your first few days of recovery. It is imperative that you arrange for a spouse, family member or friend to take over childcare and chores while you heal. You won’t be able to drive your kids to school, change diapers or clean up after your kids. Moving around too much too soon could impair your results.
Set Up a Recovery Station
As you recover, you will be spending a lot of time in one place (either the couch or bed). Before your day of surgery, stock your space with recovery essentials:
- Medications
- Dressings, gauze, antibiotic ointment
- Baby wipes
- Lip balm
- Kleenex
- Cellphone and charger
- TV remote, books, Kindle
- Water or Gatorade with flexible straws
- Extra pillows
- Hand mirror
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Socks
- Stool softener (you’ll need it!)
Decide What to Tell Your Kids
Kids are very perceptive and will want to know why mommy is wearing bandages and why she can’t pick them up. Ahead of time, decide what you want to tell your kids about your surgery. Depending on their age and their personality, you may decide to be vague or to explain what is going on in more detail. Framing it as a medical issue — i.e., “Mommy had tummy surgery because the doctor said so” — can work with younger children.
Stick Some Meals in the Freezer
You don’t want to spend a lot of time meal prepping or cooking as your body heals. A few days before surgery, prepare some meals (think casserole-type dishes) that you can stick in the freezer and easily thaw. Cut up some fruits or vegetables and keep them in the fridge for easy snacking. Soups, crackers and Jell-O are other recovery staples to keep on hand.
Be Gentle with Your Body
Remember that mommy makeover is a comprehensive surgery and it takes awhile for your body to recover! You may feel groggy from the anesthesia and pain meds for a few days. It will be hard to stand up straight for at least a week (expect to walk hunched over at first). Laughing or coughing can be uncomfortable, too. And, don’t be alarmed if your augmented breasts look much bigger at first than you anticipated; they will settle over time. In general, be patient with yourself and know that the results will be well worth it in the end!
For more information about mommy makeover, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta, please call (858) 408-6100 today.
Fun Fact of the Month: RealSelf.com, a portal for plastic surgeons and plastic surgery patients, recently surveyed women that had mommy makeover treatment and asked them how satisfied they were with treatment. The results showed an overwhelming 98 percent of women were happier after surgery than before. If you are considering having a mommy makeover, the RealSelf data suggests that your chances of being happy with the experience are very good!
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