How to Prepare & Recover from Mommy Makeover

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Pregnancy and welcoming a newborn can be one of the happiest times for a family.

But pregnancy and childbirth can cause loose skin, stretch marks, muscle separation, sagging breasts, and fat that just won’t go away.

Mommy makeover surgery is a complete body transformation that addresses the specific problem areas of each woman, working to restore her body by giving her contours and a silhouette more consistent with her pre-baby body.

Elements of a Mommy Makeover

This surgery is one operation that typically includes a tummy tuck with liposuction and addressing any necessary breast procedures.

Breast procedures can include a lift, reduction, or augmentation, depending on the patient’s needs.

One of the benefits of a mommy makeover is that all of these individual surgeries are done during one operation — meaning patients only need to prepare for and recover from one operation.

During the plastic surgery consultation process, it’s essential to have a detailed conversation with the operating surgeon. Doing so ensures that patients choose the right combination of procedures for their surgical goals.

Whether patients are choosing to have a breast lift and a tummy tuck, or a breast reduction and liposuction, it’s important to follow these tips to prepare for surgery and ensure a smooth recovery.

Mommy Makeover surgery results

Preparing for Mommy Makeover Surgery

Pre-Surgery Diet & Exercise

In the weeks leading up to mommy makeover surgery, it’s important to create a plan.

Set up a moderate exercise program so that you can maintain your weight while also staying strong and healthy.

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

To prepare for after surgery, stock up on your favorite foods and any essential items so that you can avoid having to go out to the grocery store.

Avoid Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Intake

It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to avoid possible complications, including wound healing issues and infections.

In the weeks before surgery, limit alcohol intake and avoid alcohol starting 72 hours before mommy makeover surgery.

Your doctor will give you a list of medications to avoid, because many medications can cause bleeding or bruising. This includes aspirin or nonsteroidal medication, as well as some vitamins and supplements.

It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery.

Recovering After Mommy Makeover Surgery

What you do directly after surgery is almost as important as the surgery itself, making it essential to plan ahead for the post-operative period.

You should plan to take at least two to four weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery.

It’s not necessary to stay in bed during this time — at the Plastic Surgery Center at Williams, we encourage patients to complete normal activities to prevent blood clots or other complications.

Get up and walk around the house or around the block, but don’t overdo it — very strenuous physical activities will increase swelling and delay healing.

For example, don’t run up and down stairs.

If your bedroom is upstairs, consider setting up a comfortable sleeping area or recliner downstairs that’s close to a bathroom.

Avoid driving for a few weeks after surgery.

Plan to have your spouse help with childcare or coordinate a nanny to watch the kids, especially the first week after surgery.

The most important tip is to closely follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.

Sometimes, as you start to feel better, you may think that it’s time to go for a run or vacuum the house.

Remember that it’s important to be careful and not try to expedite recovery time.

Overdoing it will lead to an increase in swelling and might delay the healing process.

If you follow instructions and attend all follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon, you will have a smooth recovery and amazing results from your mommy makeover surgery.

Contact Us

Our experienced, specialized body and breast plastic surgeon, Dr. Alain Polynice, performs mommy makeover surgery with exceptional results.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how the Plastic Surgery Center at Williams can help you transform your post-baby body today.

About the Author: Dr. Alfredo Lloreda

Dr. Alfredo Lloreda is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes exclusively in breast & body plastic surgery and non-surgical rejuvenation. He completed his medical degree, graduating with high honors, at Ross University School of Medicine. After medical school, Dr. Lloreda spent a year helping underserved communities in the Caribbean and teaching anatomy, suturing techniques, clinical medicine, and high-fidelity simulation to medical students.

Dr. Lloreda then completed a 5-year General Surgery Residency in Miami, focusing on major traumatic wound reconstruction and burn surgery, followed by a 3-year Plastic & Reconstructive surgery fellowship at world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Florida. He pursued an aesthetic fellowship through the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Williams Center alongside Dr. Alain Polynice.