A mommy makeover can be a terrific way for any woman (not just mothers) to improve the contours of her silhouette. By combining a tummy tuck (using my special Scarpa fascia technique), liposuction and a cosmetic breast surgery, the Mommy Makeover is designed to tighten the abdominal muscles, reduce fat and help remedy the effects of breast feeding, weight fluctuation, or aging. A Mommy Makeover is able to provide comprehensive and long-lasting body contouring results for women trying to regain their younger figure and show off their best selves this summer. Since a mommy makeover is a customizable procedure that varies depending on each specific patient’s needs, I have taken the time to answer some more general questions about what patients can expect before and after their surgery:
What position should patients sleep in while they recover from a mommy makeover?
This is a great question. It’s important for patients to get plenty of rest after their procedure to help build up the strength needed to recover and promote the best-possible results from their surgery. Normally, I advise my mommy makeover patients to try sleeping on their backs with pillows under their backs and legs. The legs should be kept slightly bent at the hips. This may help minimize the tension on the abdominal incision, reduce pain, and facilitate a thinner scar.
What can I do in the lead-up to a mommy makeover to prepare my body for the procedure?
For starters, hydration is crucial. Leading up to a mommy makeover, patients should try to exercise at least 30 minutes per day and maintain a healthy diet to go into their procedure in the best possible physical condition. Mommy makeover patients should cut out all tobacco/nicotine consumption for at least 3 weeks before and after their procedure to promote good healing. Limit alcohol consumption to less than 2-3 drinks per week leading up to your procedure. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, etc.) that can increase bleeding for 2 weeks before and after your mommy makeover. Always follow your pre-op instructions closely to go into your procedure in the best-possible physical condition.
It’s also essential to prepare for your recovery period in advance of your surgery. Make sure someone is on-hand to take care of young children (should that be necessary) and help out with minor tasks like lifting, cleaning, and driving for 2 weeks following your procedure.
Will a mommy makeover help someone trying to lose a lot of weight?
Unfortunately not. A Mommy Makeover is a body contouring procedure, so patients should not expect a great deal of weight loss following their mommy makeover. During the procedure, excess skin and fatty tissue is removed and, in some cases, muscle is repaired if the patient has experienced muscle separation. The skin and fatty tissue that is removed does not weigh that much. I recommend that my patients get as close as they can to their goal weight before undergoing their Mommy Makeover.
Whether you are trying to regain your pre-baby body or seeking the ideal figure that you have always desired, I believe a mommy makeover at Southern Plastic Surgery can be a terrific option for women. As always, a pre-surgery consultation will be required to determine if a mommy makeover is the right choice to help achieve your unique aesthetic goals. For more information or to schedule your plastic surgery consultation today, please contact Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Google+ for more plastic surgery tips and updates.