How To Prepare For Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a combination of surgeries that restore the shape of your body after it's been stretched by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Each patient is unique, so your doctor will choose the type of procedures you need depending on your body condition and goals. Here are some preparations you may need to make before undergoing a mommy makeover.
Lose Excess Weight
A mommy makeover usually isn't done right after giving birth because your body is still going through changes that could last for a few months. Plus, your doctor might want you to wait a few months after you've stopped breastfeeding before having the surgery.
Also, if you were overweight before your pregnancy or if you gained a lot of weight while pregnant, your doctor may encourage you to lose the extra pounds because procedures such as a tummy tuck are more effective when you don't have a lot of excess fat in your abdominal area. If you have extra fat and lose it in the future, your abdomen may sag again, so it's best to be close to your ideal weight first.
Finish Having Babies
Your doctor may encourage you to wait until you're finished having babies before you have a mommy makeover. It's safe to get pregnant after you've had the surgery, but the problem is that your body will stretch out again and you may need to have another mommy makeover. By waiting, you'll only need one surgery and you won't undo the results of the first procedure.
Have A Healthy Lifestyle
You may already have a healthy lifestyle. However, if you smoke, you should stop before you have a mommy makeover because smoking could complicate the recovery process. A mommy makeover includes one or more surgeries that may require general anesthesia, so you want to be healthy before the surgery so you have a swift recovery.
You may need to adjust medications or stop over-the-counter drugs and supplements before having your surgery, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Also, it's good to involve your regular doctor if you have a chronic health condition so it is managed well before you undergo the surgery.
Prepare Your Home For Recovery
Set up your home so you can cook and take care of yourself when your activities are limited. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you might not be able to lift heavy things for several weeks. This includes children, so you may need to bring in help for housework and childcare until you've recovered.
Your doctor will explain what will happen with your surgery and what to expect with your recovery. You'll also be given an estimate of when you can return to work. You'll want to follow your doctor's instructions faithfully so you can recover quickly and enjoy the new shape of your body.
To learn more, contact a resource like Ron Soltero MD FACS.