When is a good time for a Mommy Makeover?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave their marks on a woman's body. Most women struggle to get back to their pre-pregnancy body for months or years after childbirth, and some never succeed. Saggy breasts with no upper pole volume, the belly apron that makes it difficult to find suitable clothing, fat deposits in different areas of the body that are difficult to get rid of. All these and more can be the effects of one or more pregnancies on the body. Most of them can be corrected with the help of plastic surgery, a balanced diet, and a regular exercise program. But when is a good time for a mommy makeover? Let's have a look at the details of the procedure and the best time frame to schedule your intervention!
Mommy Makeover – essential details
The Mommy Makeover is a batch of plastic surgery procedures performed together. The aim of the intervention is to correct the imperfections that occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding at the level of the breasts and tummy. The Mommy Makeover is a tailor-made intervention customized for each patient. For example, one patient might get a breast lift and a mini tummy tuck as part of the Mommy Makeover procedure, while others might need a breast reduction and an extended tummy tuck associated with liposuction.
Generally speaking, a breast enhancement procedure, tummy tuck, and liposuction are part of the Mommy Makeover package. However, as we mentioned before, the intervention can be customized depending on the patient's needs. The surgical plan and the procedures to be performed are discussed with each patient during the pre-operative consultation with the plastic surgeon.
How is the Mommy Makeover performed, and how long it takes?
The intervention is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is necessary as the surgical time is longer compared to other procedures. Generally speaking, the Mommy Makeover can take from 2.5 hours to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of each case and the procedures that were recommended.
In preparation for the intervention, patients are advised to avoid birth control pills and anti-inflammatory medication for at least two weeks before the surgery. Patients should also not eat or drink anything at least 8 hours before undergoing surgery.
This kind of intervention is not one that you could have on your lunch break and then return to work. It requires a certain amount of preparation, and the patient needs to take some time off for recovery too.
The recovery period after the Mommy Makeover
To be able to get an idea about the best time to get a Mommy Makeover, you should find out all the details about how it is and what happens during the recovery period. Patients are advised to take at least two weeks off from work after undergoing such a complex intervention to allow the body to recover.
After the procedure is performed, patients can return home within 24 to 48 hours if no complications occur. This means that the healing process starts at home, where patients need plenty of rest, a balanced, light diet, and to avoid certain activities. The success of the intervention and the wellbeing of the patient are dependent on following the plastic surgeon's indications for the recovery period.
Activities to avoid during the first 2 to 4 weeks after a Mommy Makeover intervention
Patients getting back home after a Mommy Makeover don't just resume their daily activities immediately. Some adjustments need to be made to ensure they have a fast and uneventful recovery process. Here are some things that need to be avoided during the first two weeks of the recovery period:
Sleeping on the tummy – to avoid the rupture of the sutures, patients are advised to sleep on their back for at least a few weeks post-op. More than this, the recommendation is to use pillows under the head to elevate the upper part of the body and to rest with the knees bent, so there isn't any unnecessary pressure on the incisions.
Lifting heavy objects – due to the incisions localized at the level of the breasts and also the tummy, patients should avoid lifting heavy objects from the ground, and also the excessive stretching of the arms (so as not to rupture the sutures of the breast enhancement surgery).
Spending too much time on your feet – the recommendation is to get off the bed and walk for at least a few minutes every couple of hours, as soon as possible after the surgery was performed. But this doesn't mean spending too much time on your feet too soon after the intervention. Make sure to get enough rest throughout the day, as this is important for your recovery.
When to schedule your Mommy Makeover surgery?
Because of the requirements of the recovery period, patients are advised to consider what would be the best time to undergo the procedure. Generally speaking, patients shouldn't schedule the intervention less than six months after childbirth or after the breastfeeding stopped. Also, patients who plan to have more children in the future need to be aware that the results of the intervention could be compromised if an ulterior pregnancy occurs.
A good time for a Mommy Makeover is:
When 6 to 8 months passed after childbirth
Breastfeeding stopped, and breasts returned to their initial condition
The patient is in good health and emotional condition
The patient can take at least two weeks off from work for the recovery period
There is someone available to help with chores around the house and the kids during the recovery period
The patient doesn't plan on getting pregnant again in the future.
Final words
The Mommy Makeover procedure can help you get back your pre-pregnancy body and even enhance the features of the body. The intervention combines multiple procedures to correct imperfections present at the level of the breasts, tummy, and flanks. Other procedures might be necessary to achieve aesthetic goals. To find out when it would be the best time to undergo a Mommy Makeover and what the surgical plan entails in your particular case, schedule a consultation with Dr. Essie Yates, our board-certified plastic surgeon at the Yates Institute for Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale.