The Mommy Makeover Checklist

Have a look at our article which gives you the in’s and out’s using our mommy makeover checklist.

After Pregnancy, many changes occur to the body, some reverse naturally, and others need a little extra help. Suppose you want to achieve your pre-baby body or sculpt and contour your new physique. In that case, a mommy makeover may be the ultimate combination of procedures to do just that.

The phrase ‘mommy makeover’ is a catch-all for correcting changes to a woman’s body after childbirth.

A traditional mommy makeover typically involves liposuction, a tummy tuck, and breast surgery (either a breast augmentation, breast lift, or both). Yet, today’s mommy makeovers may include additional procedures, including vaginal rejuvenation, Brazilian butt lifts, fat transfer to the breasts, and even thigh and arm lifts.

Besides choosing the right surgeon, it is also essential to understand the ins and outs of this complicated surgery and what the recovery involves. Following the surgery, mommy makeover patients are thrilled with the results; getting it is not always easy. The mommy makeover recuperation is often toned down – especially on social media.

Realistic expectations about the steps that need to be taken to achieve the best outcome must be considered. Proper healing requires proper planning and attention to detail: compression, attentive wound care,  restriction of various activities, and care of what you eat are all essential.

The more time you can take to heal, the better, as bleeding and opening wounds are all possible if you try too much too soon.

It generally takes 3 weeks of taking it easy to recuperate, but that’s not always feasible – especially for moms with young children.

There is much about the mommy makeover that often flies under the radar.

Here are 7 things on our mommy makeover checklist to consider:

1. Make Sure You Are Done Having Children

If you are contemplating a mommy makeover, it is best to have completed your family or plan not to have children in the next few years. Pregnancy will reverse many changes a mommy makeover effects by stretching the abdominal wall and skin.

Furthermore, hormonal changes will also affect the breast, possibly causing volume loss and drooping, which breastfeeding can further exacerbate.

2. An Existing C-Section Scar can be removed

A few months after your  C- Section, you should be suitable for a tummy tuck once you have fully healed and reverted to your pre-pregnancy weight. A commonly asked question is what happens to the C-Section scar. Frequently the new scar will sit below the original C-Section scar, removing the old scar. Alternatively, if the C- Section scar is in the correct position, it will be incorporated into the new scar.

3. Walking may be Difficult at First – even around your house

One of the significant risks of a Mommy makeover is a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs. Getting up and moving is essential in the first few days after surgery, as gentle movement improves circulation and proper blood flow in the legs.

Initially, it may be difficult to stand upright and walk due to the new tightness of the tummy tuck. Any discomfort is temporary, and patients are walking upright be weeks 2 to 3. Stick to a walking schedule on discharge – i.e., walk 10 minutes every 2 hours.

4. Numbness Can Last Months, If Not Longer

It’s not unusual for the skin to feel numb for months after the tummy portion of a mommy makeover. During the tummy tuck operation, the delicate nerve endings to the skin are transected, resulting in loss of sensation in the skin of the lower abdomen at the incision area.

Usually, this process takes a few months to recover, and it is uncommon for someone to have permanent numbness after the procedure. As the swelling subsides, sensation returns due to the regeneration and reconnection of the nerve endings. This can take up to six to 12 months before returning to normal. Some patients, however, may not have a 100% recovery, and all patients are warned about this.

5. Breast Position and shape will change over time.

Don’t get shocked the first time you see your breasts after surgery. Breast surgery often involves an augmentation, lift, or both. The immediate result after surgery is not the final shape; it’s also normal for the breasts to feel tight and swollen initially. As the tissue stretches, the implants soften, and time passes, the breasts take on a more natural symmetrical shape.

6. An abdominal Compression Garment Will Be Your New best friend

After the surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. The compression enhances lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and preventing seroma formation. Although uncomfortable, this will improve the final result, especially if abdominal etching is performed.

7. You may need a Laxative to Get Things Moving Again

All operations need painkillers following surgery, and many contain codeine. A side effect is constipation, and a laxative may be required to restore normal bowel function. As you recover from surgery, eating fibre-rich foods will also make the bowel movement process a little easier.

The Takeaway from our mommy makeover checklist

There is much to consider when contemplating a mommy makeover procedure, from what operations to have to arranging childcare while you recover.

Hopefully, the above list will offer some insight.

If you require further information, please call the rooms for an appointment.