If you are a mother who has become unhappy with your appearance after pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding, a mommy makeover could be just what you need to regain your confidence.
But just what does a mommy makeover entail in terms of recovery?
Below, we’ll go over the basics of what recovery from this procedure is like. But first: What is a mommy makeover?
Mommy Makeover New York City
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “ ‘mommy makeover’ is a catch-all phrase that refers to a specialized combination of body contouring procedures, performed together to improve the physical changes that linger long after pregnancy.” These procedures may include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
This is a surgery for women who’ve experienced excess skin and stretch marks on the abdomen, noticeable sagging and loss of volume on the breasts, and other effects from becoming a mother. It is best for women who are done having children and breastfeeding and those who have waited at least six months after giving birth or the end of breastfeeding. You should also be in good physical and mental health and not be a smoker.
Each woman will have a different experience when it comes to her mommy makeover. Some women will prefer to focus on their breasts while others will be more concerned with their abdomen and hips. Still others will request that all areas of their bodies undergo procedures. These are things that you can discuss with Dr. Schulman during your consultation appointment prior to surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After a Mommy Makeover?
The recovery process after a mommy makeover should be seen as just as important as the surgery itself. It is, in a sense, a part of your mommy makeover procedure as how you take care of your body post-surgery can greatly impact your overall results.
Length of Time for Recovery
The length of time for a full recovery after a mommy makeover will depend on the exact procedures you decided to undergo. It’s crucial to remember that each of your individual procedures may come with a recovery period of weeks or even months, so if multiple procedures are chosen, you may be unable to go about your normal routine for some time. Tummy tucks, for example, come with a quite long recovery period. It is inevitable, for instance, that you will need to take time away from work. You also need to make sure a family member or close friend can be with you to assist you physically during the first few weeks after your operation. Remember that this will impact your child care routine, so plan accordingly, and make arrangements far ahead of time.
Discomfort and Pain After Surgery
Many women fear the mommy makeover procedure and plastic surgery in general because they assume it comes with a lot of pain and discomfort — especially during recovery. While it is true that these types of procedures can lead to some discomfort while you are healing, it’s first important to remember that the surgeries themselves will not be painful. Anesthesia will be used to make the experience painless for you.
Moreover, during recovery, Dr. Schulman will do everything possible to provide you with relief from pain and discomfort as well. This also includes providing you with recovery guidelines that will mitigate the appearance of scars.
How to Care for Your Surgical Sites
Again, the care you’ll need to take for each of your surgical sites will depend on what procedures you choose. Dr. Schulman will provide you with specific post-op guidelines. For instance, here are a few things you’ll likely have to do:
- Rest. Your surgical sites will need time to heal, so you’ll need plenty of sleep and rest — especially right after surgery.
- Avoid physical activity and lifting anything heavy. Dr. Schulman will give you specific guidelines.
- Use cold therapy. Ice packs can help tremendously to reduce swelling and improve the results of your procedures. Using ice the wrong way, however, can negatively impact your results, so be sure to follow the directions given to you by Dr. Schulman.
- Drink plenty of water. Fluids will be essential to your recovery, but try to avoid soda, tea, and coffee, and do not drink alcohol.
- Don’t smoke. if you were previously a smoker, you’ll need to cease this habit for a duration of time before, during, and after your surgery.
- Eat a healthy diet. Being in a reclined, sedentary position for a long period of time during your recovery can make it easy to overeat the foods you love — comfort foods and sweets, most of all. This should be avoided at all costs, however, because it’s absolutely essential during recovery that you give your body only the healthiest and most nutritious foods. Additionally, if you end up gaining too much weight after your surgery, it can negatively affect your results.
How Do You Make a Consultation Appointment for a Mommy Makeover?
The consultation appointment you have with Dr. Schulman prior to your mommy makeover will be crucial to the outcome of your surgery. To make this appointment, simply call our office. Dr. Schulman is the leading plastic surgeon New York City has to offer.
As an important note, remember that recovery can take up to several months, and the consultation appointment will come quite early on in the process, so plan work, school, vacations etc. accordingly. At your consultation, be prepared to ask and answer questions. You’ll want to write down your comments, concerns, and other inquiries beforehand so that you don’t forget anything.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Schulman Today
By nature, mothers are selfless and doting for their children. But this doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t prioritize their own needs sometimes as well. In fact, it’s been proven over and over again that those parents who take time for themselves are able to offer even more patience, love, and gentleness.
If you’re a mom and you’d like to feel better about the way you look after pregnancy and giving birth, think about taking charge of your appearance. There’s no better time, and you deserve it! Contact Dr. Schulman’s office in New York City today to schedule your initial consultation appointment.
