After having kids, your body is never the same— you’ll gain stretch marks and excess weight in unwanted places. From there, some mothers may not be happy with their postpartum bodies. And going through insecurities about your body is never easy.
If this is you, you may be considering mommy makeover surgery to make yourself feel better. But before you go under the knife, you should make sure that you are ready for surgery and recovery.
So here is a list of what you should and shouldn’t do for your mommy makeover.
What Should You DO Before Your Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Nick Masri always advises his mommy makeover patients before surgery to:
Research First
Mommy makeover surgery can be a great way to get your pre-pregnancy body back. But it’s also important to understand all the benefits and potential complications before making any decisions.
There’s a lot to unpack about mommy makeover surgery, so doing your research ensures you’re making the best and safest decisions for yourself before committing to it.
It’s also helpful to have someone else help you sort through all the information. Talk to a double board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Nidal Masri to learn the nitty-gritty of mommy makeover surgery and get your questions answered.
Prepare for Your Aftercare
You won’t be able to do much after your surgery, so it is best to take care of everything before the procedure. This way, you can focus on relaxation and recovery after your surgery.
You need to prepare healthy meals that you can reheat. Buy gauze, bandages, ice packs, and pain medications. Also, have some loose, comfortable clothing ready to wear so you don’t put pressure on your incisions.
Take Care of Your Pre-Op Meds
To ensure surgery goes as smoothly as possible, take care of all the pre-op requirements.
Get your lab tests and medical evaluations done. Fill out any prescriptions you may need and make sure they’re by your bedside when you need them.
Dr. Nick Masri advises asking your doctor what medications you’ll need after surgery. Contact your local pharmacy to get regular prescription pickups scheduled. If you take care of your pills before surgery, you won’t have to worry about any last-minute details.
Arrange a Ride
It is crucial to have someone take you to and from your mommy makeover surgery. The effects of anesthesia might not wear off right away, so you have to be on the safe side and have someone to drive you after your surgery. Ask a friend or family member to come with you if possible.
If you’re on your own, many companies provide transportation services. Let your surgeon know about it so they can arrange these services for you.
Build a Strong Support System
Surgery can be scary, regardless if it’s a mommy makeover or any other procedure. You may feel anxious about the surgery or worried about how you will recover.
That’s why it’s essential to have support from your friends and family. They can help you in many different ways, like assisting you while recovering.
Having that extra level of support can help you feel more confident in yourself and your ability to heal. The support and encouragement could come from a close friend, family member, or therapist.
What Should You NOT DO Before Your Mommy Makeover?
If there are things you should prepare before mommy makeover surgery, there are also things you should avoid.
These include the following:
Don’t Drink Alcohol
You should avoid any substances or medications that could interfere with your recovery. And that includes alcohol, which should be avoided at least two weeks before your scheduled mommy makeover.
There are a few reasons why drinking alcohol before surgery is a no-no.
First, it can make it harder for your body to process certain medications and anesthesia. Second, drinking alcohol can stress out your liver and kidneys. And third, alcohol can interfere with your body’s natural healing process after surgery.
So to make sure your surgery goes well, you should keep yourself alchol-free as you approach your surgery date.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking can increase your risk of complications and slow down your recovery time. It can also interfere with the results of the surgery performed by Dr. Nick Masri.
So make sure to put those cigarettes away and stay smoke-free for at least four weeks before your mommy makeover. Better yet, quit it altogether!
Don’t Shave or Wax
People often believe shaving before surgery is necessary so the surgeon can see what they’re doing. But this isn’t necessarily true.
Shaving can create tiny cuts in the skin, which might progress to wound infection. Leave the shaving to Dr. Nick Masri and his team. If hair needs to be removed, they’ll do it themselves.
What are the Dos and Don’ts in Mommy Makeover Recovery?
As with any other surgery, there’s a recovery period where you should limit your movements and activities to allow you to heal without a hitch completely.
Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to help you through the mommy makeover recovery process:
Do…
- Follow Dr. Masri’s instructions carefully.
- Take it easy and rest as much as possible.
- Schedule a short daily walk to keep your circulation in tip-top shape.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods.
- Keep your drains and incisions clean and dry.
- Make sure you have plenty of help during your recovery.
- Elevate your legs when resting.
- Ice and massage the surgical area regularly.
Don’t…
- Smoke or drink alcohol.
- Overexert yourself physically.
- Use lotions or creams near your incisions.
- Be afraid to ask for help during the recovery process.
- Apply pressure or bandages to the surgical area.
- Skip out on postoperative care.
- Forget to take care of yourself emotionally and physically during your recovery period.
With this guide, we hope you got a general idea of how to prepare for your mommy makeover and ensure you’re on track to recovery.
And if you’re thinking about getting mommy makeover surgery or you just want to know more about it, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Nidal Masri, MD for your consultation schedule.
