After pregnancy and childbirth, many women find themselves uncomfortable in their postpartum bodies. The female body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding that can have long-lasting and permanent effects on the body, such as loose skin, stretch marks, and sagging breasts. A mommy makeover combines specific cosmetic procedures to restore the unwanted physical changes associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Keep reading to learn more about mommy makeover recovery from surgery and what to expect.
Mommy Makeover Procedures
Mommy makeover surgeries are entirely individualized, and the type of procedures performed are based on your specific goals and needs after surgery. Mommy makeover surgery often includes a few procedures to help you achieve your physical goals.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is an excellent option for women who have developed sagging breasts postpartum. Breast augmentation restores the look of your breasts by inserting an implant to increase breast size and restore breast fullness.
2. Breast Lift
A breast lift doesn’t include the insertion of an implant like breast augmentation. Instead, a beast lift is intended to lift and reshape the breasts after pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, which can become stretched and weakened during pregnancy.
4. Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat from targeted areas like the abdomen, thighs, sides, or back to help contour and slim the body.
What To Expect After Mommy Makeover Surgery
1. Immediately Postoperatively
You can expect to wake up in the recovery room of the surgical center, where you will spend some time waking from anesthesia. Your doctor and nurse will ensure you have recovered enough to eat, drink, and use the bathroom before being discharged and allowed to return home to rest and recover.
2. Pain Management
Mommy makeover surgery can be extensive, so some postoperative pain or discomfort is normal and to be expected. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage your pain. Pain management is usually discussed before your procedure so you will know what to expect as you recover.
3. Rest
Plan to take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Avoid lifting heavy objects so as not to pull on your incisions while they are healing. It is essential to rest and avoid any strenuous physical activity until you are cleared by your doctor so that you can heal without complications.
4. Compression Garments
Your doctor may require you to wear specific compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your body while healing. If you need to wear compression garments after surgery, your doctor will discuss this with you before your procedure so you will know what to expect.
5. Swelling and Bruising
You should expect to experience some swelling and bruising after surgery. Keep an eye on your body and ensure you are not developing increased swelling or bruising, and discuss this with your doctor to avoid any complications. Cold compresses can help reduce normal postoperative swelling.
6. Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet with lots of hydration is essential for wound healing. Make sure to eat a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods and remain hydrated to promote healing and aid in your recovery.
7. Follow-up Appointments
You can expect your doctor to want to follow up with you after your procedure to ensure you are healing well and do not have any concerns.
8. Caring for Your Incisions
You can expect to have incisions on your breasts or abdomen after mommy makeover surgery. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions about how to care for your incisions to ensure they remain clean, dry, and free from infection. Look at your incisions daily and report redness, swelling, or drainage, which could indicate an infection.
Get the Postpartum Body You Want
Mommy makeover surgery is an excellent option for women struggling to adapt to their new postpartum bodies. If you have questions regarding mommy makeover surgery, speak with your doctor today to learn if mommy makeover surgery is right for you!