Are you considering mommy makeover? During and after pregnancy, your body changes so much to accomodate your baby. From the expanding belly, weight gain, stretch marks, cavities, varicose veins, swelling, larger feet, and joint changes, it is incredible and miraculous how your body changes to bring forth new life. After the the glow from a newborn baby fades, often women survey their body and can't quite believe the changes. Now in addition to caring for a newborn, friends and family expect your body to "bounce" back. For some very few women, this is easy, but for most women stretch marks, weight gain, and sagging breasts do not bounce back. The thought of surgery can be very intimidating so here is a list of common questions or comments patients have. Don’t worry. These are things that will help you process your emotions and realize they are normal!
Women often give so much of themselves to their families and careers and leave themselves last. When they finally, take the time and resources to improve themselves they feel guilty about it. This is completely normal. It is important to remember the impact you have on those around you. Feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin sets an important example for your friends and family around you. It helps you be a better wife, mother, and woman.
Many moms feel it is important to teach their children to love their bodies. Healthy eating and exercise are great habits to teach them by your example. Your body does so many incredible things. Sometimes age and weight gain and loss limit the ability of your body to recover a "normal" shape, and there is no shame in needing a little help.
Wondering what your kids will think about your surgery? This varies between different families and different cultures. We recommend honesty if at a possible, but it is not necessary to dwell on it. Saying "Mommy is having a surgery to fix her tummy" is completely adequate.
Mommy makeover are extensive surgeries which will be painful at times during recovery. It is important to follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon for pain management and to have the time to recover correctly. With proper pain management and recovery time, pain should be minimal.
There is no standard combination of procedures for a mommy makeover. As you may see with your friends, everyone has different body types, and with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon the procedure should be tailored to fit your preferences. During your consultation, speak with you surgeon about your goals and what procedures he recommends for you.
You might struggle with a numbness on the belly after a tummy tuck. It will be a strange feeling, and you will probably be concerned about it. With a tummy tuck relocating the abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in that area. Usually the nerves will regrow or regenerate over time. With healing some patients do experience itchiness around the incisions. This is normal but combined with the numbness it may feel very weird.
A mommy makeover is not a lunchtime procedure. Everyone may react and recover to the surgery a little differently, but everyone will need at least one week of extensive rest. During this time, a family member, a good friend, or hired person should help you with your recovery and typical household chores. This is not the time to be super woman as if you overdue it often this results in it taking even longer to recover. Ask you plastic surgeon about any question you have about the recovery and what you should and should not be doing.
You may have found yourself emotional after having a baby. After a major body altering surgery, many of our patients are surprised that it take them time to adjust to the new body they see in the mirror. Even though they have wanted it and planned for it for often a long time. You’ve been used to seeing a specific body in the mirror, and now may see something you didn’t see before and often there are scars which may still be healing. Emotional difficulties related to the surgery and body changes can affect women of all ages. This can be surprising to deal with but with time you will become used to your new shape. Most patients continually say how the surgery is the "best thing they ever did for themselves." Ask for hugs from your family and friends to support you on this journey.
For a mommy makeover which includes a tummy tuck, exercise and a healthy diet will help you maintain you new shape! Refer to your surgeons guidance, but typically walking exercise may be resumed four weeks after your surgery with more strenuous activity staggered after that.
A mommy makeover can also be a great way to restore a more positive body image and improve confidence inside the bedroom! Another great way to exercise (with the approval of your plastic surgeon of course)!
No matter what mommy makeover options you pick, you need to do proper research before undergoing any procedure. This is a link to another blog article on how to find the best surgeon for you. A board-certified plastic surgeon is a must for any consultation. Make sure to search for at least 5-6 surgeons. Ask around and find people who have gone through this process. If you decide on a plastic surgeon, check their website, and reviews (especially any one star reviews). Although the cost is important, your safety and outcome are paramount.
It’s common not to get the desired appreciation and encouragement from people, even from your close family. But don't forget the choice of a mommy makeover is truly yours, and it should make you happy, not others. Embrace your new self with confidence!
