How to Prepare for a Mommy Makeover Before and After
Browsing through mommy makeover before and after photos can immediately make you realize how transformative this surgery can be. For moms who’ve been through multiple pregnancies (and seen the physical changes this experience can bring), a mommy makeover is often life-changing. It’s a chance to finally get your pre baby body back.
But how do you actually get ready for such an important surgery?
We’ve created a guide for those who are preparing for mommy makeover surgery. In this guide, you’ll find our best advice on how to approach your consultation appointment, how to choose the right procedures for your makeover, and how to prep yourself and your home for the recovery period.
Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover Consultation
All mommy makeovers start with a consultation appointment. You can schedule this appointment even if you’re not positive you want to move forward with surgery. Think of it as a fact-finding mission in this regard.
In addition to discussing your major concerns and desired outcomes, you’ll simply be getting a chance to become acquainted with your surgeon and ask any questions you may have. You will review your medical history and probably undergo a short physical exam as well.
Some of the other topics you may discuss at your consultation include patient candidacy, mommy makeover cost, potential risks and complications, and your anticipated mommy makeover recovery timeline.
Here are some recommendations when preparing for this appointment:
- Review your surgeon’s before and after mommy makeover gallery prior to the appointment. Bookmark any mommy makeover before and after pictures that have outcomes similar to what you are looking for.
- If you have pictures of yourself from the past, celebrity pictures, or similar, bring those as examples of your desired outcome.
- Bring a pad of paper and pen to take notes. Pre-write your questions on your paper, and leave space for the answer beneath each question.
- Bring any pertinent information on current medical conditions or ongoing treatments you may have.
- Bring a list of medications and/or supplements you are currently taking.
How to Choose Your Mommy Makeover Procedures
Most women have a strong idea of what they want to change with their mommy makeover. But every mommy makeover case is unique, so it can take some dialogue with your surgeon to figure out for sure what procedures will work best for you.
Things like procedure compatibility (how well one procedure works with another being performed at the same time), patient budget, and patient health can all factor into the final decision. With that said, as long as a patient is a general candidate for this surgery, they should have the following procedures available to choose from:
Tummy Tuck
Also known as abdominoplasty, this procedure will remove excess skin on the abdomen. It usually includes liposuction to remove excess fat as well and muscle repair to bring together separated abdominal muscles (a frequent result of pregnancy).
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn body fat from areas like the waist, thighs, and arms.
Breast Enhancement Surgery
This is typically either a breast lift or a breast augmentation. A breast lift does not increase breast size. Rather, it lifts the breasts, making them appear perkier. Breast augmentation does increase the breast size with either a fat transfer procedure or breast implants.
BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
The goal of a BBL is to remove unwanted fat (usually from the abdomen) and use it to fill areas on the thighs and buttocks that would benefit from more volume. Most BBLs help to facilitate more of an hourglass figure for women.
Other Procedures
Keep in mind that other procedures can be incorporated into a mommy makeover as well. If you are interested in improving other areas of your body, talk to your surgeon about your options.
Prepping for Mommy Makeover Recovery
Preparing for your mommy makeover recovery may take most of your time and energy prior to surgery. This is largely because, while certainly manageable, the recovery period following this procedure tends to be longer and more challenging than with other surgeries.
Here are some tips to help you prepare yourself and your home for the recovery process:
#1 – Ask for time off work far ahead.
Don’t wait to get the time you need off from work or school. As soon as you know your surgery date and how much time you’ll need, book your sick leave or vacation days.
#2 – Prepare your space.
At home, you’ll want to prepare several rooms for your recovery. First, your bedroom may require special pillows or medical gear to assist you with getting in and out of bed. Next, you may need specialty topical products (silicone gel, for example) or wound care items for your bathroom. Talk to your surgeon about these things.
When you’re resting during the day, try to spend time in another space so that you can reserve your bedroom for nighttime sleeping only. A couch or comfortable recliner (that you can easily get out of) are great. Put things like your phone charger, books, magazines, tissues, water, and snacks within easy reach.
*Keep in mind that with certain procedures, you may need to sleep or rest in special positions (for example, after a BBL, you cannot put pressure on your buttocks). Therefore, also talk to your surgeon about whether you need to purchase special pillows or other assistive devices as well.
#3 – Plan your meals and snacks.
A little food prep can go a long way for your recovery. Whether you plan to eat freezer meals, get a food delivery plan, or ask a friend or family member to help with cooking, be sure to set this up ahead of time.
#4 – Plan to track your progress.
Lastly, before your recovery even begins, figure out how you are going to track your progress. This is a great way to stay motivated during your recovery.
You might plan to take a daily photo, write in a journal, or jot notes on your calendar. Whatever it is, stick to the plan as you heal so that you can see how far you’ve come as you get better!
FAQ: Mommy Makeover Surgery
Is a mommy makeover only for women?
No, it is a male female procedure and can be performed on men as well. “Mommy makeover” is really just a marketing term that is used for this type of combination surgery because many moms seek it out when they want to restore their pre baby body.
If you are looking for before and after mommy makeover photos of men, when looking through galleries of pictures filter cases or apply filters by gender.
How much is a mommy makeover before and after insurance?
Mommy makeover surgery is not a medically necessary procedure. Therefore, it is unlikely insurance will provide coverage. However, you can always call and ask what requirements and at what age provider companies may provide coverage.
Call to Schedule a Mommy Makeover Consultation
What are you hoping to achieve with your mommy makeover?
To be sure, having children is one of life’s most beautiful experiences. But women can frequently lose themselves during the process, and the result can be a challenge for everyone in the family. If you would like to restore your pre baby body — and diet and exercise just aren’t getting it done — you may be an excellent candidate for a mommy makeover.
To schedule your consultation with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber, please contact our practice today.
