Preparing for Mommy Makeover Surgery By Dr. Suzanne Yee on October 14, 2017

Childbirth and breastfeeding can forever change the appearance of the body, causing the breasts to sag or loose skin and stubborn fat to accumulate on the lower abdomen. Perhaps more importantly, these changes cause some women to become unhappy with their appearance. A mommy makeover from Dr. Suzanne Yee can help restore a woman's pre-baby body and confidence through a combination of plastic surgery treatments.

When considering a mommy makeover, it's important to understand what plastic surgery entails. Here, we focus on preparing for mommy makeover surgery. For more information, contact our Little Rock, AR office to schedule a consultation.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke, it's important to stop smoking as far in advance of your mommy makeover as possible and no later than four weeks before surgery. You should also be prepared not to resume smoking throughout the recovery process. This is necessary because smoking interferes with the movement of oxygen throughout the blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications and slowing the body's ability to heal.

Discuss Medications with Your Doctor

Before undergoing a mommy makeover, you must disclose any medications you are taking, as well as any health concerns, to your surgeon to avoid the risk of a serious complication. It's also important to inform your doctor of any vitamins or supplements you may be taking as some can interfere with certain medications used during surgery or cause complications, like excessive bleeding.

Eat Healthy Meals and Stay Hydrated

Committing to a healthy meal plan and drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading up to surgery can help prepare the body for a speedy recovery. A healthy diet should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats and whole grains. Foods that are high in sugars, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, like many processed or fried foods, should be avoided. It's also important to limit sodium when preparing for a mommy makeover as sodium can cause water retention and increased swelling after surgery.

Arrange for Help during Recovery

After mommy makeover surgery, most patients need some help taking care of themselves. This also means that those with young children will likely need helping taking care of their little ones as well. When preparing for surgery, patients should make arrangements for a friend or family member to stay with them for several days to help around the house, prepare meals, and take care of other needs. Additionally, most patients will not be able to drive for at least a week following surgery and will need to make arrangements with someone to take them to doctor's appointments and drive their children to school or other activities.

Prepare Your Recovery Area

Another useful way to prepare for mommy makeover surgery is to prepare your recovery area so it will be ready as soon as you come home. Rest is important after surgery, so consider placing things in your recovery area that will allow you to relax and stay comfortable. Some things to consider include soft pillows, blankets, loose fitting clothes, bottled water, magazines, and a tablet and charger.