Mommy Makeover in One Week and Im Scared! Is 6 Hours Too Long?

Anxiety you are experiencing prior to surgery is quite common. Many moms have great concerns about undergoing elective plastic surgery and worry about returning safely to their families.  Many patients experience feelings of anxiety and/or guilt prior to the procedures.

Although every operation does carry risk, the  risk of major or fatal, conditions are  relatively small assuming that you are in good health, your procedures are being done by a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, the anesthesiology is provided by a well-trained/experienced individual, the procedure is  being performed in a fully accredited facility, and aftercare is handled correctly.

 Given the degree of anxiety, you may do well by meeting with your plastic surgeon again prior to surgery. Address specific questions/concerns.

 You may find the following words of advice I give my patients helpful to you:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

Best wishes.

It is entirely natural to be worried about an upcoming surgery.  Hopefully that same concern guided you to an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, and you are having your procedure in fully accredited facility.

It always seems that the closer the surgery comes, the more the butterflies outweigh the reasons you are having the surgery in the first place.  This is especially true for young mothers, who are concerned about having a problem when they have small children.

Postoperatively, you may be asked to walk frequently, stay well hydrated.

It is a great comfort to many patients to spend the first night after their procedure in an Aftercare facility where nurses can monitor the blood oxygen, vital signs, and provide the appropriate pain relief.