Mommy makeovers are a huge commitment, but also one of the most life-transforming surgeries a person can have. With a RealSelf Worth It Rating in the high 90s, our community members often find that it is a positive change well worth the time, effort, and money.
Our mommy makeover community has shared a wealth of tips to help you research and undergo this procedure with ease.
Before surgery
1. Do your homework.
This is a big investment with an average cost around $12,300, and also includes multiple invasive surgeries and weeks of downtime. Focus your research to make sure you get the results you really want. Consult with at least two to three board-certified plastic surgeons and ask these questions.
2. Flush those cigarettes down the toilet.
As if you needed any more reasons, this is another great one to drop that nasty smoking habit. Before surgery is the right time to quit. Aside from the negative affects on your health, nicotine inhibits healing.
'The issue with nicotine is that it also acts as a vasoconstrictor, clamping down of blood vessels,' Dr. Lewis Andres says. 'Blood supply is always of great concern during any surgical procedure, but especially in such a procedure as a mommy makeover where the viability of the skin/tissue, belly button, and nipple-areolar complex is obviously important. Since the vascularity to the area is already tenuous since it will be raised by cutting around the area, maximizing blood flow to the tissue is critical.'
3. Stock your medicine cabinet.
Ask your doctor for post-op prescriptions and fill those before your surgery in advance. Additionally, ask about vitamins, supplements, and other medications you should stop taking before surgery. Be completely honest with your medical history, and trust us, asking about starting a stool softener before surgery is a good idea.
See more: Psychology of the mommy makeover.
Before and after mommy makeover pictures from Nichole36974.
4. Get help.
Make sure you ask a family member, friend, or even hire someone to assist you for the first few days after surgery. This is no time to go it alone.
We're not going to lie, recovering from a mommy makeover is tough. You'll need someone to help you remember to take your pain medication, get to the bathroom, serve you water and food, and more.
5. Communicate with your doctor.
It's so important to talk with your doctor about the finer details of your surgery, including incision placement, and the type and size of implants you want. Be upfront and explicit with your surgeon about the results you want.
6. Ready your supplies.
You'll spend a lot of time resting, so you'll want to be comfy in either a recliner or a bed with lots of extra pillows. Surround yourself with everything you might need, including a recovery station stocked with medicines, bandages, or whatever else you might need. Our mommy makeover supply guide is a great place to start.
Supplies pictured in newlook2014's review.
7. Prepare your home.
Moms often take care of everyone else, but while you are recovering, you'll need help. Get organized now to make it easier on everyone else, especially you, post-op. Clean your house, prepare and freeze meals, and arrange extra childcare.
8. Take ample time off.
Most doctors recommend two weeks, but RealSelf community members advise taking at least three if possible.
Looking fantastic after her mommy makeover! Photos from solesister.
9. Set expectations with your partner.
Communication is key. Ward off feeling resentful by telling them exactly what you'll need help with and for how long. This will keep you from feeling frustrated, and your partner from feeling overwhelmed.
10. Throw your vanity out the window.
On surgery day, you must realize that you'll be in recovery mode for a while. Wear loose-fitting clothing that's easy to get on and off, don't bother putting on makeup, and remove all jewelry. Follow all your doctor's orders when preparing for surgery. Stay calm and take deep breaths.
After Surgery
1. The first day or two will be a blur.
After a mommy makeover, you'll likely be on several medications to help you sleep and to alleviate pain. Try to rest as much as possible, but take short breaks to move a little. Your main goal is to heal.
'I tell my patients to expect each phase of recovery to be broken down into 'two to three,' ' Dr. Jason Lichten says. 'This means that it is usually two to three hours to 'wake up' from the anesthetic so your head starts to clear. Two to three days that you can expect pain that probably requires pain medication around the clock or on some set schedule. Two to three weeks that you taper off the medications and start increasing your activity. Two to three months to feel like yourself again, and even two years for your scars to fully mature.'
2. Keep your drain incisions clean.
Be sure to record the amount of fluid you're draining, too.
Video: How to 'Milk' a Drain After Surgery
3. Eat light foods and drink plenty of clear liquids.
Some food ideas from Chiklet3's review.
4. Ask your doctor about showering.
A day or two after your mommy makeover, it is usually OK to shower, and these handy tips can help.
5. Expect some back pain.
For at least a week post-op, many people experience back pain and walk hunched over. Most doctors say you should be standing straight after a week or two.
6. Your emotions might be all over the place.
'This is a big one. Having your body cut upon, stitched up, and hung up to dry is traumatic,' RealSelf community member Jenbob said. 'Throw a few pain meds into the mix, and you will turn into an emotional tornado. I was known to go from ecstatic to tears in 6.9 seconds flat. Top that! Be aware that this will be an issue, and emotions will be crazy.'
7. Stay on top of your pain meds.
It's helpful to know what to expect as far as pain goes. If possible, set an alarm so that you and your caretaker know when to take more medication. Writing down when you take your meds helps, too, especially if you're in charge of your own painkillers.
Photo from Nomoresaggyskin's review.
8. Fight the temptation to do too much.
'One helpful hint is to make sure you continue to have lots of help at home—this cannot be stressed enough,' says Dr. Shahrem Salemy. 'You'll be tempted to try to help around the house quickly, but you won't feel like yourself for at least seven days, or 10-14 in many cases, and you still shouldn't do any heavy-lifting for four to six weeks.'
9. 'Swell hell' is real.
Ask your doctor what you can do to reduce uncomfortable swelling.
10. Allow yourself time to heal.
It's going to take a while to get back to feeling 100%. Set realistic expectations, and remember that this is a major surgery. Be gentle with both your body and mind for weeks to months post-op.
Amazing mommy makeover results courtesy of Dr. Richard Rand.
Looking for more?
- Check out our mommy makeover FAQ
- Read the mommy makeover glossary
- Browse reviews from real people
- View before and after photos from doctors
- Find plastic surgeons offering mommy makeovers in your area