Is there any way to help prepare myself mentally and emotionally for the Mommy Makeover recovery process?

This is a big issue, but  a lot can be done beforehand to make your postop course easier:1) Manage anxiety before surgery. This includes having all your questions and concerns answered and also probably using some medication to limit the normal anxiety in the day or days before surgery2) Be proactive about pain control: pain can be a part of all surgery, but managing it proactively can go a long way in minimizing your anxiety. We choose to call our patients every day after surgery till their first visit to eb sure we are doing our best with pain control.  Remember that narcotics are often needed, and they pose their own risk of emotional disturbances. Your doctor should be involved in tapering these medications and offering alternatives to avoid problems in this area. We use a multimodal approach to pain control that allows us to customize our pain control plan for each patient.3) Get the home front in order.  Everything from where and how you sleep and move about will be affected, especially the first week after surgery. That means getting help arranged, and also being sure your sleeping arrangement is OK with your surgeon. This minimizes disruption of your sleep cycle, which can lead to anxiety and depression if it goes on too long.

This is a great question.  You will go through many emotions after surgery.  Recovery is unique to each individual.  Initially many patients feel nervous because they are uncomfortable and swollen after surgery.  They are dealing with drains, and pain medicine. But after about a week or two the transformation begins when swelling begins to subside and they get a hint of their results.  At about 2-3 months many patients have a spring in their step as their confidence in their body and their excitement at their surgical results is realized.  Again, this is general and healing is unique.  Just know that it is normal to feel a spectrum of feelings and they can change day to day.  Remember that you are doing something to feel better about yourself and you are worth it!

Start with  through discussion with your plastic surgery about what to expect after your surgery.  Mentally accept your temporary need for dressings, medication for your discomfort, assistance in moving around in your early stages of healing and that you will not look the way that you want due to swelling and bruising and won't see your final result for 2-3 months.  Be sure to have help set up for home, children, meals, etc.  Get caught up on rest.  Eat a healthy diet and create a strong support network around you you can rely on should you need assistance.  Realize that after the first 2-3 days there will be daily improvement in how you feel.  Good luck.

Its best to consult with your board-certified Plastic Surgeon beforehand. She or he will make suggestions according to your procedure and medical records in addition to discussing your pre-op preparations. Also, such may be provided for you with your pre-op material and prescriptions in time for your recovery period. You will learn more about preparing at your pre-op.

Thank you for your question. It would be quite unnatural to not have some anxiety about an impending surgery, but i applaud you for reaching out for reassurance. Be confidant that you have made the right decision for you and you alone. Entering surgery with a positive mindset will make the recovery that much easier. The majority of patients do quite well with a mommy makeover, and if there were questions about your ability to have the surgery performed, your physician would have discussed these with you. There is a natural "blue" period after surgery due to the pain and activity restrictions placed on you and this may remain for the first 2-3 weeks after surgery.  After this period most patients start to feel better as they start to see their surgical results and their comfort improves.  It's hard to consider, but try and remain at ease and enjoy the process.