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.

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.  

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!

Thank you for your question as it is very important. The first thing is I think you are ahead of most patients seeking these procedures as you already have awareness of the challenges that you will be presented with. I think that one of the best things you can do is talk with patients who have already gone through the process. Having a strong support team is also crucial to helping you get through this life changing event. Best of luck!

Hi aksummers and what a great question.Let me say that mood swings/depression, and other sad type of feelings can occur with almost any cosmetic surgery procedure.  In my experience, and certainly not scientific evidence, I find that bigger operations with longer recoveries tend to produce emotional issues more so than smaller procedures.  I find also that facial operations also produce emotions, even though facial procedures aren't particularly painful, and recovery tends to be easier and quicker.That said, it has been my observation that people who are used to being in control, who are The Rock of Gibraltar, the one who runs the household and NEVER asks for help are more likely to experience this.  I think (again not scientific) that this is due in part to control issues, and maybe guilt because others have to pitch in and do her duties.So my recommendation to you is to get into great physical shape, make sure your medical issues are under control, and continuously remind yourself that you deserve to get the surgery to make yourself feel better.  Understand that the procedure is huge, and you will need help, no two ways about it.  Accept it. If you are on antidepressants, speak to that doctor and see if a med change or dose change would be recommended.  Regarding guilt- yes this is totally selfish of you, but you have earned it, so get over that, and have a great result.sek

If you have a good support network, you'll be fine.  The women who have the most problems after surgery are those who end up abandoned by their spouse/partner because they didn't support their decision to have surgery in the first place.  Also, these surgeries are for YOU -- not your spouse/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend. If it's what you truly want to do, you'll be fine!  Good luck.

Hello dear, thanks for your post and provided information as well. The first thing is that you need to be really sure that you want to have the procedures done, make an evaluation of your body and see which part you want to improve. Before you decide what you want contact different doctors and listen their opinions and choose the one that you feel more confortable. Remember to always look foa a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck :)

The #emotional and psychological recovery from a MM cannot and should not be underestimated.  Educate yourself as much as possible by compiling questions and posing them to your PS, keeping excellent communication with the practice and clearing your regular schedule (work and home commitments).  It's important to get as much help with your children, housework and yourself, for as long as possible.  Quite apart from the expected pain, bruising, swelling, diversion from your routines, uncertainty can increase anyone's insecurity, especially if what you see isn't what you hoped for.  Be patient and know that the time for your final results and recovery may range from 8-12 weeks.  Give yourself permission to suspend your disbelief and concentrate all efforts on healing, making the milestones (removal of drains, resumption of bowel movements, discontinuation of compression garments, etc.)  Don't be afraid to address questions to your PS so you benefit from his/her advice. Also try to cultivate resilience:  #MM is designed to address the changes your body sustained during pregnancy and lactation.  Restoring your body to a semblance of what it was before is worthwhile and you, as a mother are definitely worth it.