What is the Best Way to Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?

In my Denver practice, Mommy Makeover surgery is a favorite and it's probably the most common "combination" procedure we do (to me, a Mommy Makeover usually refers to a combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Implant and/or Breast Lift surgery).

I agree with much of what has already been said in answer to your question. It is my feeling that the most commonly overlooked part of preparing for Mommy Makeover surgery is Nutrition.

Below are some of my "no brainer" Nutrition tips for Plastic Surgery, and in particular for combined procedures and for body contouring surgery -- surgeries that place large demands on your body for wound healing. In healthy adults, there is very little downside to supplementing as noted below for 1-2 months both before and after your surgery:


Iron Supplementation. Dietary Iron is found in red meat and in leafy vegetables. Most women will benefit from Iron to help bolster their body's Iron stores, and a minority of patients are getting enough iron (even those who eat a very "healthy" diets.

Multivitamin Supplementation (including Vitamin A and Vitamin C). A multivitamin with Iron is a simple way to meet Iron and many vitamin and micro-nutrient needs that are very difficult to get enough of in our diets.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation. B12 deficiency, or at least sub-optimal B12 levels are common. A sub-lingual tablet is a simple way to supplement.

Protein Supplementation. I recommend 0.5 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. This is a lot of protein and generally this requires adding a protein shake or similar supplement to your diet.

Don't lose weight in the month before surgery. Yes, you read this right -- our bodies cannot "go two directions at one time," so it is important to maintain your weight (or even gain a few pounds as may happen with the protein supplementation I've suggested).


Lab screening can be done to check for abnormalities. Lab values in the lower range of normal are, for larger plastic surgery procedures, too low for optimum healing. Yes, normal is not good enough! We want you to be in the high normal range.

Hope this helps,

Nick Slenkovich MD, FACS

Thank you for your question. The best way to prepare for a Mommy Makeover is to, first, make sure that you are following your surgeon’s pre-op instructions to the letter. This means stopping any medications or supplements that may adversely affect your surgery, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and preparing for a few weeks of downtime and recovery. Contrary to what you may think, losing weight or exercising intensely prior to your surgery is not recommended. Your best results will come from maintaining a stable weight, and giving yourself time after surgery to heal before jumping back into everyday activities. Best, Dr. Verbin

Feeling rested and healthy before plastic surgery -- especially a Mommy Makeover -- can be help with the recovery period. One obvious step to take before any surgery is to stop smoking if you're a smoker. Follow all of your plastic surgeon's pre-op instructions, which probably include suggestions about stocking up on pre-made meals, arranging for child care, and having someone else take care of chores during the first weeks after the surgery. It's an exciting time! 
Best of LuckDr. Romanelli

Healthy diet and exercise is the best way to prepare for a mommy makeover. It is best if you could be close to your ideal weight.  If you are in great physical shape before surgery, you will heal more quickly and have an easier recovery.

I suggest to my patients  beginning supplements such as  #bromelain or #arnica a week or two before their procedure(s). However, 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. Healing after a  #tummytuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks.   Additionally, scar therapy with scar maturation products (e.g. BioCorneum or Embrace) are suggested for managing scars. However, we recommend you wait to use scar improving products until a few weeks following your surgery. As I advise my patients, if your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide our patients with a note stating they are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will not disclose what procedure they have underwent. Therefore, you may have to request a similar note from your surgeon if you are not independently employed. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous #activity for six weeks following your surgery. With that said, it may help you plan your return to work accordingly.

As for heavy lifting and other #strenuous #activities, it should be avoided for until you have clearance from your surgeon. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or #discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined. 

Thank you for your question.The best way to prepare for your surgery is to follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon. Eat a healthy diet, take recommended supplements and avoid all aspirin products.  After surgery continue to follow all instructions for the best possible result. Best of luck!