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Questions to Ask Before a Mommy Makeover

After spending 40 weeks nurturing a new human, you’re often left with sagging skin around the tummy, breasts that are a different size and shape

Pregnancy changes your body in a lot of ways. After spending 40 weeks nurturing a new human, you’re often left with sagging skin around the tummy, breasts that are a different size and shape, and fat deposits that weren’t there before. While some women are able to get back to their pre-baby shape and size, a fair number of women notice longer-lasting changes.

You might have lost your baby weight but still struggle to get into your pre-pregnancy jeans, thanks to loose skin. Or, you might notice bulges where there weren’t any before. Some women notice that they have gone up or down a few bra sizes thanks to breastfeeding. The goal of mommy makeover surgery is to help restore your body to the shape and size it was before you had kids. If you’re considering the procedure, it’s a good idea to interview your surgeon and get an idea of what’s involved and what you can expect from surgery first.

How Many Mommy Makeovers Have You Performed?

One of the most important things you can do when considering a mommy makeover is to learn as much as you can about your surgeon. You not only want to work with a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, you also want to work with a surgeon who has plenty of experience performing mommy makeovers.

Ask your surgeon how long he has been in practice, how long he’s been performing mommy makeovers, and how many of those surgeries he’s performed. To get an idea of his skill and how the procedures turned out, ask to see before and after photos of previous patients. A surgeon who’s worth his salt and who’s proud of his work will be happy to show you past results.

What Types of Surgery Will Be Involved?

The types of surgery that are part of a mommy makeover can vary from patient to patient. What surgeries you have will be depend on your specific concerns. Often, the primary surgery is a tummy tuck, since many women are looking to slim their abdominal area after childbirth. Some mommy makeovers also include breast surgeries such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, as well as liposuction of the thighs, abdomen, and/or hips, and in some cases a full body lift.

Your surgeon will review your goals and what you hope to achieve from the makeover in order to recommend the most appropriate combination of surgeries.

Is the Timing Right?

Timing is everything. You have a few things to think about when it comes to the timing of your mommy makeover. Perhaps the most important thing is whether you’re finished having kids and finished breastfeeding before you decide to have surgery. Technically, you can have the makeover even if you plan on having more kids.

But additional pregnancies after your tummy tuck and other surgeries can affect the results of those surgeries. Depending on what happens, you might need additional procedures. For that reason, it’s usually recommended that you wait until you’re finished having kids or breastfeeding before you schedule your mommy makeover.

You also want to take a look at other things going on in your life when deciding if the timing is right. For example, do you have someone available to help you during the first few days or week after surgery? Is someone around to watch the kids for you morning and night? If you don’t have a support system in place at the moment, it’s a good idea to wait to have the surgery until you do.

How Should I Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?

It’s often best to do what you can in advance to get ready for your mommy makeover. Recovery after the surgery can take up to six weeks, depending on the number and type of procedures you have. To help that recovery go as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to stock your fridge and freezer with food, prepare a comfort zone for yourself, arrange for a babysitter for the kids, and take care of all those little life details, such as paying any bills or scheduling appointments.

You  may also want to stock your medicine cabinet with pain relievers, stool softeners and other medicines before your surgery. Wearing a compression garment can help improve your results, so it’s a good idea to purchase one before the day of surgery.

If you’re ready to take the first step and learn more about a mommy makeover or your options for surgery after childbirth, schedule a consultation with a top-rated plastic surgeon today. Dr. Paul Vitenas is a highly rated, board certified surgeon practicing in Houston, Texas. To schedule an appointment at his practice, call 281-484-0088.