The term "Mommy Makeover" is a catch-all phrase for two or more plastic surgery procedures, on the breasts, tummy, and possibly the face performed in the same surgical session. The breast portion can include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast revision, reduction, or some combination. The tummy portion could be liposuction, a mini-tummy tuck, or a full tummy tuck. Facial surgery could include eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, or a brow lift, but probably not a facelift due to the length of the surgery.
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover
The specific mommy makeover procedures for each patient will vary. During your consultation with Dr. Zenn, he will review your options and offer his expert advice. You should feel assured that it is safe to combine these procedures, and the recoveries from each will overlap, limiting total downtime compared to if you had done each separately.
Consider these 10 tips to help you recover from a mommy makeover so that you will be well-prepared:
1. Arrange For A Ride Home
A mommy makeover is a real operation, and you will need to allow others to help you during the first week for the best recovery. You will need someone to take you to your surgery to drive you home. Also, you will need a ride the following day for your postoperative and one-week follow-up. You should be able to drive yourself after that.
2. Take Your Medication
Dr. Zenn prescribes pain medication after surgery to make you comfortable during recovery. Unnecessary pain causes high blood pressure and can cause bleeding after surgery. Dr. Zenn will provide non-narcotic options; most patients do not need narcotic pain medication after the first day. Staying on top of your pain control is essential for a smooth recovery.
3. Follow All Post-Op Instructions From Dr. Zenn
After your mommy makeover, Dr. Zenn will send you home with detailed post-op instructions, including specifics on what to do and what not to do. Be sure you follow these instructions to a "T" to recover successfully. The worst thing you can do is to plan to catch up on activities during your recovery downtime in not invest in your recovery.
4. Keep All Of Your Post-Op Appointments At Zenn Plastic Surgery
Don't ever assume you know how your recovery should go. Patients must keep all of their post-op appointments with Dr. Zenn so he can check their surgery site and ensure they are healthy and recovering correctly. You will have Dr. Zenn's cell phone number, and he encourages you to call for any concerns.
5. Plan For Help
Following your mommy makeover, it will be vital that you have help around the house – especially if you have small children to take care of. Ask a friend or family member in advance to be available to care for your children, provide meals for your family, and maybe even do a little light cleaning while you're recovering. You do not want to put yourself in a position to cause a complication by doing too much during your recovery.
6. Get Plenty of Rest!
As with any surgery, your body is affected, and you will feel like the wind has been let out of your sails. It would be best if you were sure to take 1-2 weeks off of work and other normal daily activities to rest and recover.
7. Stay Hydrated
When your body is hydrated properly, it can heal better and more quickly. It also prevents nausea, light-headedness and can speed recovery. Dr. Zenn recommends you drink liquids that replenish electrolytes (Gatorade), flavored water, or regular water. You will know you are hydrated well when you need to urinate frequently and the urine is clear in color.
8. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Keeping a healthy diet after your mommy makeover will help you avoid excessive swelling. It will encourage your body to recover more quickly. Dr. Zenn recommends that his patients start a healthy diet before their procedure and avoid bulky or heavy foods a few days before. Narcotics can slow the function of your GI tract, so high-fiber foods and supplements can help after surgery.
9. Do Not Smoke
Not only is smoking bad for your overall health, but it is especially dangerous after surgery. Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the body, which are needed for proper healing. Nicotine from any source (cigarettes, patches, gums, vaping) can cause your wounds not to heal and predispose you to infections.
10. Do Not Shower after Surgery?
Before coming in for your mommy makeover, you will shower with a special soap solution to limit bacterial exposure at the surgery. Many surgeons then make you wait a week and do a sponge bath only after surgery. At Zenn Plastic Surgery, we have been performing procedures for decades and always recommend our patients shower the day after surgery without any issues regarding infection or healing problems. It is amazing how good a shower can feel the day after surgery!
Visit Dr. Zenn For A Mommy Makeover Consultation
Dr. Zenn is the director of Zenn Plastic Surgery and is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon. He is committed to helping moms, and non-moms become the best version of themselves by creating individual treatment plans for each patient seeking a mommy makeover. Call his office today at (919) 480-3885 to schedule your initial consultation.
