After having children, many women are unhappy with their post-pregnancy bodies. A "mommy makeover" is a term used to describe a combination of cosmetic procedures that can help you get your pre-baby body back.
Most mommy makeovers include a combination of breast enhancement procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation and body contouring procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.
Gaining more confidence and looking your best is exciting, but it's important that you know what you're getting yourself into. While it sounds all good, there will be some things you need to prepare yourself for, just like everything.
As you're considering a mommy makeover surgery, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Scars are Inevitable
You will probably have some scars after your mommy makeover. While the goal is to minimize the appearance of the scars, there is always a possibility that they may be visible. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon before the surgery.
It's important to remember that everybody is different and heals differently. Some women see their scars fade within a few months, while others may take a year or more.
Activity May Be Limited For a While
Most mommy makeover patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks. However, it is important to listen to your body and take things slowly at first.
For the first week or so, you'll likely need help around the house with things like cooking and cleaning. And, you should avoid any strenuous activity, such as running or lifting heavy objects (including your children).
You'll also need to sleep on your back for at least the first week or two, which can be a challenge if you're used to sleeping on your stomach or side.
Make Sure You Have Help at Home if Your Children are Young
If you have young children at home, it's important to have someone there to help care for them while you recover. It will be difficult for you to lift them and take care of their needs immediately after surgery.
It's not just getting help caring for your children; you should also make sure someone can help you with your cleaning, cooking, and other household chores.
Planning ahead and making arrangements for help can make your recovery go more smoothly.
Mental Health Impacts
Besides the physical changes, it's important to be aware of mommy makeover surgery's potential mental health impacts.
Some women feel depressed after surgery because of the changes in their bodies. It's important to talk to your surgeon about your expectations and how you're feeling both before and after the surgery.
Post-operative depression is a real and common issue, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're feeling down.
Some ways you can minimize your risks of depression are
- Talk to your surgeon about your goals and realistic expectations for the surgery.
- Make sure you have a strong support system in place at home.
- Understand that your body will likely never look the same as it did before you had children. Accepting this can help avoid disappointment later on.
- Remember that the surgery is just one step in your journey to feeling better about yourself. Don't put all your focus on the physical changes. Instead, focus on how you feel mentally and emotionally.
It's common to feel anxious about the changes to your body and the healing process. Be sure to ask your surgeon any questions you have so that you can feel more comfortable with the surgery and the recovery process.
Post-Recovery Life
After you have recovered from your mommy makeover surgery, you'll likely notice a significant improvement in your self-confidence. You may feel better about yourself and your body than you have in years.
Physical changes are not the only ones you can expect after surgery; your mental and emotional health may also improve.
It's important to remember that everyone is different and will experience different things after surgery. What matters most is how you feel about yourself and your results.
If you're happy with how you look, the surgery was a success!
If you're considering a mommy makeover, be sure to talk to your surgeon about your goals and expectations. It's also important to have a strong support system in place at home. Recovery can be challenging, but it's worth it for many women.
Mommy makeover surgery can be a great way to improve your self-confidence and your body image after having children. However, it's important to understand the risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as what to expect during recovery. With a bit of planning, you can make sure your mommy makeover goes smoothly.
