Motherhood definitely comes with lots of perks and positive experiences, but for some women, having a “mom bod” isn’t one of them. There’s no denying that pregnancy and childbirth puts a lot of demands on your body — demands that cause physical changes that can persist for long after pregnancy, sometimes for the rest of your life.
A mommy makeover can help. A Mommy Makeover is a combination of surgeries that feature an array of treatment options tailored specifically for your body and your concerns, including treatments focused on multiple body areas such as your belly, breasts, buttocks, and waistline. For many women in their postpartum era, a mommy makeover is a valuable investment in your appearance and self-confidence.
Rishi Jindal, MD, and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery help women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies with mommy makeovers using a custom, patient-centered approach. If a makeover is in your future, here’s what you can do to make sure you get the most from your investment.
One of the most important steps you can take ahead of time is to define exactly what your concerns are and what you’d like to address with treatment. Mommy makeovers can focus on a single issue or multiple concerns, depending on the results you’re looking for.
Before your consultation visit, take an “inventory” of your concerns and make notes to share with Dr. Jindal so he can map out a treatment plan based on your unique goals.
It’s important to know what you want, but it’s also important to know what surgery can and can’t do. If you have unrealistic expectations, you’re more likely to be dissatisfied with your result or even your consultation experience.
For instance, while a mommy makeover can certainly tone up sagging skin and restore your pre-pregnancy contours, it can’t make you look like your favorite A-list celebrity. During your consultation, Dr. Jindal helps you “picture” your results so you can set realistic outcomes and enjoy maximum satisfaction.
Many mommy makeover treatments, like tummy tucks or butt lifts, require surgery and that means you need to plan for recovery time, too. Arrange for time off from work so you can rest and relax and give your body the extra energy it needs to heal and recover.
In addition to scheduling time off from work, it’s important to arrange for help at home, too.
Having someone on hand to provide childcare, run errands, care for pets, and do household tasks is critical, especially in the early days of recovery when your mobility may be more limited. Having help reduces stress and anxiety, too, so you can focus your mental energy on healing.
Before surgery, take some time to prepare a recovery area where you can rest and relax. Have meals prepped and be sure to pick up your prescription medications ahead of time, along with ice packs and comfortable clothing.
Gather books or queue up a post-op music or podcast list to keep you occupied while you relax. Stock your freezer and pantry with healthy food options, and keep a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated.
Smoking is bad for your lungs and your heart, but it also has a negative impact on healing. Circulation plays a key role in tissue recovery, and smoking interferes with that process, increasing the risks of delayed healing and serious infections. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco of any kind please note that most of our procedures will require you to be nicotine free for 30 days prior to surgery.
While mommy makeovers can yield dramatic results in terms of both your appearance and your confidence, maintaining those results depends on what you do in the months and years after treatment.
To get the most from your investment, commit to healthy eating habits focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Make regular exercise part of your routine, and focus on managing stress and prioritizing restorative sleep. These habits help improve your overall wellness, too.
A mommy makeover can be a transformative experience, and preparing ahead of time can help you recover more quickly and enjoy maximum benefits over time. To find out more about mommy makeovers, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.