Breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks are on the rise. Last year, out of nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed, these three made it into the most popular top 5*. Some of the best plastic surgeons offer a combination of these procedures in what’s called a “mommy makeover” for women who want to regain their pre-baby bodies.
“Not all women want to have it all done at once, many do for the convenience of having one recovery period, and that’s why the “Mommy Makeover” term was developed.” – Dr. Paul Loewenstein
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Loewenstein says that plastic surgery techniques have improved and developed so much over the years that it’s rare to find a patient who can’t have multiple procedures done at the same time in his office. When choosing a plastic surgeon for your “mommy makeover”, take time to select a doctor that will help you realize your specific goals and communicate with you every step of the way throughout your surgical journey. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your “mommy makeover”.
Before Your “Mommy Makeover” Procedure
At your initial consultation, your surgeon will perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery. Before undergoing multiple procedures, it’s important that you are at your goal weight, or close to it, and in good general health. This minimizes your chance of complications and ensures your results are best. Plastic surgeons will advise you to do the following prior to a “mommy makeover”:
- Drink lots of water (hydration is key to preparing your body for surgery)
- Exercise at least 30 minutes every day
- Eat healthy
- Minimize your alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking (at least 6 weeks beforehand)
- Have someone at home to help take care of you and any young children for 1-2 weeks after surgery
- Lifting, driving, laundry, and cleaning are absolutely prohibited
- Arrange your home for ease in recovery, such as moving objects from high shelves
- Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking
“It’s important to communicate to your plastic surgeon what medications you’re taking in all regards, not just prescriptions. I would say my hematomas have gone down significantly since emphasizing the importance of avoiding certain medications. If an infection occurs around the breast implant, the body’s immune system can’t function properly without having to remove the implant.” – Dr. Paul Loewenstein
Things like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve), and vitamins/homeopathic regimens can actually increase bleeding and should be avoided.
During Your “Mommy Makeover” Procedure
This is where choosing a plastic surgeon is of the utmost importance. You want to be sure you are not overly nervous prior to surgery, and that you feel you can trust your doctor completely. On the day of your surgery, you can expect a couple of things to happen:
- You will be given anesthesia combined with sedation or general anesthesia
- Monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood
- Your plastic surgeon will begin the surgery, using the most effective surgical techniques
- The various areas where you receive incisions will be dressed with bandages and may or may not include surgical drains
- When you wake up from surgery, you will be in a recovery area where your plastic surgeon and his staff will continue to monitor you
- Your surgeon will discuss emptying and resetting the drains and talk to you about taking care of your surgical dressings
- Most patients go home on the same day as surgery
The best plastic surgeons will continue to check on you, giving you a call a few days after surgery to make sure your healing is progressing as it should.
After Your “Mommy Makeover” Procedure
The first week of recovery is usually the toughest for most patients. Be sure you avoid heavy lifting no matter how great you may feel. Dr. Loewenstein says the best person to guide your recovery is your plastic surgeon.
“Your plastic surgeon should give you a definite set of printed instructions on what to do after the surgery. Pay attention to that. Don’t ask your girlfriend, ‘What do you think I should do in this situation?’ Your girlfriend hasn’t done hundreds and hundreds of breast augmentations, she’s maybe had one herself, but every person’s experience is different. I just can’t emphasize enough that women should listen to the advice of their plastic surgeon. They are the best person to tell you what you should and shouldn’t be doing.” – Dr. Paul Loewenstein
Choosing a plastic surgeon who puts your successful recovery as their number one priority is essential. Your doctor should talk to you about every step of the recovery process well in advance of your “mommy makeover”.
Why Patients Say Their “Mommy Makeover” Was Worth It
A “mommy makeover” can help you regain confidence in your body and help you feel youthful and attractive when you pick the best plastic surgeon for your procedures. On realself.com, 96% of patients say that their “Mommy Makeover” was worth it based on 2,295 ratings*.
“I am a mom of three who has carried two 9+ lbs and one ten pound babies. I have never had an issue with my midsection until I had my last son. I am physically fit but unfortunately my stomach is another story. . . . Dr. Lowenstein is truly an artist! He exceeded my expectations! He’s professional, kind, and attentive. I consulted with three other Plastic Surgeons and I am so happy that I decided to go with him. His technique is truly amazing. I’m ten weeks post op and my scar is flawless, my belly button looks very natural, and my contour is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Dr. Lowenstein!” – Realself review from Mommy81s
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your “mommy makeover”? Contact Dr. Loewenstein’s office for a no-obligation consultation today.
