Liposuction, tummy tuck, body lift, kids…
When you’re a mom, it’s hard enough finding time to relax let alone research your options in cosmetic plastic surgery. Then there’s the follow through with a consultation, broaching the topic with your loved ones and penciling surgery in between your next big family function and the kids’ holiday school break, of course.
We hope the following tips will make pursuing whichever form of cosmetic plastic surgery you’re interested in (ex: liposuction, tummy tuck, body lift or a complete Mommy Makeover) easier to achieve.
Why Mommy Needs Her Recovery Time
Besides a mommy makeover, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is time to properly recover from cosmetic plastic surgery. If you’re not committed to bouncing back slowly, you compromise your health and the very things you were hoping to achieve with liposuction, body lift, tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure:
- A sexier silhouette
- Restored proportions
- Increased self confidence
- A more youthful appearance
Stop a moment and consider why you want surgery. Have you delivered your last baby and want your before child body back? Have your abs, hips and thighs shifted? Despite its joys, has motherhood adjusted your proportions? Plastic surgery is a serious commitment you have to prepare for.
Beyond surgery’s benefits, risks and recovery you should also know:
- It’s best to pre-arrange a ride home and have reliable post-op support.
- You’ll be sore and in pain and won’t see complete results for weeks.
- You’ll be swollen, bruised and may need to care for stitches/sutures.
- You may need to sleep sitting up and supported with multiple pillows.
- You’ll be at risk for infection, so know the signs and call in any problems.
Ask your plastic surgeon for pre-op checklist and post-op checklists and follow instructions closely. Have an emergency number written down where the whole family can see it. Prior to surgery, set up a recovery area in your home that’s all yours – with snacks, drinks, a TV and remote handy. Or you can arrange to stay at a recovery facility.
Make Recovery Less Painful for the Whole Family
As a mom, you need to think of cosmetic plastic surgery as a family affair that requires physical and mental preparation. You have to prepare yourself and everyone whose life you affect on a daily basis. Follow our tips for making the most of the pre-op planning process and you’ll all be better prepared!
First, know that making any major decision also impacts your loved ones. The goal, then, is to make informed decisions which help you give thoughtful, thorough answers to any questions that come your way. Here are some examples of emotion-filled questions you may hear from your immediate or extended family and other support figures (girlfriends, etc.):
- Why do you need to have surgery?
- Can we still (insert any activity here)?
- Aren’t you happy with the way you look now?
- Isn’t surgery really expensive? Can we afford it?
- Will you still look like my Mommy after surgery?
Prepare your loved ones and help them cope, in advance:
- Assure them that your body will change – not your love for them.
- Encourage them to support each other while you’re recovering.
- Teach them skills that allow them to be more independent.
- Ask if they’re afraid, and answer their questions honestly.
- Suggest ways they can help with your recovery.
Additional Tips for Moms in Recovery
Moms, this is the time to you put your health, safety and well being first. One way you can do that is by working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who can answer all of your consultation questions (and maybe even those of your family) prior to surgery. Examples include:
- How much time will I need to devote to recovery?
- What things will I or won’t I be able to do after surgery?
- How can my family participate in the recovery process?
- What can I do now to better prepare for surgery and recovery?
- How have other moms explained similar surgeries to their families?
We hope you found our family-focused guide to preparing for body contouring, body sculpting and other procedures helpful. More importantly, we hope it reminds you to make yourself – and your recovery – a priority!