Questions I Should Ask My Surgeon Before My Mommy Makeover

Having kids and becoming a mom is probably one of the most life changing experiences any woman can go through. While motherhood brings joy to most women, it is not uncommon to feel like a stranger in your own body after everything is said and done. Everything changes when you are pregnant and the same is true even after you have given birth. Your hair can thin, your moods change rapidly, new stretch marks appear and disappear, your boobs sag and so much more. Motherhood is truly beautiful, but it is normal to feel less than confident in your post-pregnancy body. A total mommy makeover can drastically change the way you view your body, the clothes you wear and most importantly how you feel. Being a mother requires major strength, courage and confidence and there’s no reason you shouldn’t feel just as confident in your body. Making this decision is a huge deal for your confidence, but this is also a long surgery with an even longer recovery time, so it is important to be prepared.

Before going to your consultation there are a few questions you may want to have handy just to make sure the process is as smooth and pain-free as possible. The most important thing to consider is are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover? If you are in fairly good health and are looking to just improve the tone and overall shape of your body, then you could be a good candidate. However, there are a few factors that may change this – are you finished having kids? How long ago did you have your last child? Are you breastfeeding? What are your appearance goals? It is typically best to be finished with breastfeeding and having children as this could affect the outcome of the procedure.

Once you have determined if you would be a good fit for the procedure you must begin to ask your surgeon more technical questions such as

• Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Do you have plastic surgery privileges at a well-respected local hospital?
• Do you have before and after photos?
• Can I contact previous patients regarding their experience?
• Where will the procedure take place?
• Are the anesthesiologists board certified?
• Are you readily available?
• How many of these surgeries have you performed?
• Have you had any malpractice judgements against you?
• Are there any alternative less invasive procedures?
• What surgical techniques do you recommend?
• Is an overnight stay included?
• Are lymphatic massages offered post-surgery?

What will recovery be like? Most women typically need 1 to 3 weeks off work to recover, during this time it is recommended that you do minimal activity. Swelling, bruising and tightness are to be expected and should subside gradually over the weeks. How long will it take for scars to heal? Many surgeons place scares in discreet places so they are not apparent, but it will take up to 18 months for a scar to fully mature. Finally, when will I see results? Most women have an idea of their results within about 3 to 4 months after surgery, but it can take 6 months to a year to fully see your results.

Taking the plunge and committing to a mommy makeover can be nerve racking and scary, but the results will speak for themselves. Taking control of your confidence as a mom is one of the best things you can do for both yourself and your kids!