Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

A mommy makeover is an excellent way to restore your pre-baby body, but the combination of procedures can make the recovery process somewhat daunting. Fortunately, you can recover from a tummy tuck and breast enhancement faster and more comfortably than you think, thanks to advances offered by Dr. Rappaport at Houston Center for Plastic Surgery. In addition, we have some tips to help you prepare for the procedure and make your recovery process as easy as possible.

Know Your Procedures

A mommy makeover is never the same from one patient to the next since the procedure is precisely customized to the unique needs of each woman. Dr. Rappaport will provide you with all the information necessary about each of your procedures so you can prepare appropriately. Common procedures incorporated into a mommy makeover include:

Tummy tuck to smooth and flatten the abdomen

• Breast enhancement to improve the size, shape and position of the breasts
• Liposuction to eliminate isolated pockets of fat
• Facelift or eyelid surgery to rejuvenate your appearance

By educating yourself about each of the procedures you choose and taking the proper steps to get ready for them, you can have a significant impact on the safety and success of each of your treatments.

Take Healthy Steps

No matter which procedures are included in your mommy makeover, there are choices you can make before your surgery to increase your odds of a positive outcome without complications. Some of those steps might include:

Provide Dr. Rappaport with a full medical history that will alert him to any potential problems that could arise before, during or after your procedure

• Quit smoking a few weeks before and a few weeks after your surgery
• Stop taking medications that could increase bleeding and bruising, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Adhere to a healthy diet so your body is in good condition and your immune system is working at peak efficiency before surgery

Keep in mind that the healthier you are before your surgery, the easier your recovery process and the better your outcome will be.

Make Enough Time

While you can take steps to make your recovery process easier and more comfortable, there is simply no substitute for sufficient rest while you are healing after surgery. Dr. Rappaport will advise you before your procedure as to how much time you should allow for rest and recuperation. It is essential to take every bit of time necessary to give your body what it needs to recover. In addition to taking sufficient time off work, allow for plenty of days or weeks away from strenuous activities and your workout routine, so you don’t stretch your body to its physical limit too soon.

Make Proper Preparations

Taking sufficient time off is just the beginning of ensuring a safe and healthy recovery process. It is also helpful to prepare for the rest time so you can focus on giving your body the recuperation time it needs without feeling like you need to fulfill responsibilities with your house, job or family. Stock up on food and even freeze a few meals to make dinners easy for your family. Fill your prescriptions before your surgery and create a pile of quiet activities that will keep you entertained during those first few days. Arrange for care for your children and even your pets so you can focus entirely on your needs during the beginning of your recovery process.

Follow All Instructions

Dr. Rappaport will provide you with a list of pre- and post-operative instructions designed to make your procedure and recovery process safe and comfortable. It is imperative that you follow these directions closely throughout your surgery and beyond. Instructions might include wearing a compression garment, caring for incisions and managing discomfort. Dr. Rappaport uses a unique protocol for the latter that begins before your surgery and eliminates the need for narcotics afterward. It is important to follow his steps carefully to ensure your comfort without worry about the unpleasant side effects common with narcotic pain medications.

Practice Patience

Plastic surgery does not offer immediate results, which means you may look somewhat worse before you begin to look better. Patients can become discouraged after a procedure when swelling and bruising linger and interfere with the outcome. Patience is an essential asset during your recovery, as you focus on resting and healing rather than waiting for your final results. Rest assured that once your body recuperates fully from surgery, you will see the fresher, more attractive body contour you were waiting to unveil.

Enjoy Your Results

Most patients are back to the bulk of their schedules within about two weeks after a mommy makeover. You may need to wait a few extra weeks to resume strenuous workouts or other exertive activity to ensure your body heals fully before adding any undue physical stress. However, once your recovery is complete, you will see dramatic changes from your mommy makeover that can last a lifetime of years. The profound, long-lasting impact of the surgery is why the satisfaction rate for this procedure is so high, despite the investment you make to get to that final result.

Recovery from a mommy makeover takes time, but Dr. Rappaport and his team use techniques to make the process as quick and comfortable as possible. To learn more about this surgery, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery today at 855-853-7926.