Recovering After a Mommy Makeover
- Posted on: Dec 15 2020
Having a child is a seminal moment in any woman’s life. Unfortunately, the process also takes a real toll on the body. It’s inevitable: pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding change your body forever.
But a mommy makeover with Dr. Coleman can get rid of the sagging skin, repair separated stomach muscles, and remove the pockets of fat that are the aftermath of having your children. A mommy makeover is the combination of usually three procedures into a single surgical session. Dr. Coleman usually includes a breast lift (with or without augmentation), a tummy tuck, and liposuction in his mommy makeovers, and patients love getting their pre-baby body back, and maybe then some.
But these are major surgeries, and the combination makes for an involved recovery. Still, it’s just a single recovery rather than three separate recoveries. There are ways you can make your mommy makeover recovery go as well as possible. Dr. Coleman will share some strategies with you during your consultation, but here are a few tips for this year’s final blog for those considering coming to see Dr. Coleman for a mommy makeover in 2021.
Heed Dr. Coleman’s instructions
It’s always important to heed your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions, but a mommy makeover demands it. You can’t lift much for a period of time. Doing so can stretch and distort your incisions. You have to limit movement. You’ll need to wear your surgical support bra 24 hours a day. All of our instructions need to be religiously followed because they are meant to help you have the smoothest recovery.
Call in reinforcements
This is no time to be the lone ranger. For at least the first 48 hours (better yet the entire first week) you’ll need to have someone with you at your home. This is because you’re not going to be able to move much without help. It will be difficult to stand upright initially. Getting in and out of bed and getting dressed will be very hard without help. Optimum would be having someone there with you for the first 2-3 weeks, taking care of the kids, handling chores such as vacuuming and laundry, and cooking.
Walk
It may feel like the last thing you want to do, but moving your body is of paramount importance to prevent possible complications such as the formation of blood clots. You cannot do strenuous activity, but walking is important to help with the tummy tuck portion recovery. Dr. Coleman will give you goals for how much time to walk each day.
Prepare your recovery area
Get your recovery area ready long before you head off for surgery. Fill your pain medication prescriptions and get your space ready. Lots of pillows and blankets. Lots of entertainment (but avoid anything that will make you laugh a lot). If you sleep upstairs, you’ll want to stay downstairs for at least the first week, as your tummy tuck will make stair climbing a no-no. Have a table within easy reach of your bed. You may want to invest in a toilet seat booster, to lessen the pressure of squatting. And you’ll need to be off work for two weeks, maybe more.
Don’t overdo things
This is a difficult recovery involving two major surgeries combined with liposuction. Don’t be a hero and brag about how you were up and about two days into it. All that will do is place unnecessary stress on your incisions and your repositioned muscles. That will increase your recovery pain and the duration of your recovery. Fully rest and allow yourself to heal properly. That way you will ensure the quickest recovery and the best ongoing results.
Interested in having a mommy makeover for the New Year? Call Dr. Coleman at (210) 251-4362 to schedule a consultation.
Posted in: mommy makeover
