Learn More About Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover refers to a combination of cosmetic procedures that are performed after childbirth. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause significant changes to the body, which are typically focused on the abdomen and breasts. While motherhood is rewarding, many moms wish to regain their youthful, pre-pregnancy appearance.
Mommy makeovers can include any combination of tummy tucks, breast augmentations and lifts, and labiaplasty. The procedure is customized to suit the individual based on the areas that have been most effected by pregnancy and cause them to feel self-conscious.
Mommy makeover surgery can be expensive. Most patients seek out surgery only after they have tried multiple diet regimens and medications. Exercise, even with a personal trainer, has been equally disappointing. Many have lost significant weight and toned flabby muscles to no avail. While they are healthier and have attained an improved quality of life, their problems persist.
The empty, sagging breasts drained by childbirth and breastfeeding still need the additional volume of implants. The hanging tummy skin and distended abdominal wall still require surgical tightening. While dedicated core exercise can achieve significant abdominal tightening, it cannot remove stretch marks, flatten muscular separations, or shrink excessive drooping skin. Unfortunately, nothing else can achieve the dramatic results seen with a well-performed mommy makeover surgery.
Healing times for mommy makeovers vary depending on which procedures you’ve elected to undergo and how extensive they were. Generally, patients can expect to spend a week or two resting before they return to work.
While a lymphatic massage may decrease swelling postoperatively, it usually does not diminish your total healing time. Surgery disrupts the normal flow of fluid through your lymphatic channels, leading to edema and inflammation. A well-trained therapist can encourage these stagnant exudates back into these channels and facilitate drainage away from the surgical site. Most patients feel better after a massage and believe that they see improvement.
Most postoperative swelling will resolve spontaneously, but regular compression and a massage will shorten the time required. Ultrasound has been shown to improve areas of induration and lumpiness. Avoid excessive heat or cold applications in the first several weeks following surgery, until your skin sensation has totally returned.
Most American women receive most of their required vitamins in a balanced and normal diet. Many homeopathic supplements will actually increase bruising as they act as blood thinners. The same is true for Vitamin E. It is generally recommended to stop all supplements and Vitamin E two weeks prior to your surgery.
Many Plastic Surgeons feel that Arnica Montana and Bromelain combinations, taken before and several days after surgery, will diminish the discoloration and swelling associated with your procedure.
However, avoid these if you have a history of migraines as they may aggravate your condition. Multivitamins A, B, C, D, and Zinc are known to be beneficial to wound healing and are fine to continue to take in normal doses both before and after surgery.
Healing requires a minimum of 70 – 90 grams of protein daily and this should be your dietary goal postoperatively. Make certain you get adequate rest and hydration.
