Stay-at-home or employed, single or partnered—mothers are some of the busiest people among us. If you’re interested in a mommy makeover here in Houston, TX, you’re probably tempted by the possibility of beautiful results, while also being apprehensive about how much time you’ll need for recuperating at home. I want you to feel prepared for every aspect of your experience, especially the recovery process. In this blog post, I’ll take a thorough look at caring for yourself after a mommy makeover.
A general guideline for most prospective patients is to take between 10-14 days away from work and other similar activities after a mommy makeover. Of course, this timeline can fluctuate depending on the type of work you do as well as the nuances of your procedure. Depending on the exact procedures that are done as part of your mommy makeover and your demands at home/work, I generally advise taking 10-14 days off. Now that doesn’t mean you are bed-ridden, but you need to focus on YOU: which means getting rest and relaxation and optimizing your healing and nutrition.
However, many of my mommy makeover patients are used to catering to the needs of others, often sacrificing themselves in the process. The postsurgical period is not the time to do this, as premature exertion can have uncomfortable—or even dangerous—consequences. These include:
- Slowing Healing: If you do too much activity, you can stress your incisions or worse cause a healing problem. It’s best to follow our after surgery instructions and activity limitations to ensure good and expedited healing. In addition, our use of advanced pain control techniques, such as Exparel® nerve blocks, will have patients feeling comfortable for 3-4 days following surgery. If a particular activity causes you undue discomfort, pull back and wait a few more days before trying again.
- Fluid accumulation: Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and can be mitigated by laying low and keeping your heart rate down. Too much swelling can be uncomfortable and may hamper the healing process. In addition, excessive activity can also increase your risk for a fluid collection (also known as a seroma).
- Altered results: Part of the reason patients should take it easy after surgery is that too much movement can alter your results. For example, breast implants must have the opportunity to “settle,” relatively undisturbed, into their new positions. Excessive movement can prevent this process, creating unnatural-looking results that don’t align with your or your surgeon’s goals.
Common Questions Regarding Recovery
How Can I Continue to Take Care of My Kids While I Recover?
During the post-op phase, it’s important to know when to ask for help. Prior to your surgery, be sure you have a trustworthy adult—whether a spouse, friend, or family member—willing and able to lend a hand. It’s important that your helper is physically able to do the things that you won’t be able to, such as picking up kids and bending over to pick something up off the floor. It’s also a good idea to stock your kitchen and prepare your home as much as possible prior to your surgery. This includes buying premade food or making meals that can be frozen and reheated later. You can also purchase other consumables around the house, like toilet paper, to cut down on errands after surgery.
How Can I Support My Children Emotionally While I’m Recovering?
Although you won’t be able to roughhouse and play with your kids for a few weeks after surgery, you can still be there for them. Set aside some time each day to sit and talk to them about school, sports, friends, or other topics that matter to them. Low-key activities are perfectly safe, too. Depending on your children’s ages, you may read aloud to each other, watch movies, or play board games at the kitchen table.
How Should I Talk to My Children About My Surgery?
Young children tend to associate doctors and medicine with illness, so it’s important to make it clear that you’re not sick and your condition is temporary. I encourage my Houston mommy makeover patients to talk to their children about surgery in an age-appropriate way. You may show them your incisions to help normalize the situation. When appropriate, let them help with your care. Kids of all ages like to feel included and helpful, and making your care a family affair can keep you close even when you’re off your feet.
You can learn more about recuperation after mommy makeover in this previous blog post. When you’re ready to begin planning your own, please call my office at (713) 799-2278 to get started. In the meantime, feel free to view our photo gallery with real patients from our practice.
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