The Mommy Makeover procedure has paved the way for many women to regain a sense of themselves after having children. This series of procedures is customized to each patient and is not limited to the breasts and abdomen. We greatly enjoy providing this service at Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute because we understand that it is a big decision for a woman to choose this route. We also understand that some planning and preparation are vital to an optimal recovery after a Mommy Makeover. This is especially true for patients with small children. Here, we discuss some of the considerations some women need to make as they look forward to surgery.
The Recovery Timeline
One of the benefits of a Mommy Makeover is that multiple surgeries performed at one time means one recovery period. What needs to be understood here is that the recovery after a Mommy Makeover may be slightly longer than what one would expect having only one procedure. For example, when a woman has liposuction to slim her midsection, she may be back to most of her normal activities in a few weeks. After a Mommy Makeover, which may lift or enhance the breasts, remove unwanted fat from one or more areas, and tighten the abdominal muscles, recovery may span about 4 weeks.
How Children Present a Challenge to Mommy Makeover Recovery
It’s one thing to know that it can take about 4 weeks to resume most normal activities after a Mommy Makeover. Patients often expect to feel more like themselves after 2 weeks. Many can return to work at that time, providing that their job is not strenuous. After 2 weeks, though, Mom should expect to still wear down easily. She should understand that she still cannot lift heavy objects. She may not be ready to climb the jungle-gym with little ones or chase them around the house or park. Ultimately, the biggest challenge a mother of young children may face during her makeover recovery is that she isn’t able to engage as fully as she did before surgery.
What Mom CAN Do
Hearing that activity will be significantly limited for up to a month may create some anxiety or even sadness. If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover and you have young children, know that you will need an extra set of hands for several weeks. Still, you can be there for your children in meaningful ways. You can prepare meals to enjoy together. You can even plan a picnic. You can read books, do crafts, and take leisurely walks in nature. The “heavy lifting” of motherhood will simply be on someone else’s plate for a while.
Learn more about what your Mommy Makeover may involve. Call our office in Mayfield Heights at 440-461-6100.