Patients with unrealistic expectations about post-surgery physical outcomes that are not in good health are not good fits for the mommy makeover surgery. Typically, women who undergo a mommy makeover have had a pregnancy which has negatively affected the appearance of her breasts, tummy, and skin with stretch marks. They may have pockets of fat on the waist, abdomen, arms, or thighs which have not improved after diet and exercise.
Patients who are unable to be under general anesthesia are not good candidates for the mommy makeover surgery. Post-bariatric patients who have not reached a stable weight should not consider surgery until they are able to stabilize their weight.
Like other procedures, a mommy makeover requires certain general surgery procedures such as preoperative blood testing, medications, and cessation of smoking or use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. You will be required to complete a preoperative exam and will need to achieve your target weight before surgery.
During initial recovery, patients should refrain from vigorous activity, which could open up incision sites, causing hematomas (excessive bleeding) or seromas (fluid buildup). However, patients should engage in light activity to prevent blood clots from forming. The incision site will heal in 2 to 3 weeks, but pain and soreness may persist longer. Patients can typically return to work after 2 to 3 weeks. Full recovery make take up to 6 weeks or longer, but the initial intensive recovery period lasts 2 to 3 weeks.
As with any surgery, there are risks of complications related to infection or adverse reactions to anesthesia. A proper assessment of every patient, along with complete lab work, will help prevent postoperative complications. After healing, scars are handled with special treatments to help minimize their appearance.
Complications include fluid accumulation, death of fatty tissue, recurrent skin looseness, skin loss, and persistent pain. A mommy makeover is an intensive medical procedure that removes significant amounts of skin. Without following proper postoperative care instructions, you may be at greater risk for needing revision surgery or facing serious complications.