Things I Wish I Knew Before My “Mommy Makeover” Surgery
A mommy makeover from Dr. Kotis can be a life changing procedure. In the interest of improving doctor-patient communication, and giving you the information you need to succeed, here are some key facts to know about the mommy makeover:
Two weeks before your procedure, you will need to make sure you stop all aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin, Bufferin, Ecotrin, etc.), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.), Aleve, extra Vitamin E (the amount in a multivitamin is OK), fish oils, and herbal remedies, as these are blood thinners and can interact unfavorably with anesthetic drugs. You will need to keep them out of your system starting two weeks prior to your procedure.
You will at the same time need to stop all tobacco products and nicotine products, including gum, spray, patches, or even exposure to second-hand smoke, as it is the same as if you are smoking yourself. You will also have to make sure your pre-operative physical is completed.
A week before your mommy makeover you will need to stop all alcoholic beverage consumption as it is very important to get all the alcohol metabolites out of your system before anesthesia. You will also need to make sure you’ve arranged for help with the mothering duties you took care of before surgery. After this plastic surgery, you cannot vacuum, lift heavy laundry baskets, shop for groceries, or pick up after the kids and your husband, especially for the first few first days.
This is why it is also important to buy groceries, including easy-to-digest foods for yourself (for the first day or two), easy to prepare foods for your kids, and several bags of frozen peas or corn to use as reusable ice bags.
Cats are great, and we all love cat pictures in our social media feeds, but when it comes to your mommy makeover, if you own cats, consider getting them out of the house, or at least out of your bedroom and the main living areas, and clean all areas where the cats go with antibacterial wipes. Don’t handle any animal and then touch your incisions or drains during your recovery.
Two days before your mommy makeover, you will need to shower with Hibiclens to reduce skin bacteria, and you can also shave your legs for the last time before surgery, as well as the upper pubic area where the drains will exit your body post-surgery. Also, consider filling your prescriptions for your post-op meds, that way you won’t have to stop on the way home after surgery when you really won’t want to get out of the car! While at the drugstore, also buy stool softeners (not laxatives) to start the day after surgery.
The day before your mommy makeover you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight. If you have night-time medicines to take, this is OK before bedtime. This is critical to minimize the risk of throwing up and getting food, liquid, and stomach acid in your lungs while being put to sleep.
On the morning of surgery, you will once again shower with Hibiclens. You can brush your teeth, but do not drink and don’t chew gum as it stimulates stomach acid and is just as bad as eating, although mouthwash, rinsing, and spitting is fine.
Finally, make sure you have a nice recliner chair to sleep in, or consider putting a sofa cushion under your mattress at the head of the bed to keep your head and chest elevated after surgery to reduce swelling. To keep tension off your tummy tuck place pillows under your knees. You will want to wear comfortable clothing with elastic at the waist and front zipper on the top, such as a running outfit or clean sweats that are easy to dress in after surgery and easy for your caregiver to help you with after you get home.
Be calm and excited! All your body contouring questions and worries will have been dealt with by now, and highly motivated and excited patients have the best recovery when compared to those who are anxious or worried.
Contact us today, and set up you own mommy makeover consultation with Dr. Kotis. You’ll be glad you did!
