Once you’ve scheduled your San Diego mommy makeover, it’s time to prepare yourself, your family, and your recovery space. Below, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus shares a free comprehensive mommy makeover checklist (plus a few other tips!) to help you enjoy a smooth recovery and the best results possible.
Pre-surgery preparation
- Medications: Pick up the medications Dr. Gallus prescribes, such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and others specific to you and your procedure. Be sure to refill any medications you normally take, as well.
- Comfortable clothing: Prepare loose tops that zip or button up the front for easier mobility after breast surgery, as well as bottoms with a soft waistband that won’t put pressure on your tummy tuck incision.
- Compression garments: Dr. Gallus fits each compression garment to ensure you are comfortable and the garment will correctly support your new contours and healing tissues. You’ll need to wear them day and night (except when showering) until Dr. Gallus advises you otherwise.
- Meal prep: It’s a good idea to prepare and freeze high-protein, low-sodium meals ahead of time. Your body needs nutritious foods to fuel recovery, and having easy heat-and-serve options will prevent you from overexerting yourself during your initial recovery.
- Recovery space: Committing to about 2 weeks of focused recovery is key to seeing your final results faster (and limiting the risk of complications), so you’ll need to create a comfortable, easily accessible area in your home where you can rest. For most procedure plans, you’ll be asked to sleep on your back in a slightly elevated position. You should situate your recovery cocoon before surgery to ensure it’s comfortable so you aren’t trying to re-arrange pillows and blankets right after major surgery.
- Help and support: You’ll need to have your partner, family member, or friend help you, especially during the first week of recovery. Their duties will include timely medication dosages, helping with meals, and household tasks. If you have young children (or even pets) at home, you may need help for 2+ weeks. You will not be able to lift anything over 5-10 lbs for 4-6 weeks, until Dr. Gallus clears you.
Post-surgery mommy makeover supplies
- Water bottle: Keep your water bottle filled and within easy reach to stay hydrated. Your lymphatic system helps flush the fluid buildup that causes swelling out of your system. The more water you drink, the faster your body can reduce swelling.
- Ice packs/heating pads: A cold compress or heating pad can help ease discomfort and may reduce swelling and bruising. However, you will be wearing post-surgical garments around your breasts and abdomen, so place ice packs and heating pads over the garments.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: In addition to prescribed medications, you may want to have OTC pain relievers available once you no longer need prescription pain medication but still want to rest comfortably.
- Stool softeners: Pain medications and reduced activity often cause constipation. A stool softener can help you gently eliminate so you aren’t uncomfortable and your digestive system can function properly.
- Wound care supplies: You’ll need to keep your incisions clean and dry. We typically advise most patients to use a saline solution or mild soapy water to gently clean the incision. Always use a clean cloth to pat the area dry.
- Entertainment: Now is your time to catch up on your favorite shows, read books and magazines, or scroll guilt-free on your phone. Have whatever will keep you safely occupied within arm’s reach. This is also a wonderful time to call and chat with loved ones!
- Scar care products: Dr. Gallus will clear you to start using scar gels or silicone sheets to fade and flatten your scars once your incisions are healed enough.
- Sunscreen: Most scars will be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit, but if your scars will be exposed to UV, wear a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply exactly as directed to prevent your scars from darkening.
Other considerations
This mommy makeover checklist is a general guide; Dr. Gallus may have other specific instructions based on your anatomy, health, and surgery plan. (Mommy makeovers are fully customized, and could include procedures like tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast lift with implants, or breast reduction.)
Your follow-up appointments are crucial to make sure you are healing as expected and can be cleared for certain activities as your body is ready. Follow-up appointments are also great opportunities to ask any questions you may have as you progress.
Lastly, listen to your body: Recovery times vary and there is no need to rush the process. You have made a wonderful and lasting investment in yourself, so give yourself the time you need to heal properly.
Curious about your recovery timeline? View our recovery calculator here »
Dr. Katerina Gallus
Female Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Gallus has over 20 years of experience and is a fully credentialed, board certified plastic surgeon. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Dr. Katerina Gallus is a female plastic surgeon La Jolla women trust for personalized body contouring procedures and natural-looking results. With many years of experience as both a Navy plastic surgeon and cosmetic-focused plastic surgeon, Dr. Gallus is a trusted expert. She also operates out of a private, accredited on-site surgery center.
Call Restore SD Plastic Surgery at 858-224-2281 to meet with Dr. Gallus or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page for a personalized surgery plan that brings your body goals to life!
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