What to Know Before Getting a Plastic Surgery “Mommy Makeover”

Dr. Usha Rajagopal
Being a mother is never an easy feat. After bearing another human being for 9 months, caring for them on a 24/7 surveillance once they’re born and neglecting yourself in the process is truly a difficult, rewarding, yet exhausting experience.

Thinking of a “Mommy Makeover”?

Many moms dream about their pre-pregnancy bodies and are thinking of ways on how to get back to their old shape. “Whether it’s the constant stress or inability to commit, many mothers find themselves stuck in their present figures, leaving them feeling unsatisfied and lacking confidence,” mentioned Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a renowned cosmetic surgeon who owns a clinic in San Francisco.

However, it is good to know that modern techniques and technology is in the favor of mommies wishing to bring back their youthful curves. There are cosmetic surgeons available everywhere who are ready to work with mothers wishing to boost their self-esteem by having a makeover.

Whether you are one of those mothers or just somebody who hopes to have a good start by improving their appearance through cosmetic procedures, here are some things you may want to know before getting that plastic surgery.

What to Know Before Getting a Plastic Surgery “Mommy Makeover”

1. Have a checkup with your regular doctor before going into surgery

It is important to know if you have other medical conditions that may impede the process of getting a plastic surgery. An example of these would be heart conditions or circulatory issues that may need to be addressed before going into any cosmetic procedure. Your general doctor can tell if you are physically fit before going into surgery or not and if there are certain procedures that you are allowed to take. Your doctor may coordinate with your chosen plastic surgeon and give reports of your physical examination.

2. Committing to a healthy lifestyle

Most mothers admit to ‘letting themselves go’ after having a baby. They will admit to having a poor diet, lack of exercise and a busy lifestyle that ends up sabotaging their overall health and wellness. When you decide to go under the knife, remember that this isn’t the end, but the beginning of your journey. Going into cosmetic surgery means you have a blank canvas to start with and it is up to you if you decide to maintain it or not. You must be committed to having a healthy diet, to exercise regularly and to maintain good health habits in order to keep the shape you will have after surgery.

3. Asking and informing people concerned

Although it is your body and it is your choice on what to do with it, it is important to ask key persons in your life about what they think. For example, if you desire to have a tummy tuck or a breast enlargement, ask your husband if he thinks this is a good idea or if he is in approval of it. This will give you also an insight of how your husband thinks of cosmetic procedures and how he sees your body as a wife. If he thinks that this will help you boost your self-confidence, then getting his insight will be very useful. These are issues you can discuss more as you go and gather more information about cosmetic procedures.

4. Getting on top of financial concerns

“It is also important to note that some surgical procedures are not covered by insurances because it is ‘cosmetic’ in nature. This means that the surgery is not a health issue but more of a ‘beauty’ issue,” says Dr. Usha Rajagopal. With this, one must understand that expenses brought about by plastic surgery can sometimes be out-of-pocket if not covered by insurance. There are some insurance companies who give coverage to these kinds of procedures, so make sure that if you don’t have cash allocated for the procedure, you must have an insurance policy that covers some cosmetic surgeries as well.

5. Understanding recovery periods

After a surgery, there is usually a downtime or a period where you may need to have partial or total bed rest. This may be an inconvenience for some mothers as they would need to work or care for their household. If it helps, discuss with your doctor the down times for the procedures you are planning to have, and see if this period of rest is manageable for you. If this seems not feasible for your schedule, you may opt to have an alternate procedure or postpone the surgery depending on the timeline that is ideal for you.

Once you consider these factors, having a “Mommy Makeover” is possible. Be sure to do your research on reputable doctors and trusted cosmetic procedures to ensure the maximum results. It is never too late to gain your confidence back.