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What No One Tells You About A Mommy Makeover Recovery - Straight From A Plastic Surgery Recovery Nurse
Thinking of having a Mommy Makeover or maybe you’ve scheduled one? Let me give you a few recovery tips no one tells you - but should.
First, You’ll need help. Like actual help. Not just with errands but with getting out of bed, walking, going to the bathroom…everything. You cannot and should not be alone and try to take care of yourself.
Second, compression garments - they’re not cute but they’re critical. They help shape results, reduce swelling and prevent fluid buildup. You’ll be annoyed and then grateful. Also, if you’re getting drains, managing them is a job in itself. Having a registered nurse can save you a lot of stress with this.
Emotionally, having a big surgery can be overwhelming. Between round-the-clock medications, discomfort, drains, and being out of your normal routine, crying is normal, regret is normal. It will pass. After a few days, everything gets easier. Be patient and set yourself up for success and get support - it makes ALL the difference.
The Nurse's Guide to Better Sleep After a Mommy Makeover
As a nurse specializing in post-operative care for mommy makeover patients, I frequently get asked about the best ways to sleep after surgery. The recovery process can be challenging, and getting adequate sleep is crucial for your healing. Here are my top tips to help you sleep comfortably and safely after your mommy makeover.
Adhere to Your Surgeon’s Guidelines
First and foremost, always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. These guidelines are tailored to your individual case and will include crucial advice on sleeping positions and activity restrictions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Opt for Back Sleeping
After a mommy makeover, which often involves procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or lift, and liposuction, sleeping on your back is generally the safest and most comfortable position. This position helps to avoid putting pressure on your incisions and allows for optimal healing. To increase comfort, place pillows under your knees and use a supportive pillow for your head.
Elevate Your Upper Body
Elevating your upper body can significantly reduce swelling and improve circulation. Use a wedge pillow or stack several pillows to prop up your head and shoulders. This elevated position also helps prevent you from rolling onto your side or stomach during sleep, which could be detrimental to your healing process.
Use Extra Pillows for Support
Strategically placing pillows around your body can provide additional support and stability. For example, using a knee pillow under your knees can relieve lower back pressure, and pillows on either side of your body can prevent you from turning over in your sleep. This setup can help you maintain a comfortable and safe position throughout the night.
Wear Your Compression Garments
If your surgeon has recommended compression garments, make sure to wear them as directed, even while sleeping. These garments help reduce swelling, support your healing tissues, and promote better blood circulation, all of which are essential for a faster and smoother recovery.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A comfortable sleep environment is vital for quality rest. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Investing in a good quality mattress and pillows can also make a significant difference in your comfort levels during recovery. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine if needed.
Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine
Practicing good sleep hygiene can improve the quality of your rest. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, and establish a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading a book to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Manage Your Pain Medication Wisely
It's helpful to take your pain medication close to bedtime to help you get to sleep. Conversely, pain medications prescribed after surgery can affect your sleep patterns. If you find it difficult to sleep due to medication, discuss this with your surgeon. They may be able to adjust your dosage or suggest alternative pain management strategies.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side
Sleeping on your stomach or side can put unnecessary pressure on your surgical sites, causing discomfort and potentially hindering your recovery. Make a conscious effort to avoid these positions until your surgeon advises that it’s safe to do so.
Listen to Your Body
Your body is an excellent communicator. Pay attention to its signals and adjust your sleeping position if you feel any discomfort or pain. The goal is to find a balance between comfort and adhering to your surgeon’s recommendations
Proper sleep is essential for a successful recovery after a mommy makeover. By following these tips and adhering to your surgeon’s advice, you can enhance your healing process and achieve the best possible results. Remember, every individual’s recovery journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal.
Thank you for reading! I hope these tips help you get the restful sleep you need for a smooth recovery.
Swelling, Sweatpants and Self Care: What To Expect During A Mommy Makeover Recovery
Embarking on the transformative journey of a mommy makeover is an empowering decision, but it's equally important to face the reality of the recovery process. In this blog, we'll take an honest look at the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that come with the recovery territory after a mommy makeover.
The Initial Euphoria: The first day post-surgery can be deceivingly comfortable. The lingering effects of anesthesia often create an initial sense of euphoria, with minimal pain and a touch of post-op glow. It's a sweet spot, but buckle up – the real journey is just beginning.
The Unmasking of Pain: Around the 12-hour mark, the anesthesia's magic starts to fade, revealing the reality of post-surgical discomfort. Patients may be caught off guard as the pain gradually intensifies, challenging the assumption that recovery will be a breeze. It's a wakeup call that demands a shift in mindset and a proactive approach to pain management.
The Swelling Saga: Brace yourself for the swelling saga. Swelling is a natural part of the healing process, and the post-mommy makeover phase is no exception. It's like a temporary companion, sticking around longer than you'd like. Embrace the compression garments, cool packs, and the occasional "I miss my pre-swollen ankles" moment.
Restricted Mobility Realities: Mommy makeover recovery often comes with restrictions on movement and activities. Forget about those acrobatic yoga poses for a while; your body is on a temporary vacation from extreme stretches and heavy lifting. It's a gentle reminder to take it easy and savor the art of slowing down.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Recovery isn't just physical; it's an emotional rollercoaster too. Patients may experience a mix of emotions, from excitement about the transformation to occasional bouts of impatience and self-doubt. It's normal to have a moment or two of questioning, but remember, the journey is a process, not just a destination.
Patience, the Virtuous Virtue: Patience becomes the virtuous virtue during a mommy makeover recovery. Results take time, and the journey demands a commitment to healing. It's a lesson in self-care – a reminder that the best things in life are worth waiting for.
The Endgame: Embracing the New You: As the days turn into weeks and the recovery journey unfolds, the pain subsides, the swelling diminishes, and the new you begins to emerge.
Mommy Makeover Madness: Surviving the Glamorous Chaos of Recovery
Embarking on the journey of a mommy makeover is like signing up for a whirlwind adventure – a glamorous rollercoaster ride that promises to transform you into the goddess you always knew you could be. But let's be real; recovery isn't all glitz and glamour. It's more like a comedy of errors with a sprinkle of fabulousness. In this blog, let's take a light-hearted look at the hilarity that ensues during a mommy makeover recovery.
Fashion Forward… or Not: Say goodbye to your wardrobe and hello to a rotating selection of oversized, comfortable, and slightly questionable outfits. Who knew surgical compression garments would become the latest fashion trend? Forget runway shows; you're the star of your very own recovery catwalk.
The Great Pillow Fort: You may have thought building pillow forts was a childhood pastime, but during a mommy makeover recovery, it becomes a serious architectural endeavor. The more pillows, the merrier. It's all about comfort and conquering the Everest of cushioned support. If forts are not your thing, perhaps royalty is. Behold the Pillow Throne - the comfiest, coziest throne to support Her Majesty.
Meme-Worthy Medication Schedules: Keeping up with your prescribed medications becomes a riveting game of memory and precision. You've got pills for pain, pills to prevent infections, and more for who-knows-what. You're practically running a 24-hour CVS.
Mission Impossible: The Couch Caper: Attempting to sit or stand without using your abdominal muscles becomes an epic Mission Impossible-style operation. You've got a strategy, a game plan, and possibly a few embarrassing tumbles that'll make for great dinner party anecdotes once you've fully recovered.
The Sneezing Dilemma: Ever tried holding in a sneeze while your body is on high alert? It's a symphony of contortions, facial expressions, and silent prayers that would make a mime jealous. Don't worry; you're not alone in the struggle against the mighty sneeze.
Netflix and Rehab: Your Netflix watchlist is suddenly your BFF, and you've become a master of binge-watching. You've seen every documentary, real-crime drama, and sitcom on the platform, and you're considering launching your own review show. Who knew recovery could be so entertaining?
The Great Hydration Challenge: Drinking water becomes an Olympic event. Balancing the water bottle on your pillow mountain, reaching it without knocking anything over, and executing the perfect sip without straining – it's a hydration obstacle course that even Ninja Warriors would find challenging.
Post-Op Potty Ballet: Navigating the bathroom turns into an ungraceful ballet performance. The clumsy art of the pivot and squat, the strategic grab for support, and the discreet or not-so-discreet wince when you accidentally engage the wrong muscle group.
While mommy makeover recovery may have its moments of hilarity, it's essential to remember that laughter truly is the best medicine. Embrace the chaos, find joy in the absurdity, and know that each day brings you one step closer to revealing the fabulous results of your glamorous makeover. After all, a little humor makes the journey all the more memorable and, dare I say it, fabulous!
