If you have an upcoming mommy makeover scheduled, you have likely already been preparing yourself physically for your procedure. While physical preparation is important before any type of surgery, it is equally important to also prepare yourself mentally.
In the weeks and days leading up to your mommy makeover, use these tips to help you mentally prepare for plastic surgery and ease any pre-surgery jitters you may be feeling.
1. Remind Yourself You’ve Chosen a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
You have already done all the hard work of researching the best mommy makeover plastic surgeons in your area, verifying medical credentials, scheduling consultations and choosing the best fit for you. Now, you can rest assured that you are in good hands and can rely on the knowledge, skill and expertise of your plastic surgeon to make the best surgical decisions for you, minimizing risks and maximizing your final outcome.
2. Learn the Details of Your Mommy Makeover Procedure
It can be comforting and helpful to know exactly what to expect every step of the way prior to your procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon to go through the steps with you, from the moment you arrive on the day of your mommy makeover to the at-home recovery process.
You might also want to bring a list of questions with you to your pre-op visit so you don’t forget to ask about anything that is on your mind.
Don’t hesitate to call your plastic surgeon’s office with any questions or concerns that pop up before your mommy makeover.3. Follow Mommy Makeover Prep Instructions
Your plastic surgeon should give you detailed mommy makeover prep guidelines and tips to help you prepare physically for your procedure. This might include things like quitting smoking, reaching a weight loss goal and making healthy diet and exercise changes.
Following these as closely as possible should put your mind at ease, knowing you’ve taken all the necessary actions to have a smooth, low-stress procedure and recovery.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
If you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious about your upcoming plastic surgery, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga to help calm your mind, ease your worries and ground you in the present moment.
It can also help to have a support person such as a spouse, close friend or family member in whom you can confide about your thoughts and concerns prior to your mommy makeover.
5. Remember Your “Why”
It is normal to have butterflies before a big event such as getting a mommy makeover. However, reminding yourself of why you have chosen to do this will help to calm your anxieties and give you peace of mind that you have made the right decision.
Through this exercise, try to extinguish any negative feelings such as guilt that might be dampening more positive thoughts and feelings like excitement. Reframing your thoughts in this way can help you to stay focused on the positive outcomes of your mommy makeover, rather than feeling anxious or worried.
Dr. David Kaufman earned a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with distinction, the highest academic honor. As an active duty naval special warfare officer, he served our nation for four years, including duty in Operation Desert Storm. He then attended Harvard Medical School, receiving his medical doctor degree in 1996. From there, he entered and completed postdoctoral surgical training in a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
A board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Kaufman’s diverse surgical experience and skill enables him to choose procedures and techniques to best suit each patient. Consider him and his practice, Kaufman Plastic Surgery, if you are looking for a plastic surgeon in the Sacramento area.
