Before moving forward with any cosmetic surgery, especially a combination procedure such as a mommy makeover, it’s crucial that you do your homework. When choosing a cosmetic surgeon for your mommy makeover, here’s what to look for to ensure a safe, smooth experience.
1. Choose a Reputable, Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon
The first step is to choose a cosmetic surgeon based on his or her credentials, experience and reputation. If you have a friend or family member who’s had a similar procedure, ask them who they would recommend. If not, look for online reviews of this particular cosmetic surgeon. Spend some time browsing their website. Look for before and after mommy makeover photos. Look up their medical credentials, schooling and residency programs.
If you choose to schedule a consultation with this cosmetic surgeon, be sure to ask about his or her experience with mommy makeovers and the specific procedures you’d like to include, such as breast augmentation and a tummy tuck.
2. Ask for a Tour of the Facility
At your consult, you should be given a tour of the office and exam rooms. In general, the office should be clean and well organized, and staff members should be friendly and helpful.
Be sure to ask where your surgery will take place. Is the surgery center an accredited ambulatory facility? Does it have the proper emergency equipment and the training required to operate such equipment? Inquire about hospital privileges as well, which indicates that your cosmetic surgeon is recognized as a reputable professional.
3. Inquire about Anesthesia
Will there be a fully accredited anesthesia specialist present during your procedure? This is a must-have for any surgical procedure. You can also inquire about the type of anesthesia that will be used and how long the procedure is likely to take.
4. Ask about Potential Risks and Complications
Mommy makeovers are typically performed under general anesthesia, but this may vary based on which procedures you choose to include.
A reputable cosmetic surgeon will be transparent about any possible risks and complications related to your procedure, however rare they may be. If he or she is reluctant to discuss problems that could arise or simply tells you that there are no risks involved, this is a red flag and you should seek a second opinion.
Your cosmetic surgeon should also be able to advise you on how to minimize risks and complications like:
- Which medications to avoid before and after surgery
- How to properly prepare for your mommy makeover and
- Which lifestyle changes to make such as stopping smoking
5. Discuss Your Recovery Guidelines
In addition to discussing mommy makeover preparation, your cosmetic surgeon should also be able to answer all your questions about your recovery after your procedure. He or she should be able to provide you with a detailed list of aftercare instructions and what you can do ahead of time to help make recovery smooth and seamless.
Realistically, you will likely need to take around two weeks off work and other regular duties to recover from your mommy makeover. After this initial recovery period, you’ll still need to take exercise and physical activity slowly while your body continues to heal. Your cosmetic surgeon should be open and honest about what is involved in the healing process and how long it might take.
At Hamilton Surgical Arts, our cosmetic surgeons have over 40 years of combined experience to help you find the treatment option that’s right for you. Both Dr. Lowery and Dr. Jackson are recognized leaders in the cosmetic surgery field, providing the highest quality care in the Indianapolis area.
