After any surgical procedure, including a mommy makeover, scars will inevitably show up. However, incisions are typically placed as inconspicuously as possible so that resulting scars will be difficult or impossible to see in a bathing suit.
Additionally, there are many tips you can follow after your procedure to help reduce the appearance of mommy makeover scarring.
1. Closely Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Aftercare Instructions
One of the best things you can do after your mommy makeover to not only help your body heal efficiently but to also help minimize the appearance of scars is to follow your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions to a T. While every plastic surgeon will have slight variations and preferences on mommy makeover recovery guidelines, these are some general tips that should be consistent across the board:
Limit strenuous physical activity for 4 to 8 weeks. Overexerting your body too soon can be detrimental to its healing process and therefore may cause scars to be more noticeable.
- Lightly walk around the house during recovery to promote healthy blood flow and optimize your body’s healing process.
- Wear any necessary compression garments according to your plastic surgeon’s instructions.
- Do not smoke while recovering from a mommy makeover.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while your body is healing.
If your incision does not appear to be healing properly or if you notice any signs of infection, contact your plastic surgeon’s office right away.
2. Watch for Signs of Infection
Following your plastic surgeon’s aftercare guidelines closely will help to minimize your risk of developing an infection. However, if you notice any of these common signs that an infection may be brewing, contact your doctor right away to avoid complications:
- Pus
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Localized pain
- Fever
3. Stay out of the Sun
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin pigmentation concerns, including dark spots, uneven skin tone and a more pronounced appearance of scars. Avoid direct sunlight and indoor tanning beds while your body heals after your mommy makeover.
If you do need to be outdoors, always wear sunscreen. However, talk with your plastic surgeon before applying any topical products — including sunscreen — directly to healing incisions.
4. Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are molecules that combat free radicals that can otherwise wreak havoc throughout our bodies, especially while we are trying to heal. Arm yourself with plenty of extra antioxidants by eating fresh fruits and vegetables like strawberries, blueberries, spinach, kale and sweet potatoes.
Avoid eating lots of fried foods, candy and sugary drinks while your body recovers, as these can impede the natural healing process.
5. Give Scars Time to Heal
It can take up to 18 months for scars to fully mature and begin to fade away. Be patient as your body heals and recovers after your mommy makeover.
If you’re still not seeing the results you’d hoped for around 12 to 18 months after your procedure, talk to your plastic surgeon about mommy makeover scar treatment options like laser scar treatments or possible scar revision surgery.
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.
