10 Questions to Ask During Your Mommy Makeover Consultation

A mommy makeover can be a rewarding experience for women who want to regain their pre-pregnancy body and correct unwanted changes. From breasts that are sagging or have lost volume to stubborn pockets of fat that have appeared across your stomach or hips, you may have several areas you wish to address. As a female surgeon and mother, Dr. Chong understands the unique challenges women face and how pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the body. This gives her an advantage in developing customized treatment plans to transform how women look and feel.

If you are ready to restore your body to a more youthful appearance, here are ten questions to get you started:

1. What is your training and experience?

You want to feel confident in your surgeon’s ability to provide safe, quality results, so finding a board-certified plastic surgeon is recommended as they have undergone rigorous training and must adhere to strict standards of care and continuing education. Ask how frequently they perform mommy makeover procedures and whether they have any specialized training.

2. Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

If you are in good health and want to restore your breasts or torso due to changes from pregnancy or aging, a mommy makeover could be a good option. Common concerns include sagging or deflated breasts, extra skin around the midsection or thighs, or stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. 

3. How long should I wait after pregnancy or breastfeeding?

You should give your body about a year to readjust post-pregnancy and for you to get back to healthy routines and naturally shed some baby weight. If you breastfeed, you should wait three to six months after you have finished lactating.

4. What procedures does a mommy makeover include?

Mommy makeovers are tailored to each woman’s needs and desires. Dr. Chong will work with you to determine what procedures you may benefit from such as breast augmentation or reduction, breast lift, liposuction, or tummy tuck. Combining multiple procedures into one surgery for more comprehensive results and a shorter recovery period is common.

5. Can I see before and after photos?

It is essential to have realistic expectations regarding what a mommy makeover can accomplish. Seeing before and after pictures from other patients can give you a better sense of what you are looking for, what is possible, and what you can expect. It also gives you insight into your surgeon’s capabilities. If you have specific images you like, bring them to the appointment to share with your surgeon.

6. How should I prepare for surgery?

Your doctor will perform surgery under sedation, so you should stop eating and drinking at least eight hours before your arrival. Be candid about your medical conditions, which could complicate your postop course.  Specifically our staff will elicit a detailed history including but not limited to 1. use of Ozempic, Wegovy, Moujara, as these need to be held for 2 weeks preop, in order to avoid aspiration pneumonitis; 2. Tobacco, marijuana and/or vaping: These habits may result in delayed wound healing; 3. Prior history of blood clots, varicose veins or “sticky blood”; 4. “Normal” bowel habits: The need for postop analgesics may produce constipation, which in turn results in painful gas pain.  The preop protocol involves a gentle “bowel prep” to reduce the amount of stool so that the resumption of eventual BMs is facilitated; 5. Who will care for you and your family, during your convalescence?  Do inventory how feasible it will be for you to recover fully, before resuming your roles of wife, mother, worker.  Wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to take off and put on, so you are comfortable after surgery. Make sure you have plans in place for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first few days to help out.

7. What can I expect from the recovery process?

You will be sore for several days as your body heals, but any pain and discomfort are typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should plan on taking a week or two off of work to rest and get back to feeling like yourself. If you had a breast augmentation or revision, you should continue to wear a compression garment or support bra for several weeks until the implants settle.

Do not be afraid to ask for and accept help from others. You should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least two weeks, including rigorous cleaning and picking up small children.

8. How long until I can resume my normal activities?

You should take it easy for the first two to four weeks after surgery and slowly incorporate more activity into your day. It will take about six to eight weeks until your doctor clears you to return to your regular routine, but that will depend on your recovery progress.

9. How long does it take to see results?

Some changes will be immediately noticeable, such as the size and positioning of your breasts. Others, such as the results of liposuction or a tummy tuck, will appear more gradually as swelling decreases and your body adjusts. It can take six months to a year for everything to settle into place and the final results to stabilize.

10. Can I still get pregnant or breastfeed after a mommy makeover?

Yes, it is safe to get pregnant after a mommy makeover, but it is important to realize that it may undo some results. Your breasts may change size and shape, and you may lose some of the tone to your midsection. In many cases, women can effectively breastfeed with implants, but you should let Dr. Chong know if you plan to do this. Ideally, you should be at a stable weight and have completed your family and breastfeeding children before undergoing surgery to get the most benefit from the procedures.

Rejuvenate Your Body With a Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover can help you feel like a better version of yourself and boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chong in Newport Beach to discuss how you can benefit from a mommy makeover and rejuvenate your body.