Planning your first mommy makeover surgery is a big decision. But excitement can sometimes lead to skipping key steps. Understanding what not to do before a mommy makeover is one of the most important parts of your preparation. If you live in Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, or Mt. Lebanon, Radiance Plastic Surgery can help you plan your procedure safely and effectively.

1. Finding a Surgeon Without the Right Experience

Choosing a board-certified provider with a strong background in mommy makeover, like Dr. Lori Cherup, is essential. Experience matters, not just in performing the procedure but in customizing it based on your anatomy and goals. You can review patient outcomes here at Radiance Plastic Surgery by browsing our before-and-after photos of mommy makeovers.

2. Skipping Your Pre-Surgery Consultation

The consultation is more than a formality. It’s where your plan takes shape, whether it includes liposuction, breast augmentation, or more. A full mommy makeover consultation should cover risks, timing, and medical history.

3. Rushing Into Surgery Too Soon After Childbirth

Your body needs time to stabilize after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormone levels, skin elasticity, and weight shifts all affect the results of post-pregnancy body restoration. Waiting at least six months postpartum can lead to better outcomes.

4. Not Preparing for the Recovery Period

Some patients underestimate how much downtime is needed. Planning for childcare, time off work, and help around the house is just as important as the surgery itself. Swelling and limited mobility, especially after a tummy tuck, are common.

Recovery after a mommy makeover usually takes one to two weeks of rest, with most patients returning to light activities shortly after. Strenuous movement and lifting are avoided for four to six weeks, while swelling improves over two to three months. Final results and scar healing can take up to a year.

5. Smoking or Using Nicotine Close to Surgery

Nicotine impacts circulation and slows tissue healing. Even vaping or nicotine patches can interfere with your body’s ability to recover properly.

6. Drinking Alcohol in the Weeks Before Surgery

Alcohol can interact with anesthesia and increase bleeding. This is especially relevant in procedures like breast lift (mastopexy) or revisional breast augmentation, where surgical precision is vital. Pre-surgical instructions typically recommend cutting out alcohol well in advance.

7. Overlooking Required Medical Tests

Skipping lab work might delay your surgery or expose hidden health risks. Your doctor will order bloodwork and other tests to confirm you’re fit for elective surgery. It’s a standard part of the pre-surgical regimen at Radiance Plastic Surgery.

8. Assuming Every Mommy Makeover Is the Same

This procedure is highly individualized. Some plans may include a mini tummy tuck, CoolSculpting® Elite, or even labiaplasty, depending on your anatomy and needs. A good surgeon, like Dr. Cherup, will match the plan to your body, not the other way around.

9. Misjudging the Cost and Payment Options

The price of a mommy makeover can vary depending on which procedures are included. It’s also important to think about time off work and household help. Radiance Plastic Surgery offers a variety of financing options to help you manage costs comfortably.

10. Overlooking Less Obvious Body Concerns

It’s easy to focus only on the midsection or breasts, but pregnancy can change multiple areas. Some patients benefit from procedures like breast reduction or breast reconstruction. Bring up any body concerns during your consultation, even those that seem minor.

Ready to Start Planning Your Mommy Makeover?

Radiance Plastic Surgery, serving Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, and Mt. Lebanon, helps you make informed decisions from the very beginning. Let’s take the next step together, schedule a consultation, or fill out our online form to begin preparing for your mommy makeover procedure today.