Royale Hayat Hospital P.O. Box 179, Hawalli 32002, Hawalli Kuwait

+965 9472-8114

hello@drsarahalyouha.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Be realistic—surgery is about improvement, not perfection. Results vary depending on factors like your anatomy, health, and goals. Comparing your results to before-and-after photos can help set expectations but remember that your body is unique.

No, the length of the scar does not correlate with the difficulty of recovery. Recovery depends on the type of surgery and how your body heals, not the scar length. Longer scars are sometimes necessary to achieve dramatic improvements.

Rarely. Nipple sensation loss is uncommon, particularly with lifts or augmentations. Larger breast reductions are more likely to impact sensation, but even in these cases, sensation often returns within a year.

Yes, compression garments are typically worn for about 6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing. Some surgeons may include additional aids like epifoam for contouring. Garments are snug but shouldn’t cause discomfort, and breaks can usually be taken as advised by your surgeon.

Returning to the gym depends on your surgery:

  • Light exercise (e.g., walking): Within 1-2 weeks.
  • Moderate activities: By 3-4 weeks, pain permitting.
  • Heavy lifting or intense workouts: After 6 weeks.
  • Always consult your surgeon for personalized advice.

The timeline for resuming sex is similar to returning to the gym—typically 3-4 weeks, depending on your comfort level and the surgery performed.

Most patients take 2-4 weeks off, depending on the physical demands of their job. Office-based work may require less time, while physically demanding jobs might need more.

Blood thinners reduce the risk of blood clots, especially in patients with higher risk factors, such as:

  • A history of blood clots.
  • High BMI.
  • Reduced mobility post-surgery.
  • They are typically used for 2-4 weeks as a precaution.

BMI (Body Mass Index) is an important consideration: For most surgeries, a BMI under 40 is acceptable if you are otherwise healthy. For surgeries involving large cuts (e.g., tummy tuck), a BMI below 35 is ideal. Your surgeon will assess your health holistically.

Smoking impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications. Ideally, you should stop smoking at least 1 month before and after surgery to ensure the best outcomes.

Good candidates are:

  • At or near their goal weight (BMI under 35 is ideal for cutting surgeries).
  • Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking for at least a month before and after surgery.
  • In good overall health, without uncontrolled medical conditions.
  • Finished with childbearing, as future pregnancies can undo the results.

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in mommy makeover procedures. Look at their before-and-after photos, check online reviews, and schedule a consultation to ensure you feel comfortable with their approach.

Yes! Mommy makeovers are highly customizable. During your consultation, you can discuss specific areas of concern, and your surgeon will tailor the plan to your goals.

If the stretch marks are located on the lower abdomen (below the belly button), they can often be removed along with the excess skin during a tummy tuck. Stretch marks above the belly button may remain but can sometimes appear less noticeable after tightening the skin.

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck or breast surgery can stretch the skin and muscles again, potentially undoing the results. It’s best to wait until you’re done having children.

Swelling is normal and can last for several months. Most swelling significantly decreases by 6-8 weeks, but final results may take 6 months to a year to fully settle.

  • Wear your compression garment as instructed.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid high-sodium foods.
  • Incorporate light walking to improve circulation.
  • Consider lymphatic massage starting 1-2 weeks post-surgery, as approved by your surgeon.

Most surgeons allow showering after 48-72 hours, but this depends on the type of surgery and whether drains are in place. Avoid soaking in baths or swimming pools until all incisions are fully healed (usually 4-6 weeks).

Yes, vaginal rejuvenation procedures (e.g., labiaplasty or vaginal tightening) can be included in a mommy makeover. Discuss your goals with your surgeon to create a comprehensive plan.

Yes, especially during the first week. Arrange for someone to help with daily tasks like childcare, cooking, and cleaning. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting (including picking up children) for at least 4-6 weeks.

While a mommy makeover can address many concerns (e.g., sagging skin, stretched muscles, and excess fat), it’s important to have realistic expectations. The goal is improvement, not perfection.

Follow a healthy diet.

Exercise regularly, focusing on both cardio and strength training.

Avoid significant weight fluctuations, as they can impact your results.

A healthy, balanced diet is crucial:

  • High-fiber foods to prevent constipation.
  • Protein-rich meals to support healing.
  • Plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 

Results can take time:
    • Initial changes: Noticeable immediately, but swelling may obscure the final look.
    • Swelling reduction: Takes up to 6 months to a year for the full effect.
Be patient and trust the process.

Drains are sometimes placed to remove excess fluid. They are typically painless to remove.

Some surgeons use techniques that eliminate the need for drains altogether.

Lymphatic massage can help reduce swelling and promote healing. It is usually safe to start within the first week after surgery, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations.

Procedures can range from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on their complexity. Your surgeon will give you an estimated timeline based on your plan.

Most patients stay 1-2 days, but some can leave the same day. This depends on the type of surgery and your recovery progress.

Yes, in most cases, you can walk upright immediately after surgery. You may feel tightness in the abdomen after a tummy tuck, but this resolves within a few days.

Qualified surgeons in accredited facilities are trained to handle complications, which are rare. Plastic surgery often deals with surface-level tissues, meaning most issues are straightforward to address.

Statistically, mommy makeover surgeries are safer than driving a car or flying in a plane when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in a licensed facility.

A mommy makeover typically combines procedures like a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction to restore pre-pregnancy body contours. Additional procedures can include thigh lifts, arm lifts, or vaginal rejuvenation, depending on your needs.

Most patients can sleep in any position within 2-4 weeks. After a tummy tuck, you may initially need to sleep slightly propped up to reduce tension on the abdominal incisions.

No, it’s best to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding for at least 3-6 months. This allows your breast tissue to return to its normal size and makes surgical planning more accurate.

  • Keep them clean and dry.
  • Apply topical treatments (e.g., antibiotic ointments or silicone gel) as recommended by your surgeon.
  • Avoid exposing incisions to the sun to prevent darkening.

Liposuction is not designed to treat cellulite. However, it can improve the overall contour of the treated area, making cellulite less noticeable. Combining liposuction with skin-tightening procedures may yield better results for cellulite.

No, mommy makeovers are not weight-loss procedures. While liposuction and tummy tucks can remove fat and excess skin, they are contouring surgeries, not weight-loss solutions. It’s best to be at a stable, healthy weight before surgery.

Your weight may temporarily increase due to post-surgical swelling and fluid retention. Long-term weight gain depends on lifestyle choices. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is key to preserving your results.

Yes, a tummy tuck includes repairing the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that may have separated during pregnancy. This repair improves core strength and reduces abdominal bulging.

Scars typically start as red or pink and gradually fade to a lighter color over 6-12 months. Proper care, including scar massage, silicone products, and sun protection, helps improve their appearance.

Yes, but you’ll need to wear compression garments for the first 4-6 weeks. Loose, comfortable clothing is best during recovery to avoid irritation to incisions or tight areas.

Most patients feel significantly better within 2-3 weeks, but full energy levels and physical comfort may take up to 6-8 weeks, depending on the procedures performed.

For many women, the boost in confidence and satisfaction with their body makes the investment in a mommy makeover worth it. Discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

While complications are rare with qualified surgeons, potential issues include:
  • Seroma (fluid buildup).
  • Blood clots.
  • Poor wound healing.

These risks are minimized with proper preparation, skilled surgeons, and accredited facilities.