Six questions every woman should ask at her mommy makeover consultation

While making the decision to take some time to treat yourself to a mommy makeover can be very exciting, it's normal to also feel a little nervous or anxious in the weeks leading up to your procedure. To help give you peace of mind and make sure you're completely prepared at every step of the way, be sure to ask these six questions during your mommy makeover consultation.

Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

Just about any woman who is in general good health and is looking to improve the tone and shape of her physique could be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. That said, there are a few additional factors that can determine whether a mommy makeover might be right for you at this stage of life. Your plastic surgeon will probably want to discuss questions like these with you:

• Are you finished having children?
• How long has it been since you've had your last child?
• Are you currently breastfeeding?
• What are your appearance goals?

It is best if you are finished having children and done with breastfeeding. Be prepared to discuss how long has it been since you've had your last child and what your cosmetic goals are. This will help your surgeon prepare an individualized procedure to achieve your desired results.

Which procedures should I include?

If you and your plastic surgeon have decided that you're a good candidate for a mommy makeover, the next step is to start planning which procedures to include. The most common procedures to add to a mommy makeover are a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast enhancement. However, your personal goals and preferences (along with your plastic surgeon's recommendations) will ultimately determine the approach that's best for you.

What surgical techniques do you recommend?

Once you know which specific procedures you want to combine as part of your mommy makeover, you and your plastic surgeon can have a more detailed discussion of the surgical techniques that would be best suited for you.

For example, you might ask questions regarding your tummy tuck like:

• How long will my incision be?
• Where will my incision be placed?
• Will liposuction be included?

For breast procedures, you might ask:

• Will I see the best results with breast implants alone or combined with a breast lift?
• What are my implant type and placement options?
• How might implant placement affect scarring?

What will my recovery be like?

Most women take off anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks off work to recover from their mommy makeover. The length of your recovery will depend on the type and number of procedures that you choose to include.

During the first few weeks of recovery, you'll need to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting, including lifting small children. Expect to experience some swelling, bruising and tightness during this first stage of recovery, but these symptoms should gradually diminish as you continue to heal.

How long will it take for scars to heal?

An experienced plastic surgeon will take great care to place scars in such a way that they can be easily hidden or camouflaged by a swimsuit. Bear in mind that it can take up to 18 months for a scar to fully mature, so you should continue to see improvements in appearance of your scars over the course of the next year following your mommy makeover.

When will I see my mommy makeover results?

Most women are able to get a good idea of what their results might look like within about 3 to 4 months after their mommy makeover, but it can take 6 months to a year to see your final outcome.