Mommy Makeover
The following information is intended exclusively for Barrett Plastic Surgery patients. If you have had surgery by another surgeon, please follow up with that surgeon for your post-operative instructions. Congratulations on completing your surgery! Please reference these instructions over the coming weeks as you begin your recovery process.
Pre-Op Care
A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
A responsible adult must stay with you until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to increase your fluid intake and add more fruits to your diet.
Take all medications as instructed postoperatively.
Wash your face, hair, and body with antibacterial soap before coming into the office on the day of surgery.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Do not consume any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Post-Op Care
TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)
Apply antibiotic ointment only to the belly button twice daily.
Abdominal drains will be removed when less than 20 ml per day drains for 2 days. One drain will be removed week 1, and the other drain will be removed at week 2 post-op.
Drain care is required anytime the drainage bulb is more than ⅓ full
Drains will fill frequently in the first 24 hours, especially if liposuction was performed
Always make sure the drains are secured to clothing
Wear your abdominal binder for 2 weeks once given post surgery.
Keep steri-strips on for 6 weeks or as directed by Dr. Barrett.
After 6 weeks, start the Skinuva scar gel twice daily, massaging firmly into the incisions.
Maximum discomfort will occur the first few days.
Temporary pain, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, and/or incision discomfort may occur.
Bruising and swelling of the abdomen may occur. The majority of bruising and swelling will subside in 6-8 weeks. Some swelling will persist for 6 months. You may feel tired for several weeks or months.
You will walk slightly bent forward and gradually return to normal posture over the next 2 weeks.
Scars will be reddened for 6 months. After that, they will fade and soften.
The scar will extend from near one hipbone to the other, low on the abdomen.
Avoid straining of abdominal muscles. Strenuous core exercise/lifting is restricted for 6 weeks.
Work may resume in 2-4 weeks.
LIPOSUCTION
Discomfort, bruising and swelling may occur. This may also occur in the genital area as it can travel downward due to gravity. This is normal.
Drainage from the small incisions may be significant for the first 12 hours after surgery but should stop after 24 hours.
Keep steri-strips on for 3 weeks or as directed by Dr. Barrett.
At 2 weeks post-op, you may discontinue any compression garments.
At 2 weeks post-op, start massaging any firm areas..
At 3 weeks post-op, start Skinuva scar gel twice daily, massaging firmly into incisions.
Incisional bleeding is normal for up to 48 hours after your procedure.
Wounds may feel slightly tender to the touch and look pink around the edges.
Expect between 3-6 months to see your final results.
NECK LIPOSUCTION
Sleep with your head elevated for one week after surgery.
Keep your chinstrap dressing on to help minimize swelling and promote the skin to adhere securely to the underlying architecture.
Keep chin strap dressing dry and in place for 24 hours following surgery. After 24 hours you can remove it in the shower but keep it on otherwise for the first 7 days.
After 7 days, you can wear it in the evenings when you sleep.
Surface stitches are removed in 10-14 days.
Keep steri-strips on for 3 weeks or as directed by Dr. Barrett.
At 2 weeks post-op, start massaging any firm areas.
At 3 weeks post-op, start Skinuva scar gel twice daily, massaging firmly into incisions.
Discomfort, bruising and swelling may occur. This is normal.
Drainage from the small incisions may be significant for the first 12 hours after surgery but should stop after 24 hours.
Incisional bleeding is normal for up to 48 hours after your procedure.
It is normal for healing wounds to feel slightly tender to the touch and look pink around the edges.
It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS/BREAST LIFT
Bruising and swelling is normal in the breasts, as well as the abdomen as it can travel downward due to gravity.
For the first 3 days, sleep with your back elevated using pillows for support. After 3 days, you may sleep flat on your back until week 2 post-operative.
If a compression bra was provided, please wear it for 2 weeks after surgery.
At week 6 post-op, Dr. Barrett will teach you how to massage your implants.
Light bleeding at the incision site is normal up to 48 hours after surgery.
The chest area may feel tight as your skin and muscles are reshaping and getting used to your new breast size.
It can take up to 6 months for nipple sensation to return.
Breasts will start to drop within 6 weeks post-op.
It is not unusual to hear a squeaking sound after augmentation surgery. This is caused by pockets of air around the breast implant. As this air escapes, the sound will resolve.
It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
Avoid exercise for 2 weeks
At week 2, resume exercise but no impact or upper body workouts. Stair workouts or incline walking are ideal
At week 4, you can resume more intense lower body workouts, like squats.
At week 6, you may resume upper body workouts, using your body as a guide.
When you do resume exercise, you should wear a tight, supportive bra to minimize bounce and droop of the breasts.
BREAST LIFT (without implants)
For the first 3 days, sleep with your back elevated using pillows for support. After 3 days, you may sleep flat on your back until week 2 post-operative.
If a compression bra was provided, please wear it for 2 weeks after surgery.
Light bleeding at the incision site is normal up to 48 hours after surgery.
The chest area may feel tight as your skin and muscles are reshaping and getting used to your new breast size.
It can take up to 6 months for nipple sensation to return.
Avoid exercise for 2 weeks and don’t lift your arms above your head. Most activities can resume after 2 weeks.
It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
FAT TRANSFER TO BREASTS
For the first week, sleep with your back elevated using pillows for support. We want your grafted fat to stay in a perfect position during the initial healing process.
Compression garments should be worn for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
As the nerves regenerate, the nipples commonly become hypersensitive. This will subside with time. You may find that gentle massaging helps.
Bruising and swelling is normal in the breasts, as well as the abdomen as it can travel downward due to gravity.
It is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or the shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they should look remarkably similar and natural.
Regeneration of the sensory nerves is accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about.
You should be resting the remainder of the day of surgery, but be sure to walk around a few times per day.
It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities in the first 3 weeks after surgery.
BBL (BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT)
IMPORTANT: DO NOT SIT ON BUTTOCKS UNTIL TWO WEEKS AFTER SURGERY!
A BBL pillow will be provided to you on the day of surgery to relieve pressure off the butt area and onto the thighs.
Continue to wear any compression garments for 2 weeks after surgery.
Keep steri-strips on for 3 weeks or as directed by Dr. Barrett.
After 3 weeks, start the Skinuva scar gel twice daily, massaging firmly into the incisions.
Dr. Barrett will instruct you on flank massages at week 2.
Dr. Barrett recommends Venus Legacy treatments to help optimize your results.
Numbness, soreness, burning sensations, bleeding, pain and discomfort may occur.
You will have bruising and swelling of the buttocks. This will subside in 6-8 weeks. Some swelling may persist for 6 months.
Fluid drainage from access sites may occur. This is normal.
Scars will be reddened for 6 months. After that, they will fade and soften.
Do not expect to lose weight from the procedure. Fat transfer is a shaping procedure. A healthy diet and regular exercise helps to maintain your new figure.
Most social and employment activities can likely resume in 2-3 weeks.
Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for 4 weeks.
GENERAL FOLLOW-UP CARE
Do not do any exercise for the first 2 weeks or do anything to cause an elevated heart rate
Do not bend over to pick up any items for 2 weeks post surgery
Shower 24 hours after surgery. Leave the steri strips on and pat dry with a clean towel.
Remove the scopolamine patch from behind your ear after surgery, as it may cause blurry vision when worn for too long.
Surface sutures are removed in 5-14 days.
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
No baths, hot tubs or swimming for 6 weeks.
Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months. Always use a strong sunblock.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery; but generally, after about a week, you should begin to feel better.
Tape blisters may occur. This is normal and will resolve.
What to expect
Recommended Products
Mommy Makeover Recovery Optimization Kit
Carefully curated by Dr. Barrett, each product is designed to compliment the next and assist with giving you the opportunity to have the best recovery possible.
Mommy Makeover Scar Management Kit
Curated by Dr. Barrett, each product compliments each other, working together to give you the opportunity to have the best recovery possible.
BEFORE
Optimizes nutritional status prior to surgery. Take 4 capsules twice daily starting 5 days before surgery.
AFTER
Replenishes key healing nutrients and ingredients to control pain and inflammation. Take 4 capsules twice daily, starting 5 days before surgery.
.jpg)
Barrett Recovery Oil
Benefits include pain relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and eliminating insomnia. Start with ½-1 dropper underneath the tongue the night of surgery. Hold the oil under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. Increase dose as needed. Do not exceed 4 full droppers a day.
ARNICA+
Speed healing time up to 50% allowing for faster recovery from bruising, swelling, and pain. Take 1 capsule twice daily after surgery.
LivingFuel Omega Super Essentials
Anti-inflammatory effects and reduce wound infections by 50%. Take 1 tablet per 25 lbs of body weight. For example, if you weigh 125 lbs then take 5 tablets.
CALMg
Reduce stress levels, sleep faster and deeper, maintain normal heart rhythm, and build strong bones. Take 2 capsules nightly.
Masszymes
Increase absorption of key amino acids and certain vitamins, improve digestion and gut health, and faster muscle recovery. Take 3 capsules with every meal.
Skinuva
A clinically tested scar cream and team favorite, Skinuva contains highlight selective growth factors combined with a silicone cream matrix. Skinuva improves the appearance of scars nearly two times better when compared to a traditional silicone cream. Begin using 2-3 weeks post-procedure, or after the incision site has begun to scab over. If you are unsure, please consult with the medical team during your pre-op appointments.
Activities
Walk around the house on the day of surgery and thereafter to prevent blood clots
Move/pump your legs frequently while lying down.
Resume activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days.
No lifting greater than 8 lbs (a gallon of milk) for 6 weeks.
No sexual activity for 2 weeks and resume as comfort permits.
Call the office if you experience any of the following
Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
Pain is not relieved with pain medication.
Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from the incision area.
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
You have not urinated for more than 6 hours after getting home from surgery.
If you need to seek a hospital, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911
Providence St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica
Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles
Take a moment with one of our expert
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
