Mommy Makeover Planning: Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start Researching

Restoring your body after motherhood is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t happen overnight. If a mommy makeover has been on your mind, summer can be a good time to slow down and gather information. At Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery, we encourage our patients in Lake Forest to take the time to learn about our surgeries to confirm that it is the right path for them. We are here to help you with your research and to answer any questions you may have about the process. 

Why Is Summer a Good Time for Planning?

Summer has a relaxed rhythm that lends itself well to careful thinking and planning. Because most patients prefer to schedule their surgery for the cooler fall and winter months for practical reasons and comfort, researching during the summer months allows you to book your preferred date before the calendar fills. It also allows for time to ask questions and involve your family and friends without the pressure of a deadline.  

What Mommy Makeover Research Involves

Learning Which Procedures Fit Your Body

Pregnancy is a life-altering and often body-altering time, but no two pregnancies change a body the same way. Some want to focus on the abdomen, others on the breasts. Many have concerns about both. Our mommy makeover page is a great place to start to learn more about all of the different procedures that can be included in this combined surgery and what you can expect from each. 

Understanding Recovery Realities

It is important to have realistic expectations about the recovery process so you can plan appropriately. A combined procedure means you will have only one healing period instead of several, but sometimes this recovery can be more involved because of multiple incision locations and body-wide healing. You will need rest and help at home during this time. However, studies show that combined procedures are similar in safety to single procedures and deliver high patient satisfaction for those who have multiple areas of concern. 

Comparing Surgeon Credentials and Experience

There are many important factors to weigh when finding the right place to have your surgery, including techniques and options, but the surgeon you choose is arguably the most important. Look for board certification and a solid track record and reputation in the community for mommy makeovers specifically. Dr. Terrasse is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed his plastic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and continually maintains hospital privileges. He specializes in reconstruction procedures, specifically mommy makeovers, and he always listens to his patients.

The Timeline From Research to Results

The Consultation and Planning Phase

Your first visit is a consultation, but it doesn’t lock you into a commitment right away. It is a time to talk to Dr. Terrasse about your concerns and tell him about your pregnancies and breastfeeding history. He will be able to examine your skin quality and muscle tone and discuss whether a mommy makeover is a good option based on the findings. Some patients have concerns that can be addressed through non-surgical options, while others will need the surgery to see the results they want. Dr. Terrasse believes that a plastic surgeon should have good ears as well as good hands and a heart for guiding his patients to the right options.

Surgery Scheduling Window

Experienced surgeons know to book weeks or months ahead to allow patients to have time to prepare and to time their surgeries right. Researching now and scheduling your consultation will give you the best chance to get the date you want. Dr. Terrasse offers evening and weekend office hours to make it easier for you to get in and see him. 

Recovery Milestones and Downtime

Patients need to take at least two to three weeks away from work and regular responsibilities at home to give their bodies enough time to heal. During the first week, you will need help with basic tasks and should avoid heavy lifting. If you have had abdominal surgery, you will need to be slightly bent at the waist to avoid tension on the incisions and will have specific instructions for how to care for these surgical areas. By weeks three and four, you will be able to return to light activity, and can return to your normal routine by week six. You will need to keep all of this in mind as you put the surgery in the right place on your calendar.  

Why Cooler Months Are Good for Mommy Makeover Recovery

Healing during the fall and winter months has practical advantages that make it an ideal time to schedule a mommy makeover. Children are back in school, meaning the house is quieter and it is easier to get the downtime you need. It can also feel more comfortable to wear compression garments, which can be more hot and oppressive in the middle of July than in winter. Healing incisions are also more vulnerable to sunlight. Ultraviolet exposure can darken scars and worsen their appearance, so a healing season when you are naturally covering your incisions is great for protecting your results. 

Planning Your Mommy Makeover Around You and Your Family

Mommy makeovers should be carefully timed since those who seek this procedure are often those with busy family lives who want a chance to put themselves first after years of pouring into others. The best candidates for this surgery are those who don’t plan on future pregnancies, as pregnancy can alter the results of a mommy makeover. Other important family considerations are whether the patient will be properly supported at home during the healing process so they don’t overdo it in terms of family responsibilities and childcare. It is important to consider when the calmest times are at home and plan the surgery around this. 

What Sets Dr. Terrasse’s Approach Apart

• Three Decades of North Shore Experience: Dr. Terrasse has spent more than thirty years serving patients along Chicago’s North Shore. A graduate of Notre Dame and Vanderbilt University Medical School, he has been named a Top Doctor in plastic surgery and consistently listed in the Castle Connolly Guide.
• Vectra 3D Imaging for Informed Decisions: During your consultation, Dr. Terrasse uses advanced Vectra 3D imaging to show realistic simulations of potential results. This lets you explore choices like implant size and surgical approach before committing.
• Recognition Among Peers and National Media: Dr. Terrasse serves on the national spokesperson networks of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has been featured across ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX as well as in People and the Chicago Tribune.

Start Your Research the Right Way With a Consultation in Lake Forest

Researching in summer sets you up for a calm, well-timed decision heading into fall. When you feel ready to turn questions into answers, a consultation at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery is the natural next step. Call 847-234-2400 or contact us to schedule with Dr. Terrasse in Lake Forest. Planning from out of town? Our practice happily welcomes visiting patients.