How Do You Prepare for a Mommy Makeover? Your Pre-Surgery Checklist

Preparing for a mommy makeover means covering 4 things before surgery day: medical clearance, medication changes, recovery supplies, and a support plan at home. I ask my patients to start working through the following checklist about 4 to 6 weeks before their surgery date, so they can feel relaxed and confident in the days leading up to their procedure.

Infographic showing a mommy makeover preparation timeline from 6 weeks before surgery through the day before, including appointments, time off, supplies, and a ride home

1. Schedule Your Consultation and Pre-Op Appointments

Your mommy makeover starts with a private consultation, where we’ll talk through your goals and build a surgical plan specifically for you. Many patients opt to combine a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction, but your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs.

From there, here’s what else you’ll need to schedule before your surgery day:

A pre-op appointment to confirm your plan and go over final instructions
Bloodwork or lab clearance, especially if you have any underlying health conditions
Medical clearance from your primary care doctor, if requested
A pre-op photo session for your surgical record

Lab work and medical clearance often require 2 to 4 weeks of lead time, so be sure to book your appointments as soon as your surgery date is set.

2. Adjust Medications and Supplements

Several common medications and supplements can increase your bleeding risk or interfere with healing. In the weeks before surgery, you’ll typically need to:

Stop NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin (usually 1 to 2 weeks prior)
Pause blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and certain herbal remedies
Quit smoking or vaping at least 4 weeks before surgery, since nicotine slows healing and raises your complication risk
Discuss any prescription changes with me before your surgery date

I will review your current medications and health history with you and provide guidance on what to stop and when, so there’s no guesswork on your end.

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Before and After Mommy Makeover in Savannah, Georgia, by Dr. Luke Curtsinger

3. Stock Up: Your Mommy Makeover Checklist

Buying your recovery supplies ahead of time means you won’t be running errands—or asking someone else to—during your first few days of healing. Your mommy makeover checklist should include:

Compression garments (have at least 2, so 1 can be washed while you wear the other)
Loose, front-zip or button-front clothing (avoid tops that you will need to pull over your head)
A recliner or wedge pillow for sleeping at an incline
A small, firm pillow to brace your abdomen when coughing or laughing
Ice packs or a cooling wrap
A grabber tool to avoid bending or reaching overhead
Stool softeners, since pain medication can cause constipation
A phone charger and entertainment within arm’s reach
Prescription and over-the-counter pain medication (fill these beforehand so you don’t have to get them after being discharged)

For a full breakdown of what your recovery will look like week by week, see our guide on mommy makeover recovery.

4. Prep Your Kitchen and Nutrition Plan

Good nutrition before and after surgery supports healing and helps reduce swelling. In the days leading up to your procedure, I recommend that you:

Batch-cook and freeze protein-forward meals that can be reheated easily, since lifting heavy pots and reaching overhead will be restricted early on
Stock high-protein, low-sodium snacks to support tissue repair without exacerbating water retention
Have plenty of water bottles and electrolyte drinks on hand to encourage steady hydration
Cut back on alcohol in the week before surgery, since it can affect how your body metabolizes the anesthesia and may increase your bleeding risk

Aim to have your kitchen fully stocked the day before surgery, so you don’t have to worry about cooking and grocery runs during your first week home.

Infographic comparing items to discuss avoiding before surgery, including certain medications, supplements, nicotine, and alcohol, with nutrition and hydration priorities during recovery.

5. Set Up Your Recovery Space and Support System

Line up a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. Between the effects of anesthesia and your pain medication, you won’t be in a position to drive or care for young children on your own during this window.

Before surgery day, you should:

Arrange childcare or extra help around the house for at least the first week of recovery
Set up a “recovery nest” near a bathroom, with pillows, supplies, and your phone charger within reach
Let your support person know your activity restrictions so they can better assist you

6. Handle Logistics: Time Off and Cost Planning

Time off and finances are two logistics worth locking down early. Plan to be away from work for 1 to 2 weeks, or longer if your job is physically demanding. Depending on the nature of your job, you may need to gradually return to your work duties.

On the financial side, our mommy makeover cost breakdown post covers the factors that go into pricing, while our financing options page can help you explore how to spread the cost of your procedure over time.

Set Yourself Up for Success

A little planning goes a long way toward a comfortable mommy makeover recovery and results you’ll love. If you’re ready to talk through your goals and find out which combination of procedures is right for you, request a consultation or call Curtsinger, MD, Plastic Surgery at (912) 503-2738 to get started.