In the past few years, the concept of the “dad bod” has taken hold with the public. One of the reasons the idea of a “dad bod” has entered the conversation is that it is a reality for many men. Once they become a father, there is not a lot of free time let to practice self-care such as exercising or getting a full eight hours of sleep. Much like a “mommy makeover” that is intended to help women regain the look of their body before they had a baby, there is also a “daddy do-over” that helps men achieve an appearance that resembles their body before fatherhood.
A “daddy do-over” is a relatively new procedure that focuses on male patients who would like to “reset” their bodies as well as increase their self-confidence. In general, a “daddy do-over” is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that is performed on the body of a man who is either a father or someone who has developed a “dad bod.” The procedures often address areas on the body that have excess fat and some of the most commonly treated areas include the abdomen, chest, and flanks.
In order to address the excess fat, liposuction is usually performed to eliminate the stubborn and hard to remove fat. Liposuction of the chest can reduce the appearance of “man boobs” as well as fat in the chest and the armpit region of the body. After those issues are addressed, liposuction can be performed on the abdomen and flanks.
In addition, the combination of procedures can include injecting Botox or fillers into the face to eliminate signs of aging and also give the patient a youthful and rejuvenated look. Excess skin and fat around the jawline can be addressed by a neck lift while also giving the neck a smoother and slimmer look.
One of the elements of enjoying a successful recovery period involves the patient scheduling enough recovery time after their visit to the surgeon. The amount of time needed for a proper recovery can include one week (or more) off work and two to three weeks without any exercise. The patient should also limit their intake of alcohol and avoid smoking. The time off is necessary as making the decision to rush back to work or a previous exercise routine can put too much stress on the body and delay or set back the recovery process.
It is also important to listen to the doctor and follow their post-op advice and directions. The doctor will provide guidance on when to start exercising again, how to follow a healthy diet, and what steps need to be taken to help reduce any swelling and bruising.
The first step when planning for a “daddy do-over” is to perform research on the surgeon that the patient has in mind. There is nothing wrong with doing some homework to make sure the doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the proper training and experience in the desired procedures.
The research process can also include asking the doctor to see “before and after” photos of actual patients they have treated in the past. The photos will give the patient a good idea of the type of results they can expect along with the quality of the work performed by the surgeon.
There might also be an opportunity for the new patient to speak to previous patients treated by the doctor. The ability to chat with former patients can provide “insider info” on the actual procedure and the recovery period.
There is no need to rush into the “daddy do-over” process if the patient does not feel confident about having the procedures. It is also important that the patient plan ahead and make sure they have the necessary time off work instead of having surgery and then asking for time off work.
The patient should not be afraid to ask for help while they are recovering. Plan the necessary help in advance as the patient will not be able to lift their kids or even perform some of their daily chores. By arranging for help in advance, the patient will be able to get the necessary rest and relaxation to help the body heal during the recovery process. The time that any help will be needed is during the first two or three weeks after the surgery.
Finally, do not worry about every little thing that happens after the surgery. There will be some expected swelling and bruising and pain once the patient returns home. There can even be some swelling in the scrotal region if liposuction is performed in the pubic region and abdominal area. The swelling on the body will resolve on its own over time and the impacted area will eventually return to its normal appearance.
- MA