
So, you’ve decided to get plastic surgery—maybe facial plastic surgery, a little tweak here or there, or something else you’ve been thinking about for years. But as a parent, recovery isn’t just about resting. You’ve got little humans who still need meals, rides, and bedtime stories. The key? Planning ahead and giving yourself grace.
Here’s how to make your recovery smoother while keeping up with family life.
Set Up a Support System Before Surgery
You know how they say, “It takes a village”? Well, now’s the time to call in that village. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or even a hired nanny, you’ll need help, especially in the first few days when movement is tough. And also to help you set up beforehand. For example they can:
- Help you stock the fridge with easy-to-make meals or freezer-friendly dishes. Or, let’s be honest, plan for some delivery and takeout. Â
- Help you arrange school drop-offs and pickups if you can’t drive for a while. Â
- Help you get the house recovery-ready. Â
The more involved your support system is to help before and after surgery, the less you’ll have to stress about when you’re actually healing.
Prioritize Rest—Even If It Feels Impossible
Parents are pros at pushing through exhaustion, but after surgery, that’s a no-go. Your body needs time to heal, and that means real rest. You want to:
- Nap when you can – Yes, just like when your baby was little. Even short naps can make a difference. Â
- Give yourself permission to do less – If the laundry piles up or the dishes sit a little longer, so be it. Healing is your job right now. Â
- Use screens to your advantage – Normally, you might limit screen time, but this is survival mode. A few extra episodes of their favorite show while you rest? Totally fine. Â
Be Honest With Your Kids—In a Kid-Friendly Way
Depending on their age, your kids may notice something’s different. Rather than making it a mystery, explain things in a way they’ll understand.
- For younger kids: Keep it simple—“Mommy had a special doctor visit, and now she needs to rest to feel better.” Â
- For older kids: You can be more direct if you’re comfortable—“I had surgery to fix something I wasn’t happy with, and now I need time to heal.” Â
- Set boundaries: Let them know what you can and can’t do. “I can’t pick you up for a few days, but we can snuggle on the couch.” Â
Kids are surprisingly understanding when you communicate with them. Plus, involving them (even in small ways, like bringing you a water bottle) makes them feel helpful instead of left out.
Really, recovering from plastic surgery as a parent takes extra planning, but it’s doable with the right support, realistic expectations, and a little creativity!