What to Expect During Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Time

Deciding to undergo a mommy makeover is a transformative step toward reclaiming your body and self-esteem after the life-changing pregnancy journey. This blog post aims to guide you on what a mommy makeover entails and what you can expect in the days, weeks, and months following surgery.

What Procedures Does a Mommy Makeover Typically Include?

A mommy makeover is a fully customized suite of procedures designed to address the physical changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The goal is to restore or even improve your pre-baby physique, revitalizing not just your body but also your self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Ideal candidates are generally healthy, near their ideal body weight, and finished growing their families. The procedures you choose will influence the nuances of your healing process.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty eliminates surplus skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles). This results in a flatter, toned midsection, making you feel more confident in swimsuits and fitted clothing.

Liposuction

Liposuction is the art of contouring. This procedure suctions out stubborn fat deposits that diet and exercise just won’t reduce to create a more refined silhouette.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation isn’t just about size but symmetry and proportion. Implants can restore fullness to breasts that may have lost volume due to age, weight loss, or breastfeeding.

Breast Lift

A breast lift removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissues. The goal is to reposition the breasts for a perkier appearance, often enhancing the effects of breast augmentation.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty addresses the physical and psychological discomfort associated with elongated labia. Reshaping the labial tissue can alleviate irritation, boost self-esteem, and improve sexual function.

Learn more about the procedures comprising a mommy makeover in this blog post.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

With preparation and the right tools and tips, you can make the most of your recovery time for mommy makeover surgery.

Arrange for Someone to Assist You

The initial post-op phase is not the time to go it alone. Enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend to assist you with daily activities like cooking, bathing, and childcare. This is crucial because your movement will be restricted, and you’ll be on pain medication.

Sleep Comfortably

Sleeping comfortably post-op is a common concern. You must sleep in an elevated position to minimize swelling and discomfort. Wedge pillows and adjustable beds can be helpful, and a recliner can offer additional benefits such as easy adjustability and ergonomic support.

Whatever your choice, the key is to keep your upper body slightly elevated for optimal recovery, making your nights as restful as possible to speed up healing.

Stock Up on Supplies

Before your surgery, stock up on essential supplies, including pharmacy items and loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to take on and off. Also, consider preparing meals that can be refrigerated or arranging for meal delivery to avoid the stress of thinking about meals during your initial recovery.

Take Short, Frequent Walks

As soon as you get the green light from your surgeon, begin taking short, frequent walks to promote blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots. Even a simple stroll around your living room can be beneficial.

Pay Attention to Your Emotional Well-Being

Being aware of the potential for emotional ups and downs during recovery can better equip you to manage feelings of impatience or frustration that may arise. Healing requires temporarily putting your life on hold to give your body the time and space to heal effectively for optimal results.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Week by Week

Days 1 to 7

Many patients ask, “How painful is recovery from a mommy makeover?” While everyone’s pain threshold varies, most patients experience the majority of discomfort during the initial stages, which can be managed effectively with prescribed medications. Besides pain, it’s common to experience discomfort associated with swelling, bruising, and general fatigue. Follow your medication regimen diligently and wear supportive garments (body compression garments and surgical bra) as advised.

Experiencing tightness across your abdominal muscles post-tummy tuck isn’t just common—it’s expected. Due to the muscle tightening involved in the procedure, you may find standing fully upright for several days following surgery challenging. While this might seem concerning, rest assured that it’s a natural part of the healing process.

Gentle walking is essential to promote circulation, even in these early days. Patients who’ve had a tummy tuck will be given a prescription grade blood thinner to reduce the chance of developing blood clots.

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 1 to 2 days after your procedure to remove your dressings, inspect your incisions, and review your post-operative care.

Days 7 to 14

You’ll attend your 1-week follow-up visit, during which we’ll remove any surgical drains placed during your surgery. The swelling will gradually subside, and you should start to feel less discomfort. Many patients return to work 10 to 14 days after surgery. You’ll attend your 2-week follow-up visit.

Weeks 2 through 5

Your comfort level will have significantly increased by this stage. Still, continue observing all post-operative guidelines for optimal healing. You may be able to resume much of your routine but steer clear of strenuous activities.

Week 6

Most patients can resume regular activities without restrictions with their surgeon’s go-ahead.

Request a Consultation

Are you considering a mommy makeover? Call our office at (225) 399-0001 or request a consultation to discuss your goals and tailor your treatment plan with one of our skilled, experienced plastic surgeons.