Mommy Makeover Recovery & Aftercare
If you’ve given birth, you know how much stress that puts on the body. It can change dramatically.
Many women want to regain their original body, as much as they can, while others sometimes want further enhancements. That’s when a mommy makeover comes into the picture.
Having a mommy makeover can be a game-changer following the pregnancy journey. A makeover often includes surgeries like tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and liposuction to help mothers feel more like their old selves.
But the process doesn’t end when the surgery is over. Proper recovery and aftercare are crucial for lasting, successful results. In this article, we’ll share valuable tips and information to support you through the recovery process, helping to ensure a smooth transition back to your daily routine with your new and improved physique.
At my surgical practice, we have over three decades of experience performing cosmetic procedures on post-partum mothers. We know what it takes to navigate the recovery and aftercare phases with confidence and ease.
Recovering From A Mommy Makeover
Day-to-day, I’m often asked about the recovery from the procedures involved in a mommy makeover. The answer is recovery is not quick or simple.
It can take weeks to heal, but you don’t have to stay in bed for the entire time. You will need extra help around the house if you have small children. And the final results will not be evident for months. In fact, in the initial period after your surgery, your abdomen and breasts are swollen (there’s no need to worry, the effect is only temporary).
Thinking about all of this may seem overwhelming, and maybe a little scary. But the end-results are why so many women choose to have this surgery. Here’s an overview of what to expect post-surgery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Mommy Makeover?
The length of time it takes to recover from a mommy makeover will depend on the combination of procedures. Let’s take a look at some of the most common procedures that are included, and see how long they typically take to recover from:
- Breast Augmentation, Lift or Reduction: Following any type of breast surgery, most patients will take about a week off and are instructed to avoid strenuous activity for three weeks.
- Liposuction: Recovery from any liposuction is a long-term process. Immediately plan to take several days to simply rest, giving your body time to recover. It can take as long as several months to see the final result, though most patients can return to normal activities within a couple of weeks.
- Tummy Tuck: For a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening, the average patient takes around two weeks off work. Some patients recover quicker and others more slowly.
As you can see, recovery times for the individual procedures vary, which makes it difficult to estimate how long you’ll need off following a mommy makeover.
But what I can be certain of, is that combining cosmetic surgeries will save you time in the long run since there will be just one recovery phase. There won’t be multiple pre-op hospital visits, blood work appointments, lots of anesthesia, taking off from work, or finding babysitters.
There are many benefits to combining cosmetic surgery. We discuss individualized recovery options with our patients in an initial consultation. And off the back of that, we create a plan for recovery that allows you to return to full activity as soon as is medically possible.
You should be practising a healthy lifestyle, following a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly (once signed off). This will make the recovery faster and more comfortable.
It is normal to feel tired for an extended period after surgery. You will eventually get back to your old energy levels. Take fitness gradually. Get back into your old fitness program slowly.
Do’s and Dont’s
Do Due Diligence
Before your consultation with me, research the procedures you’re interested in. Have a good idea of the areas of your body you want to improve. The more you know, the better choices you will make before surgery.
Do Follow The Doctor’s Orders
A higher chance of a faster recovery actually starts in the preparation before the surgery. It’s essential to follow the pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions given to you by me.
Don’t Skip Any Steps
Some steps in the pre-operative guidelines may seem minor to you, but can be significant hindrances for your speedy recovery. Critical steps such as quit smoking a few weeks before and after surgery and avoiding certain medications should be taken seriously. Smoking and medications have been factors in delaying the healing process and in some cases have caused post-surgery complications.
Do Take Time Off and Properly Prepare
Surgery requires sufficient rest; your body needs the time to recuperate to ensure the optimum healing process. It’s time for you to focus on you. Prepare your family, stock up on food and/or freeze a few family meals and plan quiet activities for the kids to keep them entertained while you are recovering.
Don’t Be Impatient
Cosmetic surgery doesn’t immediately show results. There will be some bruising and swelling, do not be discouraged. It will look worse before it gets better. It’s best to focus on resting and recovery as your body heals.
When Will I See Results?
Following a mommy makeover, patients often notice immediate changes in their bodies. However, the final transformation will take some time to fully reveal itself as your body needs to heal.
You can expect the body to initially swell and bruise around the surgical sites, which can be painful and make moving around difficult. We will prescribe medication that manages the pain. The swelling and bruising are completely normal, it’s just the body’s natural reaction. Nonetheless, these effects conceal the makeover’s true outcome.
So, generally speaking, results become more noticeable after the swelling starts to subside, typically after a few weeks. Yet, it’s imperative to understand that the timeline for a patient’s mommy makeover recovery is unique, with the final results sometimes taking a few months to a year to completely materialize, depending on the extent and combination of procedures performed. For example, liposuction areas may take several weeks to settle, while the results of a tummy tuck might be more immediately apparent, though still requiring time for full recovery and settling of the tissues.
To witness the final results of your mommy makeover, patience is key. Pay close attention to your aftercare instructions, and only ramp up physical activity when advised to do so.
