What to Expect With Your Mommy Makeover Recovery

A Mommy Makeover is a transformative procedure that helps women restore their pre-pregnancy body contours or regain their shape after significant weight loss. The procedure enhances the breasts and abdomen with unsurpassed results, but what is the recovery process like with such an extensive surgery? This blog covers the Mommy Makeover recovery process in detail, so you know what to expect after your surgery. 

3 Min. Read:

How Long Is the Mommy Makeover Process? 

The average Mommy Makeover recovery time is about six to eight weeks. However, the timeline varies slightly for each patient, depending on the procedures included in their treatment. Common components to a Mommy Makeover include: 

• Breast augmentation 
• Breast lift 
• Tummy tuck 
• Liposuction 

Some women may opt for a breast reduction rather than augmentation if they experience heavy, pendulous breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your aesthetic surgeon will tailor your Mommy Makeover to your precise needs and goals, which can affect the length of your recovery process. 

Mommy Makeover Recovery Week by Week 

Recovery from a Mommy Makeover is a journey marked by various milestones along the way. This weekly breakdown of the recovery process highlights some of those milestones and gives you a comprehensive picture of what you can expect from your recovery: 

Immediately After Your Mommy Makeover 

The first day or two after surgery, you will likely have significant bruising and swelling. You will have compression garments over the surgical areas, and you may have surgical drains in your incisions. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to keep you more comfortable, and you will probably feel like sleeping much of the time.

The First Week of Mommy Makeover Recovery 

The first week is a balance of getting plenty of rest and taking a few easy walks around your house to promote healthy circulation and healing. You will not be allowed to lift anything over five pounds, so you will need help caring for young children. Sleeping on your back with your head and torso elevated will improve your comfort and help alleviate swelling.

Weeks Two and Three: Getting Back to Activities 

Patients with “desk” jobs often return to work by the end of the second week. You can take slightly longer walks, but continue to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Continue to follow all your postoperative instructions, including wearing your compression garments and sleeping in an elevated position. Take naps when you get tired, and don’t overdo it just yet.

Weeks Four to Six: Feeling More Like Yourself

By the end of the first month of your Mommy Makeover recovery, you should be feeling more like yourself again. Your energy level has likely increased, and you can now resume moderate exercise. Most women return to all of their regular activities by the end of the sixth week, but follow your surgeon’s instructions for your specific situation.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips 

Throughout your recovery time for your Mommy Makeover, these tips will enhance your comfort level and your healing process: 

• Follow all postoperative instructions carefully throughout your recovery process. 
• Avoid nicotine, which can interrupt blood flow and increase your risk for complications.
• Recruit help with meals, childcare, and home chores, so you can focus on resting.
• Take gentle walks a few times a day to promote circulation and prevent clots. 
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to support your body as it heals.
• Use silicone gels or strips on incisions as instructed to improve scarring. 

How Soon Can I See My Mommy Makeover Results? 

Postoperative swelling will keep you from seeing your Mommy Makeover results right away. Six months after your surgery, your swelling will subside enough for your new body contours to become evident. However, you may continue to have some residual swelling for up to one year. Your incisions will also continue to fade for up to 18 months before you can see what your final scarring will look like. 

Interested in a Mommy Makeover in Southern California? 

A Mommy Makeover offers dramatic, long-lasting results for women who are frustrated with their bodies after having children or losing substantial weight. Preparing for your surgery ahead of time will make your recovery process more comfortable and positive. To learn more about a Mommy Makeover in Southern California, call AesthetiCare Cosmetic Surgery Institute today at (949) 661-1700 or complete our online contact form.