Mommy makeovers are a top cosmetic procedure performed due to their incredible results and the ability to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy and having children. Mommy makeovers are performed by plastic surgeons and target different areas of the body, often including different types of procedures.
Mommy makeovers vary in what they entail and are tailored specifically to the needs of the patient and the results they want to achieve. They often include breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, buttock augmentation, and vaginal rejuvenation. Understanding the recovery process can allow you to know what to expect and plan accordingly following the procedure.
How long is the mommy makeover recovery?
The average recovery timeline after undergoing a mommy makeover is an average of one to four weeks. The timeframe depends on the extent of the mommy makeover, the areas that were targeted, and the different types of procedures that are performed.
Bruising is to be expected for one to three weeks, along with inflammation. Swelling takes two to eight weeks to subside, with tenderness and soreness present. Most patients plan to take time to rest for two weeks and require assistance from other people to perform normal activities and duties.
Other patients who have a longer recovery process typically recover after two to three months. Some inflammation does not fully subside for six to 12 months.
How painful is recovery from a mommy makeover?
Pain and discomfort vary for each patient, depending on the areas where the procedures were performed and the overall health of the individual. Patients can gradually start to perform more physical activity as their body recovers and heals. A plastic surgeon will perform post-op exams to ensure you’re healing properly and can begin to perform more types of tasks.
There are still steps you can take to increase the recovery process, which include avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet that consists of anti-inflammatory foods. Spend time resting and listening to your body when you feel sore and need to rest.
Mommy makeover post-op
The most important part of the recovery process is 24 to 72 hours after the procedure is performed. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the pain and discomfort you experience. Avoid taking any non-steroidal medications, as well as Advil and Aspirin.
Your plastic surgeon will instruct you to limit your mobility and spend time resting. You will need to remain in the post-op recovery suite in the care of qualified staff. This will reduce the risk of complications that can develop in the first few days following the procedure. After the fifth day of the recovery process, you can likely return to work.
Mommy makeover recovery week by week
Week 1
During the first week of your recovery process, your plastic surgeon will recommend spending as much time at home as possible as you rest. It’s also suggested that you work from home, if possible. Avoid lifting heavy items or participating in strenuous activities.
Although it’s important to avoid too much physical activity, it’s still important to have a minimal amount of activity by walking short distances. This can improve your circulation and increase the time it takes to fully recover.
You’ll need to wear compression garments on the surgical sites most of the day, depending on your doctor’s instructions. The compression garments will reduce the pain you experience while also improving circulation and supporting the tissues.
Week 2
It’s common to still feel tired and experience fatigue as you recover the second week after your procedure. You may want to nap at different times of the day. During this time, it’s normal to still have areas of soreness around your surgical sites. Week two is when your pain levels start to decrease, and you can spend more time on your feet and moving around.
Week 3
Many women are surprised to discover that the third week of the recovery process can be the most challenging. This is when the body slows down with how fast it’s healing, and you can still feel tired throughout the day, even with frequent naps. There are some women who are prone to having more energy but can easily become frustrated with how they’re no longer healing as quickly as before.
It’s important to continue to spend time resting as much as possible and avoid placing too much strain on your body while spending time at home and work.
Week 4
During the fourth week of your recovery process, you’ll notice a lot of your swelling has subsided. You’ll also begin to regain more of your strength and have more energy during the day without needing as many naps. You’ll find you’re able to have more of a sense of normalcy as you return to performing different types of tasks that were too challenging in the last week or two.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you to continue wearing compression garments for added support. Some women can stop wearing them, depending on where they are in the recovery progress.
Week 5
Most women notice significant changes in how well they’re healing during the fifth week. Your doctor will likely clear you to begin exercising again, which can restore your energy levels and eradicate any lingering effects of fatigue that you’ve experienced throughout the past month. Once you return to exercising, you’ll need to limit your time staying active to avoid placing too much strain on your body. Moderate exercise is recommended.
Week five is when the incisions have fully healed, and you can avoid wearing compression garments. It’s also when you’ll notice most of your swelling is gone, making it easier to fit into your normal clothes and see the results of your mommy makeover.
It’s important to go at your own pace and avoid comparing your healing process to other people. Follow your doctor’s instructions and continue taking the pain medication when it’s needed.
