Pregnancy and childbirth can transform a woman’s body. That’s because of the stress that the female body experiences during this extraordinary time. But after the pregnancy is over, it can be challenging to return the body to its pre-pregnancy condition — and that’s when mommy makeover recovery becomes an important step toward restoring confidence and achieving your desired results.
Even if the woman diets and exercises, there still can be parts of her body that don’t look the way she wants. That’s where a mommy makeover can do wonders. A mommy makeover surgery is a combination of procedures for women after childbirth and can include breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, more.
The result more youthful and slimmer appearance. But what about the recovery? How long will it take, and how long will you need help?
What to Expect During Mommy Makeover Surgery Recovery
After your mommy makeover surgery, your body will need time to heal and adjust to its new contours. During the first few weeks, it’s essential to rest, wear your compression garments, and follow your surgeon’s guidance to minimize swelling and discomfort. The garments also help support abdominal muscles as they recover and prevent blood clots.
Most patients notice significant swelling early on, but it gradually improves over several weeks. Most women can expect to resume their normal routine after at least six weeks, though residual tightness or residual swelling can persist for a while. Avoid heavy lifting, including carrying more than ten pounds, to protect your incisions and results.
The goal of mommy makeover surgery is to remove excess skin, tighten weakened muscles, and restore breast tissue for a more youthful contour. These procedures can also remove tissue that causes sagging and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Be sure to discuss future pregnancies with your surgeon, as they can affect your long-term results. Consistent use of compression garments during recovery helps minimize swelling and ensure your body heals smoothly over the next several weeks while excess or remove excess skin areas tighten and refine.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Time
Combining several surgeries into a single procedure can lengthen your recovery time. However, the mommy makeover recovery process will still be shorter than having each surgery separately.
In the weeks after your mommy makeover, your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to ensure your healing is progressing well. Most procedures require time to heal properly for a safe and healthy recovery.
The more invasive the procedure, such as a tummy tuck, the longer the healing time. Most patients need about 2 to 3 weeks for initial recovery and up to 6 weeks to resume all normal activities, depending on the combination of surgeries performed.
It’s essential to have patience and realistic expectations as your body heals. Your surgeon will guide you on when it’s safe to return to work, exercise, and daily routines.
Pain and discomfort levels vary by procedure and personal tolerance, but following post-op instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth mommy makeover recovery.
Plan for Help During Your Recovery
Most surgeries involved in a mommy makeover will require you to have some help for some time. Many women need help getting around the home for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
This is because it will be challenging to perform your everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and even getting out of bed.
Remember that you will be moving slower after your mommy makeover, so expect to need help with your children for at least two or three weeks. This is especially true if your children are young. It’s essential to have help caring for children because you don’t want to risk problems with your incisions when you chase or lift small children.
Having this support for a few weeks after your mommy makeover will speed your recovery. The best plan is to have a relative, friend, or service to help you as you heal. So, make sure you set that up well before you have your cosmetic procedures.
You also will need to let your employer know in advance that you will need about two weeks off from your recovery.
If your surgeon gives you narcotic pain medication, you won’t be able to drive. Most surgeons recommend Motrin or Advil for pain medication relief after the first week of recovery.
Further, if you had a tummy tuck, you’ll need to stay bent at your waist for about two weeks after surgery. So, having help after your tummy tuck with your young children is even more important.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips
To ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process, keep these mommy makeover recovery tips in mind:
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Set up an area to recover so you feel more comfortable when you come home.
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Have plenty of cozy blankets and pillows on hand.
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Have many movies to watch and books to read; avoid watching anything that can make you laugh, as this can be tough on your stitches.
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Keep a table next to the bed that you can access while resting.
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Purchase comfortable, oversized garments to make it easier to undress.
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Having a toilet seat booster can make things easier in the first week or two.
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Expect to sleep on your side or back as you recover, but some patients prefer to sleep in a recliner so they can stay bent at their waist.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Following your surgeon’s recovery instructions is vital for a complete mommy makeover recovery. The most common reason women have complications after their procedures is that patients don’t follow their surgeon’s instructions. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper care for your mommy makeover scars.
Remember, the information and instructions provided to you for your recovery will ensure you heal well and quickly. Also, be sure to go to all follow-up appointments to check that your incisions are healing well.
Don’t Try To Do Everything
Mothers try to do it all, but you can take some time off for yourself. You did your mommy makeover to improve your appearance and self-confidence. So, you should take full advantage of the procedures you had by resting and ensuring that you help correctly.
Don’t try to resume all of your regular activities, including childcare, for a few weeks during your recovery. It won’t work out well. You could cause more harm and problems and need to recover longer.
So, take this time after your mommy makeover to focus on yourself so you can relax and heal.
Questions and Answers: Mommy Makeover Recovery
How should I progress my workout routine after mommy makeover clearance?
Once cleared for exercise after mommy makeover, start at lower intensity and shorter duration than your pre-surgery routine. Add new activities gradually, focusing on movements your body can handle comfortably. Progressive exercise is essential for maintaining surgical results while ensuring proper healing and avoiding complications during your recovery journey.
What is a mommy makeover procedure?
A mommy makeover can encompass various combinations of procedures, including a Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, and Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery. Traditionally, the typical Mommy Makeover involves a Tummy Tuck and breast augmentation. The tightening of excess skin, abdominal muscles, and breast surgery is almost always targeted by plastic surgeons.
How long does it take to heal after a mommy makeover?
The recovery period typically spans one to four weeks in most cases, and many patients express satisfaction with their enhanced contours post-surgery. Regarding the resumption of normal activities after a Mommy Makeover, it is advisable to have friends and family available to assist with childcare during the initial week after the procedure.
Will my stomach stay flat after a tummy tuck?
Patients can reasonably anticipate an enhancement in the flatness of the stomach, but they should avoid assuming that their abdomen will achieve complete flatness immediately. The unique anatomy of each patient is a crucial factor, and the most suitable procedure for each individual is determined through an in-person consultation.
Can your stomach get fat again after a tummy tuck?
Occasionally, weight gain may occur. If there is a substantial increase in weight or pregnancy after the tummy tuck surgery, it can impact the results. The skin on the abdomen may stretch, and the underlying muscles can separate again. This situation can be addressed through a subsequent tummy tuck procedure.
Request A Mommy Makeover Consultation Today
Interested in being another one of our happy Las Vegas mommy makeover patients? Please schedule a consultation with the best mommy makeover surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason today! She will review the options with you about eyelid surgery, your goals, and help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.
Take the first step toward your transformation, schedule your Mommy Makeover consultation at La Femme Plastic Surgery and start your journey to feeling confident and renewed.