Women seeking to regain their pre-baby bodies by undergoing Mommy Makeover surgery understand their recovery will sideline them for weeks. If you’re like many of our patients who take pride in being their families’ primary caregivers, planning for recovery is a top priority.
That’s why we’ve developed this Mommy Makeover recovery timeline that helps prepare you week by week. Understanding what to expect each week after surgery can help you plan for and even embrace your Mommy Makeover recovery.
Preparing for Mommy Makeover Recovery
You can take several steps before your procedure to help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.
- First, clear your calendar for at least 2 weeks to focus exclusively on healing.
- Arrange for child care and pet care, pre-fill prescriptions, and run any essential errands.
- Prepare your recovery space with plenty of pillows and entertainment, and ensure you have everything you will need conveniently at hand. Place essential items at waist level so you don’t have to reach for them.
- Have plenty of comfortable button-down tops, zippered hoodies, and other soft clothes you can slip on without lifting them over your head and won’t irritate healing incisions.
Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
A Mommy Makeover combines multiple procedures designed to address the physical toll pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can take on your body. A tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement are typically performed during the procedure. Having to plan for only a single recovery is one of the main benefits of a Mommy Makeover.
Even though our surgeons customize Mommy Makeover procedures based on each patient’s needs, the timeline below assumes a tummy tuck is part of the surgery. This is the most extensive procedure in most Mommy Makeovers and requires the most recovery time. You can read more about tummy tuck recovery and expectations in our previous blog post. As you can see in these before and after photos, the results of a Mommy Makeover are well worth it.
- Week 1: The first several days are the most challenging part of the recovery. Rest, rest, and more rest. Don’t expect to do much more than sleep, eat, and get up for bathroom breaks. We want you to take some short walks around the house to keep the blood moving and minimize the risks of blood clots. You’ll walk hunched over during the first week to avoid putting strain on your tummy tuck incision. Rely on your partner or friends to handle meals, chores, and other tasks. Our surgeons inject EXPAREL®, a long-lasting, non-narcotic pain medication, during surgery. EXPAREL minimizes muscle soreness and reduces the need for post-op pain medication in most cases.
- Week 2: By this point, most patients no longer need prescription pain medication, and you should start feeling a bit more like your usual self. That doesn’t mean you won’t still feel the need to rest during much of the day. Napping is good! Taking short walks outside is fine, but don’t over-exert yourself. Continue wearing your compression garment around your abdomen. If you have a desk job, you’ll probably feel ready to return to work after the second week.
- Week 3: If you don’t feel ready to go back to work, don’t worry. Everyone heals at their own pace, and you should listen to your body. Many patients, especially those who lead active lifestyles, may feel frustrated with the pace of their recovery. Continue to get enough rest and rely on others for support. You still must not lift anything heavy, such as a toddler or a full grocery bag.
- Week 4: Swelling and bruising should be significantly reduced by now, and you’ll notice you have more energy. You can begin gradually resuming light cardio workouts. Don’t push yourself too hard, though. This is when you no longer need to wear the abdominal binder, and you’ll be able to wear tighter clothes.
- Weeks 5 and 6: This is the recovery home stretch for many patients. You can increase the intensity of your workouts and lift heavier objects. However, it may be a couple of more weeks before you should incorporate weightlifting into your exercise routine. Your incisions should be fully healed, although they’ll probably be bright pink. They will continue fading with time.
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Long-Term Results
You can enjoy the results of your Mommy Makeover for years to come if you lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. We’re with you throughout your recovery and encourage you to closely follow our detailed post-op instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
If you’ve been considering a Mommy Makeover, our plastic surgeons at The Wall Center are known for their expertise in breast and body contouring procedures. You can request a consultation by using the online form or calling us at (318) 795-0801. Women come to us for Mommy Makeover surgery from throughout Lousiana, Texas, the Southeast, and beyond
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