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Mommy Makeover Recovery Time: What Every Mom Should Know

Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD

Mommy makeover plastic surgery is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help restore a woman’s postpartum body. It’s a customized set of surgical procedures that targets the areas affected by pregnancy such as the abdomen and breasts.

If you’re considering getting a mommy makeover surgery, it’s important to understand the recovery process to help you prepare and gain clear expectations regarding its timeline.

Key Takeaways of Mommy Makeover Recovery Time

  • The purpose of a mommy makeover is to reinstate a woman’s figure and natural body contour following pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Common surgeries included are liposuction, abdominoplasty, and breast augmentation.
  • Recovery time usually ranges within 1 to 12 weeks depending on the extent of work done.
  • Patients should refrain from strenuous activities for the first two weeks to ensure proper healing of incisions.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a series of cosmetic surgeries designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. The procedures are customized to each individual but commonly includes breast lifts, abdominal contouring, liposuction, and skin tightening treatments.

The main goal of this surgery is to improve the shape and appearance of problem areas caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or weight fluctuation in one cohesive surgery. Such physical changes are enlarged breasts, stretch marks, excess fat deposits and sagging skin around the waistline.

Surgeries Included in a Mommy Makeover

The specific types of surgeries in a mommy makeover vary from patient-to-patient, as each has their own priorities and goals. The most commonly included surgeries are those that target the breasts and abdomen area such as; breast lift, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck and liposuction.

Liposuction is used to remove stubborn fat deposits while also contouring the waistline and hips. Depending on the patient’s needs, it can be done along with other surgical procedures.

A tummy tuck is a more extensive procedure targeting the abdomen. It removes stretch marks and contours the belly by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Breast augmentation can be done through a breast lift, which repositions tissue higher up on the chest wall, or may include implants to increase size and fullness. Any procedure targeting the breasts results in perkier, fuller breasts that have been affected by motherhood.

The combination of different surgeries offers dramatic restoration results after proper recovery. The timeline of seeing visible results varies for each patient.

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Image Credit: Standrets / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Preparing for Mommy Makeover Recovery

When it comes to mommy makeover recovery, proper preparation can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon prior to scheduling the surgery to discuss the desired results as well as any health concerns that may impact the procedure. The plastic surgeon will provide preoperative instructions for how best to prepare for the surgery and ensure a successful outcome.

Depending on the extent of mommy makeover procedure done, moms likely need to arrange for childcare and help around the house following the operation.

Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery

After a mommy makeover procedure, the patient is moved to a post operative recovery area for monitoring. This initial period of healing can last several hours or an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on each patient and the types of procedure performed.

Some common experiences during this period include moderate to severe pain and discomfort due to swelling as well as numbness in some areas that were treated.

It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding any medications prescribed for pain relief or antibiotics meant to reduce infection risk, along with instructions related to rest and activity restrictions.

The surgeon may require patients to keep body movements minimal for at least two weeks following surgery, while keeping compression garments closely fitted around their chest and abdomen areas throughout recovery time.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery period for a mommy makeover usually takes 1 to 6 weeks.

At around two weeks post surgery, most patients are able to return home but should still abstain from strenuous activities or exercise. It is also possible that some bruising on the body might persist at this stage, but it normally fades over time.

At four weeks post-op until the 6th week, patients can slowly begin returning to normal activities such as light exercise, but only when they do not experience any discomfort or soreness from carrying out said activity. Overexertion must be avoided throughout the healing process including bending or heavy lifting before the full range of motion has been restored, usually over six weeks post-op.

Throughout each successive progress evaluation conducted by a doctor, it is important to report any symptoms or changes in feelings both physically and mentally. Follow up check ups also ensure that stitches and staples have closed correctly and there are no surgery complications.

Six Weeks Post Surgery Recovery Timeline

Six plus weeks post-op, the wound is usually already healed and normal activities can be resumed. Any lingering soreness throughout the abdomen may take a while to fade away, but the pain should be manageable.

Patients may still have swelling and redness in some areas, but should gradually subside over time with continued rest and relaxation.

At this point in the mommy makeover recovery timeline, it’s very important to pay close attention to the body’s response to these new adjustments, and the doctor’s guidelines for proper care. This can make it more probable that patients get their desired outcome free from long-term complications.

Image Credit: Twinsterphoto / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Tips for a Smooth Mommy Makeover Recovery

Here are some practical tips and advice to help ensure a healthy recovery from week one post surgery:

Follow all directions given by the plastic surgeon regarding pain medication, diet, exercise and activity level. It’s important to note that it is nearly impossible to have a faster mommy makeover recovery timeline if proper post-op care guidelines are not followed.

Take special care of all incisions. Keep them clean and dry at all times, regularly wash with antibacterial soap and warm water. The plastic surgeon might also advise antibiotic creams over the surgical dressings to avoid infection. It’s especially important to prevent any unnecessary strain or pressure on the incisions after the surgery.

Communicate with your plastic surgeon about the discomforts experienced such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue or lightheadedness, so they can prescribe certain medications to address these.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits before and after the procedure. Eat a well balanced diet, get enough sleep and rest, and include low impact activities like walking to speed up the recovery time without setback.

Seek support from family and friends. Having appropriate moral support throughout this period plays an integral role in mental and emotional wellbeing.

Potential Side Effects During Recovery

During recovery from a mommy makeover, women can expect to experience some side effects such as swelling, bruising and pain. These vary on each patient’s case, as each has their own extent of work done.

Side effects are most noticeable in the first two weeks following the surgery, and start to subside over the succeeding weeks.

Pain medications can help reduce discomfort but should be carefully monitored as they come with certain risks such as addiction or stomach distress caused by taking large amounts at once.

Should a patient feel that their post-op treatment is not providing comfort or are experiencing other unusual symptoms, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider so they can assess whether medical attention is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover Recovery Time

1. How Long is the Recovery Period of a Mommy Makeover?

Recovery time for a mommy makeover can vary depending on each individual case and the procedures included in the surgery. Generally, it is recommended that mommy makeover patients plan for 1 to 2 weeks of downtime after surgery before returning to any activities or strenuous daily tasks. 

2. What Types of Activities to Avoid During Recovery Period?

During the recovery period, patients should limit heavy lifting, bending over, or any intense activities to allow the body ample time to heal properly without stressors that could potentially disrupt the healing processes or worsen post procedure results.

3. When Patients Can Return Back to Normal Routine After a Mommy Makeover Surgery?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for full mommy makeover recovery clearance. The rate of recovery will depend on the type and number of procedures undergone, along with individual patient care and preparation taken prior and post surgery. 

4. Are There Any Additional Measures to Take While Recovering at Home? 

Yes, maintaining an elevated resting position when possible helps reduce swelling during the first few days. Avoid lengthy bed bound periods and keep energy levels high during recovery at home.

Short, slow walks every 3-5 hours also helps increase circulation and boosts healing rates by naturally reducing inflammation to the muscles at rest, as opposed to sitting still.

Image Credit: Melnyk58 / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Conclusion and Summary of Mommy Makeover Recovery Time: What Every Mom Should Know

A mommy makeover is an effective way to restore a mom’s figure that has been affected after having children. The recovery time can vary greatly depending on the specific surgical procedures involved, but in most cases, it takes between four and six weeks for a full recovery.

Recovery varies from patient to patient so it is important to discuss timeline expectations thoroughly with your surgeon before going for a mommy makeover surgery.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

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About the Author

Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.

To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.

Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 949-867-4496 directly.