Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

The mommy makeover surgery has become an increasingly popular choice for women who want to restore their pre-pregnancy body. In the US alone, over 500,000 mommy makeovers are completed each year. However, whether you are considering having a mommy makeover or have recently undergone one, there is often confusion and concern about the recovery period that follows such surgery.

Undergoing a combination of plastic surgery procedures for a mommy makeover can be a significant physical and emotional experience. Planning for a smooth and comfortable recovery is important to ensure the best possible outcome. Following proper recovery guidelines help you to manage pain, swelling, and other postoperative symptoms.

Key Takeaways of Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

• Before undergoing mommy makeover surgery, it is important to arrange for help and support and set up a comfortable recovery area to ensure a successful recovery.
• Take it easy, avoid physical exercise, wear compression garments, and practice good hygiene during mommy makeover recovery.
• Follow doctor prescribed pain medication regimen to manage discomfort, and use ice packs over the counter pain relievers if needed.
• Eat a well-balanced diet preoperatively and drink plenty of fluids post surgery for optimal results.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover combines cosmetic procedures to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy and childbirth. It involves breast augmentation or a breast lift only, tummy tuck, and liposuction for targeted contouring.

These individual but connected procedures are customized to each patient to achieve their desired look. The goal of these various surgical treatments is to correct any changes in physical appearance caused by pregnancy, giving patients an improved outlook on their bodies that will last long term.

The recovery period for a mommy makeover surgery can vary, depending on the specific type of procedures involved and your healing abilities. It is common to expect a healing period of 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure. The average recovery time for a mommy makeover surgery from start to finish is around six weeks.

Tips for a Smooth Mommy Makeover Surgery Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery, it is recommended to rest, avoid exercise, wear compression garments as advised by the doctor, and practice good hygiene.

Take It Easy and Be Patient

Women must take it easy and be patient during their recovery after a mommy makeover. A mommy makeover can involve major invasive procedures, such as breast augmentation or tummy tuck surgery, so your body needs time to rest and heal from the trauma of these surgeries.

Allowing yourself plenty of rest helps reduce pain, swelling, and any risks of post-op infection and ensures that you achieve the desired outcome with minimal side effects.

Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Activities

Engaging in vigorous physical activity can cause complications such as pain, swelling, infection, or bruising to the areas where you had surgery.

It is recommended that you wait for 6 to 8 weeks before resuming any strenuous activities like running, jogging, or extreme gym workouts. During this time, you should focus on gentle exercise like yoga to maintain a healthy lifestyle while allowing your body plenty of rest to recover fully.

Once your doctor has permitted you to do so, you may find it helpful to take short walks every day to get fresh air and maintain basic mobility.

Wear Recommended Compression Garments

Wearing compression garments after a mommy makeover is crucial for healing. They provide support, reduce swelling, and shape the body.

Medical grade compression garments can assist in improving circulation around your surgeon’s incisions and provide comfort during recovery. These garments are designed and fitted precisely for postoperative use, which makes them more effective than mass-market versions.

Practice Good Post Operative hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene practices before and after a mommy makeover surgery is crucial for a successful recovery. Proper hygiene can help prevent infections and complications, and promote healing.

Once your surgeon clears you, use mild soap or an alcohol-free antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide to keep your surgical site clean. It is vital to change the bandages regularly to allow air circulation and promote faster healing.

Follow the Prescribed Pain Medication Regimen

Maintaining a balance between pain relief and healing is crucial for optimal recovery after mommy makeover surgery. Pain medication can be crucial during the recovery process, allowing patients to remain mobile while ensuring they continue to make progress.

Following the prescribed pain management plan will help relieve any post operative discomforts while ensuring the best possible outcome for your transformation journey.

Use Ice Packs and Over the Counter Pain Relievers as Recommended

It is important to manage post operative pain during recovery from a mommy makeover procedure. Applying cold compresses or ice packs regularly can help reduce pain and discomfort, while over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and codeine are commonly used to control pain.

Taking Care of Yourself

Focus on self care and be sure to rest as much as possible throughout the recovery period.

Practice Self Care and Prioritize Rest

Prioritizing rest is essential for making a successful healthy recovery after a mommy makeover. The body’s healing process cannot be rushed, and by allowing it sufficient time to heal properly, you can ensure that your journey towards feeling fully refreshed and recovered is successful.

Having strong support can have tremendous benefits during your mommy makeover recovery. Having close friends and family provide emotional and practical assistance can help alleviate stress on top of the body’s healing process.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

During and after mommy makeover recovery, you need to maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. Eating nutrient-dense foods helps supply the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein needed for healing.

Whole grains provide energy, while leafy greens give us essential antioxidants that help fight surgery-related inflammation. Lean proteins found in fish, chicken, or plant based sources can help rebuild tissues that may be damaged due to surgery.

Staying hydrated also plays an important role as it keeps strength up during recovery and prevents a drop in blood pressure associated with dehydration. Drinking lots of water also helps flush out toxins released during surgery and stimulates circulation, aiding in faster wound healing time.

Follow up Care and Postoperative Visits

Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon is important, and communicating any concerns or complications as soon as possible.

Attend All Follow up Appointments

Attending all of your follow up appointments after a mommy makeover is an essential part of the mommy makeover patient recovery process. These appointments are necessary to monitor the progress of your recovery, address any concerns or questions you may have, and ensure that everything is healing correctly in order to avoid complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

1. What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a plastic surgery that combines multiple procedures designed to address the physical changes that occur after childbirth and breastfeeding, such as sagging skin on the abdomen or breasts, stretched out muscles on the stomach, loss of breast volume, and excess fat in problem areas.

2. What Are Some Tips for Recovering From a Mommy Makeover?

It’s important to get plenty of rest during your recovery. To help reduce swelling, sleep on your back with several pillows propping you up at an angle and elevate your legs above heart level. You should avoid hot baths or strenuous activity such as exercise until your surgeon clears you to do so.

It’s vital to take your medications as directed, wear support garments for mommy makeover optimal results, drink lots of water, eat nutritious food that includes fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and keep your incisions clean and dry at all times.

3 . How Long Does it Take to Recover From Surgery Fully?

The length of time required to make a full recovery may vary greatly from person to person but generally ranges from three weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the procedures. It is important to carefully follow any instructions provided by the doctor when creating a personalized aftercare plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Conclusion and Summary of Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

After undergoing a mommy makeover, a lengthy recovery process is expected. However, you must not take the recovery process lightly. Rest is paramount as it gives the body enough time to heal carefully and properly.

Family and friends can be a great source of support during this challenging time. It is important to reach out to them without delay. Prioritizing self-care is also crucial. Simple tasks such as eating healthy and staying hydrated can go a long way in ensuring a smoother post-op experience.

By working towards a safe and successful procedure outcome, one can celebrate the improved look and a sense of boosted self-confidence.

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.

Cover Image Credit: Peopleimages12 / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.