Mommy makeover surgery helps women get their pre-baby bodies back after having children. Whether you’ve noticed a significant decrease in your breast volume, you’re unsatisfied with loose skin on your abdomen, or you seem to have accumulated excess fat here and there that you can’t seem to get rid of, a mommy makeover can help.
The mommy makeover procedure as a whole may incorporate several procedures, each of which targets a different problem area on the body. Included procedures usually include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation and/or breast lift.
While anyone can get a mommy makeover, the procedures that are incorporated within this surgery are geared toward moms who are done having children. Each of the issues that the surgery can improve is an issue that is often caused by or exacerbated by pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding.
One of the most common questions women have when it comes to this procedure pertains to mommy makeover recovery. Women understandably want to know how long recovery will be, how long they’ll need to take off from work, how they can care for their children during their recovery period, and how painful and uncomfortable healing will be. Let’s go over a few of these main topics below.
What Is Mommy Makeover Recovery Like?
Basically, your mommy makeover recovery timeline should look like a graph with a line that progressively improves with each passing day and week. Discomfort and pain will be most severe during the first few days after surgery and will only get better from there.
With that said, no two mommy makeovers are alike, and every patient is different. Therefore, your mommy makeover recovery will truly be unique to you.
Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tenderness are to be expected throughout the first two months after surgery. Bruising should go away within two to three weeks. After about two months, most of your swelling should be gone.
When it comes to the typical total recovery time for mommy makeover surgery, most patients can return to work after two weeks at the most. For normal activities like exercise, recovery usually takes around six weeks. Full results may not be achieved for up to six months to a year.
What Can You Not Do After a Mommy Makeover?
As is the case after any invasive surgery, patients will not be allowed to do any intense physical activities, including cardiovascular exercise and strength training, after surgery. You should also refrain from reaching and stretching with your arms. Do not lift anything heavy, including small children and pets.
Likewise, be sure to take caution when doing other physical activities such as going up and down stairs. Patients who are taking pain medications need to refrain from driving as well.
Finally, after mommy makeover surgery, do not expose your skin to the sun, and do not immerse yourself in water. Sunburn is more likely after surgery, and your incisions may scar more easily if they are exposed to sunlight. Taking a bath or immersing yourself into a pool or hot tub after surgery may lead to infection and irritation.
To know when you can return to your regular activities, attend your follow-up appointments with Dr. Schulman. He will tell you when it is safe to go back to work, exercise, drive, take baths, etc.
Can You Walk After a Mommy Makeover?
Right away after your mommy makeover, you shouldn’t do too much walking. But as your recovery progresses, Dr. Schulman will actually encourage you to start doing some light walking.
This may start with a simple walk around your house, and over time, you can take a walk outside. Even walking up and down a short driveway or once down the street will help to promote circulation. Walking is one of the best ways to increase your recovery and help alleviate symptoms like swelling and fluid retention.
Can You Pick Up Your Kids After a Mommy Makeover?
No. Immediately after surgery, you will not be able to pick up anything heavy, which includes babies and children. For this reason, if you have small children at home that you are usually in charge of, you’ll definitely need to arrange for help.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips
- Create a comfortable “recovery spot” at home.
Set up a space in your home where you can rest comfortably and have everything you need at arm’s length.
- Set up a comfortable place to sleep.
Be sure you have a comfortable sleeping setup in your bedroom. You may want to purchase a wedge pillow and other conveniences to make sleeping less uncomfortable while you are in recovery.
- Arrange for help at home.
Do not hesitate to ask friends or family members to help you out at home with chores, childcare, errands, and physical care for yourself.
- Figure out a healthy eating plan ahead of time.
Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water during your recovery is key. Because you won’t be able to cook for a while, if possible, premake some freezer meals or set up a meal delivery plan prior to your surgery.
- Get to know your aftercare instructions, and ask questions before your surgery.
Become familiar with the aftercare instructions that Dr. Schulman provides you with. Do not hesitate to ask questions — sooner rather than later.
- Promote circulation by taking frequent walks.
Once you are cleared to do so, be sure to take regular walks. Walking will both promote circulation and help to reduce fluid retention and swelling.
Set Up Your Mommy Makeover Consultation
Before you can actually start thinking about your mommy makeover recovery, you have to first set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Schulman.
At this appointment, you will discuss your candidacy for surgery, your goals, your medical history, and other pertinent topics. Schedule your mommy makeover consultation today and start on your path toward a refreshed, more confident you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/mommy-makeover/recovery
