Mommy Makeover Recovery Day by Day

Any one of the several procedures usually incorporated in a mommy makeover can take weeks or even months to recover from. Because multiple procedures are combined in a mommy makeover, this naturally means that a substantial recovery period will follow.

Of course, everyone’s mommy makeover will be different. Patients may opt for liposuction and a tummy tuck only or add a breast surgery (augmentation or lift) to the mix. Even a Brazilian butt lift and other fat transfer contouring procedures can be added to your mommy makeover surgery.

With all of these variables at play, it’s difficult to pin down an exact mommy makeover recovery timeline for everyone. Below, we’ve done our best to summarize what you can likely expect from your mommy makeover recovery day by day. But first, what is a mommy makeover?

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What Is a Mommy Makeover?

The term “mommy makeover” is more of a marketing term than a well-defined surgery. In fact, a mommy makeover surgery can be many different things. The procedure is designed to help mothers who are finished having children reclaim their pre-baby bodies. That is, the surgery improves areas of the body that were negatively affected by pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding (if applicable).

A typical mommy makeover cosmetic surgery might include a breast lift and/or breast implants, a tummy tuck, liposuction, and/or a Brazilian butt lift (fat transfer procedure).

Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline

Day 1

The vast majority of patients will be able to go home right after spending a few hours in our recovery room. You will definitely need help getting home, so make sure you’ve arranged for a friend or family member to be available to pick you up.

At home, you’ll also require assistance. Be sure your kids and/or pets have the proper care as you will not be able to attend to them as usual. Nearly all mommy makeover patients cannot lift anything heavy in the days or weeks after surgery (especially those who’ve undergone a tummy tuck).

At home, get plenty of rest starting right away. You’ll be sleepy, and sleeping is good. Take proper care of your incision sites, take your pain medication according to your mommy makeover recovery instructions, and sleep and sit according to your surgeon’s directions.

Do not smoke, vape, or drink alcohol. Avoid caffeine, but do drink plenty of water.

Typical symptoms following mommy makeover procedures include swelling, bruising, pain, and soreness. Wear your compression garments as required by your surgeon. These instructions will vary depending on what surgeries you’ve undergone.

Days 2-4

Pain and soreness are typical after mommy makeover surgery. Dr. Schulman will prescribe the necessary pain medication to help keep you comfortable. Applying ice to sore areas can also help. Just be sure that you don’t apply too much pressure as this may negatively affect your results and could even upset your stitches and cause frostbite.

As you regain your appetite, you may be swayed to indulge in your favorite comfort foods. While staying comfortable is good after surgery, we urge you to choose nutritious and well-balanced meals and snacks. We want to promote good digestion and maintain high levels of protein for proper healing.

Days 5-7

By days five through seven of mommy makeover recovery, many patients are becoming restless. This is normal, but remember not to push yourself too much. Depending on which surgeries you underwent, some light walking — either indoors or outdoors for short distances — is good. For tummy tuck patients, remember to continue to avoid lifting anything heavy.

Week 2

Instead of continuing with day by day mommy makeover recovery week by week is often easier to follow at this point.

At the week two mark of your mommy makeover recovery journey, you should be feeling more energized, though light soreness, swelling, and bruising will persist. Continue walking as recommended by your surgeon, but do not return to your regular exercise routine yet. Avoid lifting anything heavy as instructed.

Weeks 3-4

By this time, some patients will be able to switch how they wear their compression garments (to part-time use instead of 24 hours a day). Always talk to your surgeon before adjusting how you wear these garments.

You may also be able to sleep in different positions and start walking for longer distances. Staying active is key to maintaining good circulation throughout the mommy makeover recovery process, but you do not want to stress your body with strenuous exercise as this could compromise your health and your results.

Weeks 5-6

During weeks five and six of your recovery time, you should be feeling more like yourself. Bruising should be gone, and swelling will persist, but should be far less than it was.

Continue wearing your compression garments as directed, and talk to your surgeon about when you can start reintegrating more exercise. They may have additional mommy makeover recovery tips for you as well.

Book Your Mommy Makeover Consultation Today

When the time feels right to pursue your dream mommy makeover, give our New York City office a call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Schulman.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman would be happy to sit down one-on-one with you to discuss your candidacy for surgery and next steps and mommy makeover cost. Call today to book your appointment!

Proudly serving patients in Buffalo, Long Island, Manhattan, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany.