Mommy Makeover Recovery: What's it really like?

What is recovery really like after a mommy makeover? Let’s get into the details, because I’m sure you have heard “easy” to “it was a lot!” Now what exactly is a mommy makeover? A mommy makeover typically involves a combination of cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and sometimes a labiaplasty or other procedures are also included. A mommy makeover is fully customized to the patient and her goals, so it’s not a single list of procedures we can discuss, but more a general understanding since typically it’s a breast procedure coupled with a tummy tuck. A mommy makeover’s goal is to restore the body after childbirth. Here’s what my patients report after the procedure:

1. Immediate Recovery:

• Post-Surgery: You’ll feel groggy and sore immediately after waking up from anesthesia. Pain and swelling are common, and you will likely have drainage tubes depending on the procedures performed. I prefer drainage tubes to help with swelling and removing excess fluid to promote healing faster. 

• Medication: Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. Nausea medication is also prescribed in case there are any lingering effects from the anesthesia.

• Restricted Movement: For the first few days, movements will be limited. You may need help with daily tasks. But I still want you getting up and walking around a bit. Even if it’s just to the kitchen to grab a snack. 

2. The First Few Days:

• Swelling and Bruising: Expect bruising and swelling, particularly around the abdomen, breasts, or any other area treated with liposuction.

• Wearing Compression Garments: You’ll likely be instructed to wear a compression garment to help with swelling and contour healing. It will also give you some stability which is great after a tummy tuck, since you will feel “tight” in the abdomen, which is exactly what we want. 

• Medication: After a few days you will begin to feel better and will be able to take more ibuprofen and tylenol to help with pain. I ask that my patients try to limit their time on narcotic pain medication since it can be habit forming. Most report needing just a few days and then begin to feel as though over the counter medications are able to help with pain control.

• Restricted Activities: You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting or intense physical activities for several weeks.

• Follow-up Appointments: You’ll have follow-up appointments with me to monitor healing and remove any sutures or drains.

2. The First Few Weeks:

• Swelling and Bruising: Continued bruising is expected, but will be better every day.

• Wearing Compression Garments: Continued compression garment wearing. 

• Medication: Should be over the counter medications at this point in the healing process. 

• Restricted Activities: You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting or intense physical activities for several weeks.

• Follow-up Appointments: You’ll have follow-up appointments with me to monitor healing and remove any sutures or drains.

3. Long-Term Recovery:

• Returning to Normal Life: Most people return to light activities and work within 2 to 4 weeks, but full recovery can take 6 to 8 weeks.

• Scarring: There will be scars from incisions, though they typically fade over time and can be minimized with proper care. I like my patients to use scar treatments, but not to begin until I give them the go ahead. I need their incisions to be healed first to prevent any bacteria from entering. 

• Final Results: The full results of the mommy makeover may not be visible for several months, as the body continues to heal and swelling subsides. Normally around 6 months is when the body has healed and results can be seen. 

If you are interested in a mommy makeover or another plastic surgery procedure, come meet the team and see if we are a good fit for helping you obtain your body goals.