Mommy Makeover Recovery: Week by Week

Posted September 16, 2024 in Mommy Makeover

5 Min Read:

Motherhood is widely celebrated, and we applaud mothers for their dedication to raising the next generation. But it’s no secret that women must make a substantial physical sacrifice to bring one or more children into the world. Mommy Makeover surgery enables women to get their pre-baby bodies back and to feel confident in their skin. This blog will discuss what to expect during Mommy Makeover recovery, including a general timeline and tips for a smoother recovery process.

What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?

Motherhood is a transformative, life-changing experience, but pregnancy and postpartum can bring changes to your body that might make you feel less confident. Many women desire to reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies after they are done having kids. 

A Mommy Makeover is a highly customizable combination of cosmetic surgery procedures that can help women achieve those goals. Typically, the procedures women choose from include:

• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction

Postpartum body contouring surgeries are prioritized by growing numbers of women for various reasons. Some common Mommy Makeover goals include achieving a pre-pregnancy body aesthetic, repairing diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), and boosting confidence. 

How Long Does Mommy Makeover Recovery Take?

Recovery time for a Mommy Makeover varies from patient to patient and depends on the specific combination of procedures. The average Mommy Makeover recovery time is about six weeks.

Generally, for initial recovery, patients should take at least two weeks off work to rest and recover. During this period, help with childcare and heavy lifting will be necessary. After three months, most patients have returned to all normal activities, including exercise. It can take six months to one year to see final results; this is normal and expected. 

Mommy Makeover Recovery Process: Week by Week

Based on the average recovery timeline of six weeks, here is a rough outline of what to expect.

Week 1

After surgery, you will be dressed in bandages, compression garments, and possibly drains. Most patients find the first two days the hardest as they cope with low energy and the residual effects of anesthesia. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort are at their highest levels this week.

This week, abundant rest and careful incision care are of utmost importance. Walking around your room promotes circulation and healing, but lifting anything over five pounds is strictly prohibited.

Week 2

Most women feel a little better by this week but are still in the “downtime” stage. There can still be significant swelling and bruising, so many patients continue to use pain medication prescribed by their surgeon.

Short walks outside are encouraged to prevent blood clots, but rest and frequent naps are still important. It’s also paramount to adhere to your post-operative instructions to avoid complications, no matter how much better you’re feeling.

Weeks 3–4

By this week, many patients can return to work at a desk job and participate in activities like going out to a restaurant or driving. Heavy lifting, including grocery bags and laundry baskets, should still be avoided. Light walking and plenty of rest are still crucial for optimal healing.

Weeks 5-6

By this period, most women feel much more energized. Patients may be cleared to resume moderate exercise and lift up to ten pounds. Incisions should be completely closed, but residual swelling is common.

After six weeks, most patients can return to their normal routine completely. However, everyone is different. As with any procedure, it’s essential to follow the personalized Mommy Makeover recovery plan outlined by your surgeon for best results. 

Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips

Here are some tips to help you optimize your recovery:

• Do not smoke. Smoking interrupts blood flow and can cause nasty complications like necrosis (tissue death).
• Get help. Having a friend or family member check on you at least once a day can make a huge difference in how smooth your recovery goes. They can help with prescriptions, meals, and other tasks you may feel too weak to do yourself.
• Rest. When you sleep, your body can make great strides in healing. Getting eight hours of sleep a night is encouraged, as are naps.
• Walk. This helps prevent blood clots and promotes circulation. During the first week, you can walk around your room a few times a day. Graduate to slightly longer walks outside as you feel ready.
• Hydrate and eat healthy food. A diverse and balanced array of nutrients will help your body recover and repair. Order groceries and have someone help you prepare nutritious meals. Alternatively, you can meal prep and freeze foods to reheat before surgery.
• Lymphatic massage. Manual lymphatic drainage effectively reduces swelling and, therefore, hastens recovery. Treatments like the Ballancer®Pro lymphatic massage can be an excellent option for patients who want to eliminate excess fluid and toxins during their recovery. It also feels good and helps alleviate discomfort.

Mommy Makeover FAQ

How much is a Mommy Makeover?

The cost of a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and more. Furthermore, because this is a highly customizable procedure, the price varies more than other cosmetic procedures. At Thompson Center for Plastic Surgery, we are happy to discuss patient financing options at your consultation.

When is the ideal time for a Mommy Makeover?

There are two important elements of timing for Mommy Makeover surgery:

• First, you should be done having kids. The surgery won’t prevent a future pregnancy, but your results can be undone by one. 
• Second, if you plan to lose weight, you should do so before surgery. For the best results, patients should ideally be within ten pounds of their goal weight before getting a Mommy Makeover.

Interested in Mommy Makeover Surgery in New Jersey?

Dr. Thompson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience and high standards for patient care. We invite you to come for a consultation if you’re considering pursuing Mommy Makeover surgery. Fill out our online contact form or call us at (732) 410-4789. We’d love to hear from you.