A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to improve the look and feel of the parts of the body that are most impacted by pregnancy. It is an extremely customizable surgery. You will be able to choose the procedures that address the areas you would most like to improve.
Surgeries that are commonly part of a mommy makeover are:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
- Mini tummy tuck
- Breast lift
- Brazilian butt lift
- Labiaplasty
- Non-surgical procedures
Because it is a major cosmetic procedure, many women are concerned with the amount of recovery time involved. In this post, we’ll discuss what you can expect when recovering from a mommy makeover, including the amount of time you will need to take off work and/or arrange for childcare.
Recovering From a Mommy Makeover
Your recovery time will depend largely on your body’s recovery rate and the procedures that are part of your mommy makeover. Typically, the more procedures that you have performed, the longer you can expect your recovery period to be. Keep in mind that recovery from a mommy makeover is typically not short.
The length of recovery time you will need is dictated by your most extensive procedure. For most patients, this is a tummy tuck. Here is a rough estimate of the recovery time for the most common procedures:
- Breast lift and/or augmentation – back to work within a few days, six weeks before lifting or strenuous exercise
- Liposuction – back to work the next day, six weeks before lifting or strenuous exercise
- Tummy tuck – back to work after about two weeks, at least six weeks before lifting or exercising
Preparing for Recovery
There are a few things you can do before your surgery that will make recovery easier. Start by preparing a special rest area for yourself. Make sure to get extra pillows (we recommend a full body pillow) so that you will be completely supported while you rest. You should also put everything you will need, such as snacks, a water bottle, a wash basin, books/magazines, and any hobbies, within easy reach of your bed or recliner.
Immediately After Surgery
A mommy makeover is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you will go home the same day as your surgery. You will be sent home with the appropriate compression garments (included in the cost of your surgery) and a prescription for pain medication. North Raleigh Plastic Surgery does not carry or dispense narcotic pain medication.
You will need someone to drive you home as you will be coming out of anesthesia and will be on pain medication. We cannot allow patients to drive themselves home after surgery.
You should also arrange for childcare and help around the house for a few days, as you will be on narcotic pain medication for around one week after surgery. As long as you are on narcotic pain medication, you will not be able to drive. After the first week, we recommend using NSAIDs (Motrin or Advil) for pain.
You can resume light childcare duties (cooking, helping with homework) after this time but you will still not be able to lift anything more than 5 pounds until approximately 6 weeks post-op.
It is important to note that if a tummy tuck was part of your mommy makeover, you will need to remain bent at the waist for approximately two weeks after surgery.
Plan to sleep on your back or side during recovery. Many patients choose to sleep in a recliner as it helps them stay bent at the waist.
1-6 Weeks Post-Surgery
You will have your first post-op appointment with Dr. Ortiz at the 1 week mark, and another appointment at the 2 month/6 week mark. Any stitches will be removed at your first post-op appointment.
Expect bruising for 1-3 weeks, swelling for 2-8 weeks, and soreness/tenderness for several weeks post-surgery.
While complications are rare, the most common complication after a cosmetic procedure is infection at the incision sites. To lower this risk, follow all of Dr. Ortiz’s post-op care instructions and avoid swimming for at least three weeks after surgery.
You will continue to wear compression garments during this time and may return to work after approximately 2-3 weeks.
6+ Weeks Post-Surgery
At approximately 6 weeks/2 months after your mommy makeover, you should be able to start returning to your normal activities, including exercise. By this time, the swelling should have started to subside and you will begin to see the results of your surgery.
You will have your final post-operative appointment with Dr. Ortiz 6 months after surgery.
Schedule Your Mommy Makeover Consultation Today!
If you’re ready to take the next step toward regaining your pre-baby body, call us at (919) 532-2270 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your mommy makeover consultation with Dr. Ortiz today!
