Mommy Makeover Recovery: Making a Full Recovery After Your Mommy Makeover Surgery

A mommy makeover is a combination of different cosmetic procedures performed together to help restore a woman's body to its pre-pregnancy appearance. After your procedure, it's normal to experience pain and discomfort for several weeks, so you should follow your surgeon's post-op instructions to ensure a full recovery.

This article will provide an overview of what to expect during your mommy makeover recovery and helpful tips on making the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

What Is a Mommy Makeover Surgery?

A mommy makeover is a plastic surgery combining multiple surgeries to help a woman restore her pre-pregnancy body. It works by addressing the common concerns many women have after they have had children, such as stretch marks, loose skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and sagging breasts.

Your journey starts with a one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this time, they will assess your individual concerns and goals to determine if you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover. If you are, the surgeon will develop a personalized mommy makeover recovery timeline and discuss what to expect during and after surgery.

What are the potential procedures in a Mommy Makeover?

The cosmetic procedures you undergo as part of a mommy makeover are determined based on your individual needs and goals. These include:

  • Breast lift

    Also known as mastopexy, this procedure lifts and reshapes the breasts to restore lost volume. Your plastic surgeon will get rid of excess skin and tighten the breasts' surrounding tissues to achieve a youthful breast shape.

    It can also lift and raise nipples that have become saggy or point downward. In addition, it can lift the surrounding dark skin called the areola and reduce its size to become proportionate with the new breast shape.

  • Breast augmentation

    This cosmetic surgery uses implants to add volume and shape to the breasts. The implant type used will be based on your desired look and may be either saline or silicone gel. Your surgeon will start with an incision in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit and insert the implant. The incision will be closed with sutures.

  • Tummy tuck

    Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck aims to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area and tighten the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, more toned appearance.

    Your surgeon will make an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic area and around the belly button. The skin will be lifted off the underlying muscles, and any excess fat will be removed.

    The abdominal muscles will be pulled tighter, and the skin re-draped over the new contour and sutured into place. The belly button will be repositioned through the new opening in the skin.

  • Liposuction

    This cosmetic procedure is commonly known as "lipo" and removes unwanted fat from specific body areas, such as the thighs, hips, stomach, or arms. This is probably the quickest way to weight loss after gaining weight following pregnancy and childbirth. It works by inserting a small tube called a cannula through a tiny incision in the skin and is used to suction out the excess fat.

  • Breast reduction

    Breast reduction or mammaplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the breasts and achieve a smaller, more manageable breast size. The incisions for this procedure are similar to those for a breast lift, but the amount of skin and tissue removed will be greater.

  • Vaginal rejuvenation

    This broad term describes various procedures intended to improve the appearance and function of the vagina. These can include vaginoplasty (tightening of the vaginal walls), labiaplasty (reduction or reshaping of the labia), or clitoral hood reduction (improvement of the appearance of the area around the clitoris). This can also be surgical or non-surgical.

Post-Op Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips for Faster HealingĀ 

Recovery for mommy makeover patients varies, but there are some general measures to help you heal quickly and avoid complications.

Here are some of them:

  • Follow your surgeon's post-op instructions - Your surgeon will give certain instructions on how to care for your incisions, what activities you must avoid, and when you can return to your normal routine. Be sure to ask any questions about your mommy makeover recovery timeline so that you are clear on what is expected of you.
  • Apply ice packs for pain and swelling as needed - A mommy makeover can cause swelling and discomfort in some areas. Applying an ice pack to your incisions can help in pain management and swelling. To use, wrap it with a thin towel and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Get plenty of rest - Enough rest is crucial for your body to heal properly after a mommy makeover surgery. You may be tempted to push yourself to get things done, but you should listen to your body and take it easy. Take naps when you can and avoid strenuous activities, such as housework or exercising, for at least the first few weeks. This is to avoid putting too much strain on your incisions that can cause them to open up.
  • Eat healthily and stay hydrated - Nutrition is essential in wound healing. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, such as chicken or fish. Your diet should also include enough vitamins A and C, which are known for their healing properties. These include oranges, strawberries, kale, and red peppers. Ultimately, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and aid in healing from the mommy makeover procedure.
  • Avoid smoking and drinking - Smoking can delay mommy makeover recovery by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the incisions. This can cause the skin to die and increase the risk of infection.If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before surgery and continue avoiding it during your mommy makeover recovery. Drinking alcohol also delays healing by causing dehydration, so you should avoid it for at least two weeks before and a month after surgery.
  • Manage your pain - It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after surgery. That's why your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your pain and make you more comfortable during the mommy makeover recovery.
  • Stay active - While bed rest is essential for a few days after surgery, you must get up and move around to prevent blood clots in your legs. Once you feel better, take a short walk around your house or do some gentle stretching exercises. Be sure not to overdo it and put too much strain on your incisions. Also, avoid strenuous exercise or lifting anything heavy for at least six weeks.
  • Monitor your incisions for signs of infection - Monitor your incisions for any infection signs, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these, contact your surgeon right away.
  • Be patient with your recovery - Recovery from a mommy makeover surgery takes time, and you will not see the final results of your procedure right away. It may take several months for all the swelling to go down and for your incisions to heal. Be patient and follow your surgeon's directions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
  • Sleep on your back - Always sleep on your back with an elevated head for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and prevent the implants from shifting out of place. Sleeping on your stomach or side can put pressure on your incisions. Consider elevating your back with pillows or sleeping in a recliner to make it more comfortable.
  • Wear your compression garment - Your plastic surgeon is most likely to recommend wearing a compression bra to help support your incisions and breasts as they heal after breast augmentation or lift surgery. This will also help reduce swelling. You have to wear it for at least 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery date and shouldn't remove it unless you take a shower.For tummy tuck and liposuction, you must wear your compression garment for up to 2 months. This is to help support your incisions and tummy as it heals. It also helps reduce swelling and speeds up the recovery process.
  • Maintain an ideal weight - During your recovery period, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight. Losing or gaining a significant weight can put undue stress on your incisions, which can cause them to open up.

Breast Augmentation

Along with the general tips for mommy makeover post-surgical recovery, there are also some specific things you need to do to care for your breast surgery, such as:

  • Avoid an underwire bra for at least six weeks after surgery - This can cause discomfort against swollen and tender breasts and irritate your skin, resulting in incision inflammation. The friction from the wire with your sutures can also add to your pain and slow recovery.Try a sports bra or lightly supportive bras that feel comfortable against your skin without pressure points from wires. If possible, wait until your wounds heal entirely, usually at ten weeks, before wearing underwire bras again.
  • Avoid submerging your breasts in water - Avoid activities that put your breasts underwater until your wounds fully heal. This includes swimming, hot tubs, or spa treatments. This can cause infection and impede the healing process. If you must go in the water, make sure to keep your breasts above water, or you may use a waterproof silicone gel sheet to protect your incisions.
  • Monitor for changes in your breast implants - Breast implants don't last forever and may need to be replaced at some point. Be sure to monitor your breasts for any changes, such as new lumps, pain, or changes in size or shape. If you observe anything unusual, be sure to contact your surgeon right away.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Here are specific things you need to do during your recovery period after vaginal rejuvenation for a quick and safe recovery:

  • Avoid sexual activity - This includes any type of vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexual activity increases the risk of infection.If you have non-vaginal rejuvenation, you should wait for at least 3 to 5 days before engaging in any sexual activity. If you have surgical rejuvenation, wait for at least six weeks or, according to your surgeon's instructions, before you can resume any sexual activity.
  • Avoid tampons for at least six weeks - Tampons can irritate your incisions and increase the risk of infection. Instead, you can use a maxi pad or menstrual cup. Note that only one cycle can be affected by this, and you can go back to using tampons after your incisions have fully healed.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and underwear - Tight-fitting clothing and underwear can facilitate bacteria transfer. It can also irritate your incisions and cause discomfort. Loose-fitting clothing will help you feel more comfortable as you heal.
  • Maintain good hygiene - During your recovery period, practicing good hygiene is important to avoid infection. It includes washing your hands before and after you use the toilet, urinals, or bidet. Avoid douching, using feminine hygiene sprays, or perfumed soaps in the area around your incisions. These can all irritate your incisions and slow down the healing process.You can resume showering a day after surgery, avoiding the incision area. You may pat the area dry. Do not bathe or submerge in water until your incisions have fully healed.

How Long Before Seeing Results After Mommy Makeover Surgery?

While the mommy makeover recovery timeline differs for every patient, you can return to your normal activities after three months. However, you need to be patient as full mommy makeover results may not be seen for up to a year after surgery.

Mommy MakeoverFinal Thoughts

Mommy makeover is a personal choice that can help you feel more confident about your body after pregnancy and childbirth. You should be fully informed about the surgery and what to expect during your mommy makeover recovery process. With proper care, you can enjoy a successful and safe recovery. Also, find board-certified plastic surgeons with experience performing mommy makeovers and advanced surgical techniques to ensure desired results.

Mommy Makeover
Mommy Makeover