When considering any body rejuvenation procedure, it’s important to understand what the recovery process looks like. A mommy makeover is no exception and may require additional downtime since it often involves completing multiple procedures on the day of surgery, keeping in mind the patient’s goals and health status. Recovery varies from person to person, and having a plan in place to address downtime and work/life responsibilities post procedure is an essential part of the process.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a set of body contouring procedures, such as an abdominoplasty combined with breast augmentation (plus lift), along with abdominal and flank liposuction, or any combination of these. Though the mommy makeover procedure is touted for its ability to restore post-partum bodies, you don’t have to be a mom to benefit from the tightening and lifting effects it provides. The procedure has grown in popularity over the past few years because it addresses specific areas that women often struggle with as they age, regardless of diet and exercise.
Mommy makeovers address:
- Sagging breasts
- Loss of volume in breasts
- Extra weight around the abdomen
- Redistributed weight
- Overall shape and tone
- Stretch marks
What to Expect After Your Procedure
If you’re considering a mommy makeover or any body contouring procedure, it’s important to get familiar with your body’s natural healing process. You’ll likely have some post-operative swelling and bruising for the first couple of weeks and then once the swelling goes down, you’ll start to see a visible difference in your body’s contours. Dr. Davis often gets questions from patients about post-operative recovery for mommy makeovers and below, she offers some tips to help make the process go more smoothly.
Typical Recovery Time for a Mommy Makeover
Every patient is different, but with a mommy makeover, recovery typically lasts anywhere from three to six weeks. The good news is, you’ll be able to go home on the day of surgery so you can rest and let your body begin the healing process.
How to Prepare for Surgery
It’s important to have a designated area set up for yourself before surgery, almost like a nest, with lots of comfortable pillows to prop yourself up and blankets, a nearby phone charger that’s easily accessible, books, magazines, headphones, and a television for when you’re not resting. It’s especially important to make sure you have everything you need before surgery so you can keep your stress levels relatively low to promote healing. If you have young children or pets, it’s also a good idea to plan and make sure they have someone to care for them while you’re in recovery.
What Activities to Avoid Post-Procedure
The recovery process will look slightly different for every patient, but there are several things you can do to make it less stressful and more pleasant. You may need help with simple things like bathing and dressing for the first week, plus you’ll need to halt any kind of strenuous activities until you get the green light from Dr. Davis. Putting any unnecessary strain on the body after surgery will only slow the recovery process and could potentially alter your results. This is also a good time to lean on family and friends for help with common household tasks.
What to Wear After Your Procedure
Depending on the procedures you choose for your mommy makeover, you’ll likely need to wear supportive post-procedure undergarments for up to six weeks to help keep incisions clean and offer support until you’re able to wear regular undergarments again. Loose-fitting clothing like sweatpants or joggers and tops with buttons that are easy to remove are also highly recommended to avoid discomfort and muscle strain when changing clothes.
Meal Planning and Preparation
One thing to consider before mommy makeover surgery is meal planning and preparation. It may seem like an afterthought, but unless you have someone who can cook nutritious meals for you while you recover or bring heat-and-eat meals over following your surgery, it’s important to plan ahead.
Depending on your preferences, you can do your own meal prep and freeze meals before surgery or even use a prepared meal delivery service to make things easier. Try sticking to healthier options with plenty of protein and avoid junk food and salt-laden foods to promote speedier healing and keep swelling down. Make sure to also have plenty of snacks on hand that you can easily grab and eat. It’s best to eat light for the first few days after surgery to avoid stomach upset from pain medication, so options like bone broth and smoothies are a good bet. Finally, do your best to stay hydrated with plenty of water.
Movement and Circulation
Getting plenty of rest following a mommy makeover is crucial, but it’s also important to get out of bed and do some light walking around the house each day to keep your blood pumping and help with circulation. You may also need to sleep on your back in a more elevated position so you can more easily get out of bed when needed.
Ready to Refresh Your Look and Reshape Your Body?
If you’re looking to boost your confidence and restore your body’s natural contours with a mommy makeover, look no further than Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis. Dr. Davis is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Her warm presence and thorough nature have helped her quickly become one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the greater Los Angeles area. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Davis, contact us or call (800) 805-3612 today.