Mommy makeover recovery time is of huge importance to consider when you’re in the process of deciding when to undergo this type of procedure.
Mommy makeovers recently made a boom as one of the most popular and most required plastic surgeries, mainly thanks to numerous celebrities, who look inexplicably trim just a few months after giving birth. Well, contrary to popular belief, mommy makeover surgery can not transform patients into their pre-baby selves, especially not in just a few months span after giving birth.
Both childbirth and mommy makeover surgery represent a huge deal of stress for the patient’s body, which is why undergoing such a procedure is never advisable right before giving birth.
However, if you plan on undergoing this surgery in a recommended span of time after giving birth, and you would like to know how long is mommy makeover recovery time – find out down below, together with some mommy makeover recovery tips.
How long does mommy makeover recovery time last?
The estimated mommy recovery time varies in accordance with the type and number of surgeries that are performed, and that are typically involved in the whole procedure – breast reduction and/or breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation, and tummy tuck.
When taking all of this into consideration, mommy makeover recovery time can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days, while a long-term recovery can last approximately several weeks to months.
However, a recovery time after mommy makeover surgery can fluctuate, due to its multifaceted approach and the number of different procedures performed, as well as the post-surgery care. Every patient requires an individual approach, but we still can provide some estimations regarding the mommy makeover recovery timeline.
Mommy makeover recovery week by week
- Week 1 – This is the most intense period of recovery after the mommy makeover procedure. Your body will be in a state of shock, which is why you will be able to do little other than sleeping eating, going to the bathroom, and moving just enough to get your blood flowing.
1 week post op mommy makeover you’ll probably walk a little hunched, due to discomfort and swelling, which is completely normal. Be sure to make arrangements for handling your usual household routine regarding the usual chores, meal preparation, grocery shopping, baby care, and so on.
- Week 2 – This is a phase you will feel start noticing a difference in how you feel – sore and tender on surgical sites, but also overall tired, which is why you feel an urge to take naps constantly.
If it’s possible, during this period of recovery after the mommy makeover procedure, you can work from home (if you are able), and take brief walks. Your doctor can also clear you out for driving, providing you are off pain medications by then.
- Week 3 – This is a recovery time after a mommy makeover that some women find the most difficult. It is a time when the healing has slowed down, but then you’re still feeling exhausted. Other women can feel more energized but still frustrated with the overall progress.
The point is to allow yourself as much time as possible in order to heal correctly, so don’t hesitate to rely on your family and friends for any help you might need.
- Week 4 – During this period of mommy makeover post-op, the swelling should be down, and you should start feeling more energized.
This is when you can start wearing your abdominal compression binder occasionally or stop wearing it completely, depending on what your doctor’s advice.
- Week 5 and 6 – Once you hit week 5, you will start feeling immense improvement and changes. At this point you can resume your regular exercise, but at moderate intensity. The swelling should recede and the incisions must be closed.
The swelling could take as long as a year to completely wear off, especially if you have done a tummy tuck, so – have patience.
Mommy makeover day-by-day recovery
- 24 – 72 hours – Instantly post mommy makeover procedure you will be provided with pain medication. During this stage, it is important to avoid Aspirin, Advil, and non-steroidal medications.
- 1 – 3 days – The initial mommy makeover healing time will require a night stay in the postoperative recovery suite immediately following the procedure. It’s important to start your recovery at a professional facility, with an experienced staff that will be able to mitigate any risks of complications, infections, or any other medical emergencies.
- 5-10 days – In this stage, you’ll probably be able to get back to work, especially if it’s sedentary, but we advise you to work from home during your recovery for mommy makeover until you feel healed enough to work, which can take up to two weeks depending on your recovery.
Mommy makeover recovery pain you might experience
Pain is a completely normal aspect of recovery time for mommy makeover surgery and one that will considerably fade once you hit week 2.
You should avoid lifting items such as groceries, or even your baby, since this could cause significant pain, along with other strenuous exercises. You will have to take pain medications as prescribed, but also to wean off of them as soon as your doctor advises so.
Mommy makeover recovery tips
Certain tips can help you go through mommy makeover recovery much faster, and these are some of the best universal ones.
Tip 1 – Walk short distances
Although strenuous activity is not advised, walking short distances is highly recommended for a speedy and healthy recovery. Not only does it help your body to fully heal, but also reduces any risks of future complications. Walking can keep the body from becoming stiff, decrease swelling and stop blood clots from forming.
Tip 2 – Prepare your recovery room
This is something you should do before you undergo surgery. Setting up a recovery area with blankets and pillows can help you feel more comfortable. Have plenty of entertainment at hand, by trying to avoid comedy in the beginning, so you don’t tear up some stitches.
Make sure to have a table next to your bed, along with some oversized undergarments to make undressing easier.
Tip 3 – Follow post-surgery instructions
This tip is essential and can not be repeated enough, even though it sounds like common sense – something patients would do anyway during the mommy makeover recovery time. If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, chances are some complications will occur.
The instructions provided for you are meant to help you heal properly in order to get your desired results. This also means you need to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that you’re recovery is going as planned.
Side effects you should be prepared for
Most of the side effects that patients experience post-surgery we already mentioned, but here is a slight overview that can help you get a better idea of what you can expect if decide to undergo this surgery.
- Grogginess after surgery
- Pain and discomfort
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness, tingling, and breast sensitivity
- Post-surgical scarring
These side effects are normal and expected after such a procedure, and you should be able to go through them faster if you follow the instructions of your doctor and ask for help when it’s due during your mommy makeover recovery time.
Prior to the procedure itself, bear in mind that, due to the immense stress on your body that was put by pregnancy and childbirth – undergoing a mommy makeover surgery soon afterward can be dangerous, and no reputable surgeon will agree to do it. It is required to wait at least six months after giving birth before undergoing any invasive plastic surgery – which is something you want to make sure to remember before you make any drastic decisions.
