If you are considering mommy makeover surgery, it’s essential to plan for your recovery after surgery. Patients that make adequate preparations for rest and recuperation, generally get better, long lasting results. That’s why patients undergoing a mommy makeover should always be sure to ask their plastic surgeon – How long is recovery from mommy makeover.
What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a combination of different surgical procedures that women undergo to restore their pre-pregnancy body. Mommy makeover surgery typically focuses on the breasts and abdomen, since these are the areas that undergo a lot of changes during pregnancy.
Mommy makeover procedures
Excess abdominal skin, droopy, deflated breasts, and unwanted pockets of fat in areas such as the thighs and upper arms, are some of the body issues women have to deal with after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A typical mommy makeover includes breast surgery such as an augmentation and/or lift, a tummy tuck, and liposuction.
- Breast augmentation surgery increases the size and shape of the breasts. This is typically achieved with the help of saline or silicone implants.
- Breast lift surgery addresses sagging breasts as it removes excess skin, and recontours the breast tissue.
- Tummy tuck surgery gets rid of excess skin, and repairs the underlying abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy.
- Liposuction contours areas with isolated pockets of fat such as the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs.
How long is recovery from a Mommy Makeover?
Since mommy makeover surgery is a customized procedure, the recovery won’t be the same for every patient. Accordingly, the length of the recovery period will depend on the number of procedures done. Procedures that are more invasive such as tummy tuck surgery or breast surgery, usually require several weeks of downtime if they are performed together.
Most patients are up and walking the day after surgery, as this helps with the healing process. Patients are typically able to get back to work within 2-3 weeks of mommy makeover surgery, but this will be longer for women with jobs that require a lot of physical activity. However, some residual numbness and soreness may remain for several months.
The recovery process
There is generally some swelling, bruising, and soreness after mommy makeover surgery, but pain medication is prescribed to reduce any discomfort. All strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for up to 8 weeks after surgery. It’s important to give the body enough time to heal before resuming activities such as aerobic exercise, or weight training.
For best results, patients should adhere to the post-operative instructions of their surgeon, as this will make recovery go quickly and smoothly.
Why it’s important to plan for recovery after mommy makeover
If you are considering mommy makeover surgery, be sure to discuss recovery time with your plastic surgeon. When you know the length of your recovery ahead of time, you can put plans in place to make the healing process relaxing and stress-free.
If you have small kids, you will certainly need to line up care for them for the first few days, and get help with household chores such as cooking and cleaning. When those concerns are out of the way, you can focus exclusively on recuperating. Giving your body the time it needs to heal in a relaxed environment, is the best way to ensure a full, successful recovery.
Are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
If childbirth has left you with sagging breasts, droopy nipples, decreased breast volume, and a protruding tummy, you would probably be a good candidate for a mommy makeover.
Ideal candidates for a mommy makeover should also have finished breastfeeding and childbearing.
Candidates should be in good general health going into mommy makeover surgery, as this will make the recovery quicker and more comfortable.
Would you like more information on mommy makeover surgery and the recovery time?
If you are in the greater Orange County CA area, contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton in Newport Beach, CA, to find out how you can renew your body with a mommy makeover.
Call (949) 835-5249 today to set up a consultation with Dr. Lawton.