The Mommy Makeover is one of the most appealing cosmetic surgeries for women who’ve finished having kids. While our plastic surgeons personalize this combination surgery for each patient, it typically includes a tummy tuck and a breast procedure. Liposuction on an area or two is also often included in the surgical plan. Knowing what to expect from your Mommy Makeover recovery is important so you can plan accordingly and have realistic expectations.
Schedule Your Surgery With Recovery In Mind
With a Mommy Makeover, at least 2 areas of your body will be healing at once. The tummy tuck is generally the most intensive part of recovery, while breast surgery and liposuction don’t typically add much extra time to the overall healing process.
When scheduling your surgery, pick a date that suits your lifestyle, work, and family needs. Allow yourself 8 to 10 weeks to fully heal before major activities.
Prepare for Your Surgery
Preparing for your Mommy Makeover is essential to ensure a smooth and successful experience. During your pre-op appointment, we will provide detailed instructions, but here are some helpful tips to get you started:
- Achieve a Healthy, Stable Weight: Aim to be at a stable weight before your surgery. If you need to lose more than 10 pounds, take the time to do so. Being in good overall health can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
- Quit Smoking: Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before your surgery. Nicotine restricts blood flow, slowing down and interfering with the healing process.
- Review Medications and Supplements: Make sure your medications and supplements are safe before and after surgery. Our team will review this with you.
- Complete Pre-Op Testing: Take care of any required bloodwork and other pre-op tests before surgery.
- Arrange Transportation: Have an adult friend or family member ready to take you to and from your surgery.
- Ask for 2 to 3 weeks off from work: Make sure you have adequate time to rest and recover.
- Have a loved one assist you: Arrange help with daily tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. If you have children or pets, it’s essential to have someone available to assist.
- Prepare your recovery space: Make sure your essentials—like books, electronics, chargers, water, pillows, and medications—are within arm’s reach to avoid unnecessary strain.
These steps will help you prepare for a safe and effective Mommy Makeover, setting the stage for a smooth recovery and beautiful results.
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Mommy Makeover Recovery Week-by-Week Timeline
Every patient’s recovery journey is unique, but here’s a general outline of what you can expect week by week.
Week 1: Rest and Recuperation
Week 1 is the most extreme part of recovery. Don’t expect to do anything except sleep, eat, get up for bathroom breaks, and take small jaunts in your home to keep your blood moving. Walking slightly hunched over is expected during the first week.
Recovery Tips for Week 1:
- Take medication as prescribed: Properly managing pain and preventing infection is key to a smooth recovery.
- Sleep comfortably: Find a position that avoids putting tension on your stitches, which will help reduce discomfort.
Week 2: Gradual Improvement
By now, most patients are weaned off pain medication and cleared to drive. While you should still take it easy, you are probably ready to return to work after 2 weeks of recovery if your job isn’t physically strenuous. You may also take slow, short walks outside.
Recovery Tips for Week 2:
- Avoid lifting anything heavy: For at least 2 weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds to protect your incisions.
- Walk regularly: Gentle movement helps circulation, reduces the risk of blood clots, and promotes healing.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your body’s healing processes.
Week 3: Mixed Progress
Some patients experience added energy and reduced swelling during week 3, while others may heal more slowly. You may feel frustrated, wanting to return to “normal,” but your body needs to take it easy and recover. That said, many patients can increase their activity during this recovery phase.
Recovery Tip for Week 3:
- Regulate your activity: Even though some patients feel more energized, it’s important to continue taking things slow and gradually increase activity.
Week 4: Feeling More Energized
Swelling is reduced, and energy generally increases. The bruising from liposuction should be gone by now. Congrats, you can probably fit back into tighter, pre-surgery clothing.
Recovery Tip for Week 4:
- Resume light cardio exercise: You may be cleared for light activities, such as walking or gentle cycling, but avoid anything too strenuous.
- Wear compression garments as directed: By week 4, the abdominal binder is worn intermittently, if at all.
Weeks 5 and 6: Back to Normal
You are in the home stretch of your Mommy Makeover recovery and beginning to enjoy your results! Exercise restrictions are fully lifted—although more intense exercise and weight lifting might have to wait until week 8—and most patients feel “back to normal” emotionally and physically. Incisions are closed, bright pink, and free from steri-strip tape.
Recovery Tips for Weeks 5 and 6:
- Gradually increase exercise: Exercise restrictions may be fully lifted, although more intense exercise and weight lifting might have to wait until week 8.
- Emotional readiness: Many patients start to fully appreciate their results at this stage and feel more confident about their new appearance.
Expect Some Discomfort
Tummy tuck and liposuction are the most uncomfortable parts of any Mommy Makeover recovery. Here’s an idea of what to expect:
- Tummy tuck: Abdominal muscle pain can be intense after a tummy tuck as the surgeon tightens those muscles with surgical sutures from top to bottom.
- Liposuction: The body’s natural healing response to liposuction is to swell and bruise, which causes a tender soreness.
Many patients receive EXPAREL®, a long-lasting, non-narcotic pain medication injected during surgery to reduce muscle soreness after a tummy tuck. Those who use it often experience a 50% reduction in their need for narcotic pain medications. Our surgeons can use a drainless tummy tuck technique, which also reduces discomfort during recovery. Read more in this blog post.
Swelling and Compression Garments
After your Mommy Makeover, you’ll be given compression garments to wear during the first several weeks.
- Abdominal binder: A Velcro binder will be worn around your waist and hips to minimize swelling for up to 4 weeks.
- Breast support: A stretchy sports bra that fastens in the front is worn to support the breasts and reduce swelling for about 3 weeks.
Although these garments aren’t fashionable, they’re vital for comfort and recovery.
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover is a multi-stage process that takes time, patience, and careful planning. But with the proper support and strategies, you can have a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover and would like to learn more about recovery or schedule a consultation, call our office today at (303) 278-2600 or request a consultation.
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