Mommy Makeover Recovery: Busy Mom’s Healing Guide

Are you struggling with your body image after your last pregnancy? Is excess skin, stretched abdominal muscles, or sagging breasts impacting your self-confidence?

A mommy makeover surgery is an innovative procedure designed with mothers in mind. This surgery combines multiple procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or liposuction, to help restore your confidence and address your specific concerns. Depending on which procedures are involved, the recovery time can be extensive. This is why you must work with a board-certified plastic surgeon that can offer optimal results.

If you’re a busy mom considering a mommy makeover, we’re here to help. We created a guide to help you better understand the week-by-week mommy makeover recovery timeline so you can start planning and preparing accordingly. Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

Pre-Surgery Preparation

The first thing you need to do is consult with a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon will discuss the options you have available in-depth and prepare you for what will come on the day of surgery and during post-op. During the consultation, you’ll also want to discuss the unique concerns you hope to address with the procedure. Once your surgeon has created a custom treatment plan for you, here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare:

• Childcare: Mommy makeovers typically require a longer recovery time, so you must start exploring your childcare options before your procedure. This will ensure you have enough time for rest and recovery.
• Meal Prep: Prepping dinners and lunches before your procedure can make the recovery phase less stressful. It also ensures you and your family have a healthy assortment of ready-to-eat meals.
• Set up Your Space: You’ll need a safe, comfortable place to enjoy during recovery. Ensure your space has pillows, a supportive chair, and all the recovery essentials nearby.
• Household: Depending on the procedures you get, you may not have the strength to complete household tasks for a few weeks. So, you’ll want to ensure you have the help needed for minimal upkeep around the house.

Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from a mommy makeover recovery timeline.

Week 1: Rest and Recovery

You may notice significant swelling, bruising, and fatigue the first week after your mommy makeover procedure. This is normal and should subside after the first few weeks. During this first week, you must avoid strenuous activity and minimal movement to help your body heal properly.

You may be required to wear compression garments. These garments are recommended for individuals who receive a breast augmentation or tummy tuck as part of their mommy makeover.

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night or experiencing extreme discomfort, you may need to adjust your recovery area. Ensure you have enough pillow support while sleeping or sitting upright. This can help reduce strain and eliminate unwanted discomfort. Make sure you have a friend, family member, or partner who can help with basic tasks during the first week.

Week 2: Gradual Activity

After your first week, swelling and bruising should subside. You’ll also be able to begin light activity. However, you’ll still want to avoid lifting children or heavy objects around the house. Instead, consider daily walks around your home to help regain mobility.

You’ll need to continue wearing your compression garment. Compression garments are designed to minimize swelling and bruising. It can also help you avoid unwanted complications and to ensure everything heals properly. You’ll also want to stay hydrated and prioritize a nutrient-rich diet throughout the healing process.

Week 3-4: Transition Back to Normal Routine

You can gradually resume low-impact daily activities three to four weeks after your mommy makeover procedure. You’ll notice that swelling, bruising, and pain have lessened by this time. During this time, you can get back to doing housework, exercising, and driving. However, you must always listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort when performing any activity, your body may not be ready.

You may find that some activities are more challenging than others. Your muscles also may still be tired or sore. Don’t forget to always give yourself breaks, and don’t push your body too far.

Always ease yourself into your normal routine and avoid adding unnecessary stress to your body. During the three to four-week mommy makeover procedure timeframe, you’ll still need to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

Week 4+: Full Recovery

A month after your mommy makeover surgery, you should be able to return to most everyday activities. You can return to work, exercise, and childcare.

You must focus on making healthy lifestyle changes to preserve the procedure results. Exercising, diet changes, and hydration can help you maintain your results and improve confidence. You may also want to consider a scar-reducing skincare regimen to eliminate any unwanted scars from your procedure.

Consult your plastic surgeon before returning to heavy lifting, weightlifting, or intense physical activity. They’ll let you know when you’re fully ready to return.

Common Recovery Challenges for Busy Moms

One of the most common challenges busy moms face with this procedure is not having enough downtime to fully recover. You might feel like you can return to playing with your kids and completing tasks around the house, but you must give your body enough time to heal. If you don’t give yourself enough time to recover to get the best possible results from the mommy makeover procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ensure you have the support you need to complete everyday tasks.

Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?

Women who are done having children are the ideal candidates for a mommy makeover procedure. You also want to ensure you’re at a stable, healthy weight. Excessive weight loss or weight gain can impact the results and could result in needing additional procedures later down the line. Lastly, the best candidate is ideally a nonsmoker and is in good health.

Skincare and Maintenance Tips After Surgery

After the mommy makeover procedure, there are some steps you’ll need to take to reduce irritation, minimize scarring, and maintain optimal skin health. Here are some quick tips:

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly
• Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Stay hydrated to aid skin elasticity

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will offer more post-opp tips and suggest specific lifestyle modifications.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with sagging skin, sagging breasts, or other post-pregnancy concerns, a mommy makeover procedure is a great treatment to consider. This innovative treatment plan combines various surgeries to create a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

The team at Toronto Plastic Surgery is here to help you explore your options and provide the support you need during your mommy makeover recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation for your mommy makeover surgery.