Pregnancy is very challenging yet the most beautiful for every woman. It affects not just emotion and the mind, but also the body.
Getting back in shape after pregnancy takes time, effort, and patience. Even after strenuous exercise and dieting, it is hard to get the desired look which can frustrate women. It is a reason why women decide to take mommy makeover procedures.
The decision to take this procedure comes with a question about mommy makeover recovery time.
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What is a Mommy Makeover?
The mommy makeover comprises multiple cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address physical changes in the women’s bodies after pregnancy and childbirth.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to conditions such as sagging breasts, excess skin, and abdominal separation that affect women’s confidence after this period.
A mommy makeover typically includes a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift), and Vaginal Correction. All these surgical procedures help women to restore their pre-baby bodies and regain self-confidence.
To get the best possible results from this procedure it’s essential to follow recommendations from the doctor, especially about mommy makeover recovery.
At Park Plaza, NYC Plastic Surgery Center, we support all our patients from the preparation to the end of the procedure, including the recovery period.
Recovery Period Preparation
Mommy makeover recovery period can last between one week to several weeks depending on the number of surgical procedures performed on the body.
Mommy’s life is always busy and full of obligations, and it is necessary to plan the recovery period in detail.
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, first, strictly follow your surgeon’s pre-operation instructions, which can shorten the recovery.
Arrange help and assistance from someone, especially with the children and daily tasks in the first days of the mommy makeover recovery period.
Talk to your plastic surgeon about the period you need to take off from work and make a plan for the rest without any distractions and stress.
Prepare your home and equip your recovery area with adequate bad, pillows, and blankets. In some cases, you need a toilet seat booster or to install handrails. Supply your home with all necessary medication, bandages, and ice packs.
What To Expect During The Recovery Period?
A common question related to the mommy makeover procedure is about the recovery time and what to expect during this period. A mommy makeover is one comprehensive treatment plan created for the individual needs and desires of the patient. It means that the recovery period may vary from person to person.
There are some general conditions that you may experience during mommy makeover recovery:
You will feel a certain level of pain immediately after the surgery. The feeling of pain and discomfort mostly depends on the type of procedure you underwent during the mommy makeover. The doctor will prescribe you pain medication to help you with the discomfort.
Swelling and bruising are normal after any surgeon, so it is also part of the mommy makeover recovery time. You can use an ice pack for some areas to reduce swelling and bruising. You will get instructions from the doctor on how to take care of swelling part and bruises.
After the procedure, your plastic surgeon will cover the incision sites with bandages for the first few days. They will provide you with detailed instructions on how to take care of them.
For some procedures that are part of the mommy makeover is obligatory to wear garments for a few weeks, such as liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift.
If your mommy makeover procedure includes a breast lift or augmentation you should wear a surgical bra for several weeks.
Tummy Tuck which is part of a mommy makeover procedure includes the use of drains to help remove excess fluid from the surgical area. They will be removed when the drainage significantly decreased (5-7 days).
For some of the procedures as a tummy tuck, it is crucial to get out of bed as soon as possible, but in general, your mobility will be very limited in the first weeks after the procedure.
Mommy makeover consultation and a follow-up appointment are part of recovery time.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
It is the most challenging week during the mommy makeover recovery time. During the surgery, the surgeon performs multiple procedures simultaneously leading to the patient going home the same day. Pain, swelling, bruising, and drains are the parts of recovery in the first week. You should rest a lot, avoid daily activities and get help with heavy stuff and childcare.
At the end of this mommy makeover recovery week, you can do light activities and walk around your room to stimulate blood flow and help faster healing. Tummy tuck drains are usually removed at this time.
During this stage, you will be provided with prescribed pain medication.
In this period you may feel better, but at some moments still very tired, because your body needs more rest for recovery.
Swelling and bruising become less visible. You will still be wearing compression garments as instructed.
Most patients return to work within 7-14 days.
In this recovery stage, you will feel more energized, and at the end of six weeks, you will be ready for exercise.
Swelling and bruising will continue to slow down. Depending on the procedure including mommy makeover surgery, you will continue to wear compression garments.
After 6. weeks you will be back on track, feeling great, and begin to appreciate and be confident. Some signs of the procedure will be there, but you will still be able to see the mommy makeover surgery results. Scars will continue to fade over time.
Long-term recovery takes several weeks to months depending on the number of plastic surgery procedures performed.
Following post-op instructions help a speedy and healthy recovery and the best mommy makeover results.
Self-Care Tips For Safe Recovery
The recovery process may vary for any patient, but self-care is crucial for everyone after the mommy makeover surgery to ensure safe and successful results.
Here are some self-care tips to help you recover properly:
- During the first few weeks rest a lot and avoid strenuous activity for healthy healing
- Dring a lot of water to hydrate your body and flush out the toxins
- Try to eat healthy and fresh food rich in vitamins and minerals to help your body during the healing process
- Do not smoke and avoid alcohol, which can cause complications, especially with prescription medication
- Take your pain medication as prescribed and directed by your surgeon
- Take care of your incision and keep them clean and dry to avoid infection
- Wear your compression garments as the surgeon suggests, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing
- Walk a short distance to stimulate blood flow, decrease swelling and prevent blood clots from forming
- Be regular at your follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery and ensure to heal correctly
- Listen to the instructions from your doctor and follow the direction about your daily regime and activity to ensure a smooth recovery.
At Park Plaza NYC, we understand the importance of being there for patients during their recovery, so the plastic surgeon is here to answer all your questions about self-care routine after mommy makeover treatment.
Potential Complication
Mommy makeover procedure is generally a safe procedure with rare complications, but it is good to know possible complications and when you should contact your surgeon.
Some complications that may occur include infection, excessive bleeding, hematoma, numbness, poor wound healing, and scarring. If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, contact your surgeon immediately.
Conclusion
Recovery time after a mommy makeover can be challenging and require patience to see the best surgical outcomes.
Listen to the instructions, and do not hesitate to ask your plastic surgeon about everything you feel uncertain about. Trust the healing process, and more significantly, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust.
If you are considering a mommy makeover, please call our office at (212) 750-9494 or schedule a free consultation online. Our plastic surgery office in New York City looks forward to meeting you and discussing potential surgical procedures.