A Journey to Confidence: What to Expect from Mommy Makeover Recovery
Posted on February 12, 2024 in Mommy Makeover by Lewisburg Team
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, you likely are wondering what you can expect from the recovery process. While the average recovery can take four to six weeks, patients can expect to cross major milestones at various stages of recovery that allow them to resume activities little by little. Here at Lewisburg Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Lewisburg, PA, we want to help you prepare as thoroughly as possible for this confidence-boosting procedure. Here’s a look at what you can expect for a standard mommy makeover recovery timeline.
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
The reason why every patient’s recovery following a mommy makeover is unique is because a mommy makeover can consist of a variety of different surgical procedures. While performing these procedures simultaneously gives you the benefit of going through a single recovery process, the specific procedures you choose can either reduce or lengthen your recovery time. Here’s a look at procedures that are commonly included in a mommy makeover:
- Tummy Tuck: Firms and tightens the abdominal wall and abdominal area.
- Breast Augmentation: Adds shape and volume to breasts.
- Breast Lift: Firms sagging breasts, raises sagging nipples, and removes excess skin.
- Breast Reduction: Removes excess fat and skin to create firmer, more proportional breasts.
- Liposuction: Eliminates fat pockets in the midsection, abdomen, love handles, thighs, back, and other areas of the body.
- Labiaplasty: Surgically decreases the size of the labia majora and labia minora.
Nonsurgical Options
- Vaginal Rejuvenation: Improves functionality using nonsurgical laser rejuvenation.
- Treatment for Stretch Marks: Reduces visible stretch marks using laser resurfacing or microneedling.
Overall, nonsurgical treatments have much quicker recovery times compared to surgical procedures. Although, multiple treatments may be required to achieve the best results.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
A patient’s overall health and willingness to follow postoperative instructions can greatly influence recovery times. For this reason, it’s advised that anyone considering the mommy makeover should make plans to arrange for time off from work, childcare, and pet care for at least two full weeks following surgery. You’ll be provided with detailed instructions for care prior to being discharged.
First Week
The first week following a mommy makeover surgery is a crucial time. Patients should be prepared to dedicate their full attention to healing without committing to any other responsibilities. All housework and heavy lifting should be avoided. It’s also necessary to arrange to have another adult present to assist you during at least the first 24 hours of recovery.
If a tummy tuck is part of the mommy makeover, patients will need to walk with a slight bend to avoid straining abdominal incisions. However, patients are instructed to get up to walk to promote circulation.
Second Week
During the second week of recovery, patients generally begin to feel stronger and more comfortable. While resting is still a priority, taking short walks outside can be helpful. However, it’s still essential to follow all postoperative instructions at this point because risks for complications are still present.
Weeks Three Through Five
At this point, most patients are cleared to return to desk work. Patients can also be cleared to drive as long as they no longer need pain medication. However, any work that involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity should still be avoided.
Week Six
Most patients are cleared to lift items heavier than 10 pounds at this point. This is also a time to resume light exercise, housework, and other activities that are part of a normal routine. Patients should ease into these activities slowly before returning to full capacity. If labiaplasty was included in a mommy makeover, patients resume having sex at this point.
Two Months to Six Months Post-Surgery
Once a few months have passed, patients begin to see the full results of their procedures emerge because all swelling will have subsided. Scars will also begin to heal and fade. A mommy makeover is considered fully healed about six months after the procedure.
Schedule a Consultation for a Mommy Makeover in Lewisburg, PA
Give yourself the gift of a mommy makeover! The procedure can be fully customized to address all your concerns. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Normington or Dr. Moya at Lewisburg Plastic Surgery & Dermatology today.