After surgery, you should anticipate bruising for 1-3 weeks, swelling for 2-8 weeks, and soreness/tenderness for a few weeks. While problems are uncommon, infection at the incision sites is the most frequent one following a cosmetic operation.
In this guide, we review the aspects of: What is the recovery process like for a mommy makeover, how long does it take to recover from a mummy makeover, what to expect when you get a mommy makeover, and what can you not do after a mommy makeover?
What is the recovery process like for a mommy makeover
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a woman’s body to completely transform. This is because of all the stress that the body goes through during this time. Often these physical changes are not easily fixed through diet and exercise alone. This is when a combination of procedures known as a mommy makeover can solve these appearance problems. There are many different procedures that can be performed during a mommy makeover, these include breast augmentation, breast lift,liposuction, tummy tuck, and labiaplasty. The results are a slimmer and more youthful appearance, much like before pregnancy. But what happens after the procedure?
Recovery after a Mommy Makeover
Combining multiple surgeries into one procedure can make recovery time longer when compared to a single surgery. This recovery time is still much shorter than recovering from each individual surgery separately. In the weeks following the completion of your procedures, during your recovery process, your doctor will want to see you for follow ups. This will ensure that you are healing properly. Most of the surgeries involved in a mommy makeover require extensive rest to properly heal. The more invasive the surgery is the more time is required for healing. The amount of time it will take to recover will vary from patient to patient and what procedures were included in their makeover. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to return to your normal activities. The level of pain and discomfort felt after the procedures will also depend on the patient’s pain tolerance and what procedures were performed. Although there are many factors that make each recovery process after a mommy makeover unique, there are a few universal tips which help you to make mommy makeover recovery faster. Here are some of the top tips for a speedy and healthy recovery.
Tips for a Faster Mommy Makeover Recovery
Get Assistance
For most of the surgeries that are performed during a mommy makeover, getting help around the house is recommended for at least the first 24-48 hours. This is because you will have trouble performing normal tasks, like getting out of bed or getting dressed. You will be able to get better rest if you have help for the first 2-3 weeks following your procedures. This includes help with child care as well, especially if your children are young. This will allow you to heal properly without having to risk opening any incisions chasing small children. Having this support will help your recovery process. It is best to plan to have a friend, relative, or service to help you while you are healing before your surgery date.
Walk
When healing from invasive surgeries, such as a tummy tuck, it is important move your body to avoid complications. Although strenuous activity is not suggested, walking is highly recommended to help your body heal. If your doctor says that walking is okay, you should do it. It speeds the mommy makeover recovery process and reduces the risks of complications. For example, many doctors recommend walking short distances as part of the tummy tuck recovery process to keep the body from becoming tight, stiff, decrease swelling, and to stop the formation of blood clots.
Prepare Your Recovery Area
For you to properly rest and recover, setting up a recovery area before your surgery may help you to feel more comfortable. This means comfortable blankets and pillows. Have plenty of entertainment on hand, try to avoid comedy as laughing can bust the stiches on certain incisions. Make sure there is a table next to your bed that is easily accessible for you to use when you are resting. Buy oversized comfortable undergarments to make undressing easier. Also, some patients recommend buying a toilet seat booster, if your recovery will involve pain when squatting low. Make sure to take off enough time from work, in most cases 2 weeks is recommended but talk to your doctor about what they think would be best.
Follow Your Post Op Instructions
Following your doctor’s instructions after surgery is essential for proper mommy makeover recovery. The most common reason for complications following procedures is because of patients not following the instructions and advice of their doctor or surgeon. To some this tip may seem like common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to be included. The information and instructions provided to you after your procedures is meant to help you heal correctly and to get you your desired results. Your doctor is the one that will give you the best advice following your surgery. This tip also includes attending all follow up appointments to ensure that you are healing properly and that there are no complications.
Don’t Try to Do it All
Mothers are super heroes, but you are allowed to take a break to take care of yourself. You did this mommy makeover to feel more confident in your appearance and to be happier. So you need to rest to make sure you heal correctly. Do not try to still do all of your normal activities and take on your everyday responsibilities while trying to recover. It won’t work. You could end up causing yourself more harm and having to rest for even longer. Take this time to relax and heal. Do not try to do it all!
Although none of these tips will magically help you get back to your normal activities within a week or two, they will help accelerate your recovery process. Following the instructions of your doctor, resting, walking, and getting help with things around the house will make a huge difference. If you have any questions about your mommy makeover recovery process, call your doctor. When you heal properly, your doctor is able to give you the go ahead to return to your normal life faster.
how long does it take to recover from a mummy makeover
Mummy makeover is an increasingly popular procedure at Centre for Surgery in London. A recent survey carried out by the European society of plastic surgeons revealed over 65% of new mothers would consider the procedure to restore their pre-pregnancy body. This data supports the increasing number of patient enquiries received about mummy makeover surgery in London each month.
Many women who have recently had children often express dissatisfaction with how they look after the heavy toll on their bodies exerted by pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Increasingly, women are not accepting their new body shape after childbirth, given the treatment options available. Women want to feel confident in their appearance and no longer want to have sagging or droopy breasts and hanging abdominal skin. Many women may develop a significant loss of self-confidence after childbirth and no longer feel desirable.
As cosmetic surgery for the breast and body has evolved over the last few years, many women are increasingly aware of the mummy makeover procedure and its many benefits. The popularity of mummy makeover surgery is often down to the many different surgical options available. The procedure can be customised to the individual patient. It is important to bear in mind that a mummy makeover is major surgery and can involve a lengthy recovery period. This is because mummy makeover surgery in London is, in most cases, a combination of different surgical procedures combined into one operation. Getting the best results after a mummy makeover depends on having a smooth mummy makeover recovery.
Here we give our top tips to ensure you get the best possible healing after your procedure. Although the mummy makeover recovery period can be demanding on your body, the impressive results achievable with the procedure makes it well worth it. Here we have described what to expect week by week during your mummy makeover recovery to give you an idea of what to expect after a mummy makeover. We also answer some of your most frequently asked questions about the procedure.
Mummy makeover recovery: week by week
On average, the recovery time for mommy makeover surgery is approximately six weeks. This will vary between women as each mummy makeover procedure is customised to the needs of the individual patient.
Week 1
Once you are medically fit for discharge, you’ll be allowed to go home with a responsible adult escort. You will have sterile dressings and compression garments supplied, and if you have had an abdominoplasty, you may have surgical drains inserted. Your tummy tuck trains will be removed after 2 to 3 days. Most patients who have a mummy makeover often tell us the first 3 to 4 days after surgery are the most challenging. Any pain and discomfort can be easily controlled with prescription painkillers given to you by your surgeon. Bruising and swelling will be most noticeable during the first week after surgery. We advise you not to have a bath to avoid excessive moisture getting into your wounds which could impair healing. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or excessive activity around the home that may cause you to feel tired.
Week 2
You should start to feel more comfortable by week two. Tightness in the chest will improve if you have had a breast augmentation. Swelling will start to reduce, and your mobility will improve. You should find it more comfortable to adjust to any new sleeping position depending on which procedures you had as part of your mummy makeover. If you have had breast implant surgery, you will be required to sleep on your back for several weeks. Your sleeping position is not as restrictive if you have had liposuction.
Week 3
Many patients will be able to return to work by week three, but some patients may require a longer period of time off work, especially if their work is more physically demanding. You may still feel tired, and it is important not to overdo it. Bruising and swelling will continue to go down.
Week 4
Many patients noticed an increase in energy levels by week four, and swelling will reduce significantly. Many women may feel more comfortable going out in public and going for walks. We would continue to advise against strenuous exercise or physical activities. It is important to keep mobile to reduce the risk of blood clots but avoid overdoing it to minimise the risk of complications occurring.
Week 6
By week six, most patients will be back to their normal daily routine. You will have a post-operative review with your surgeon, and you will be advised when you can return to certain physical activities depending on your lifestyle and overall state of health. Swelling may take up to 3 months to disappear completely. In some cases, patients may experience a small amount of residual swelling for six months or longer.
Mummy makeover recovery top tips
Here we offer practical tips to help you get the best recovery after a mummy makeover:
- Start preparing your recovery area at home before the procedure. Have your favourite reading material close by, along with laptops or tablet computers.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to come over and check you over at least once a day during your recovery after mummy makeover Surgery.
- Arranged for childcare if you have small children as you will be unable to manage their needs adequately during your early recovery period.
- Collect your prescription medication prior to the date of your surgery if possible.
- Keep mobile after your procedure, and avoid being in bed for prolonged periods of time.
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of lean protein sources and green vegetables.
- Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Aim for at least 2 L of water a day to help your healing and recovery.
What does a mummy makeover involve?
There is a significant choice in which procedures are included in a mummy makeover. Most mummy makeover procedures often involve a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure such as breast augmentation or a breast lift.
what to expect when you get a mommy makeover
The number of women getting so-called Mommy Makeover procedures is on the rise, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Women had nearly 112,000 tummy tucks in 2010, up 85% since 2000; 90,000 breast lifts, up 70% since 2000; and 296,000 breast augmentations, up 39% since 2000.
“In the last decade we’ve seen women’s attitudes about cosmetic surgery change. Today women are not afraid to admit that they love their children, but they wish their bodies looked the way they did before their first pregnancies. And they’re not afraid to acknowledge that they may need a little help beyond a healthy diet and exercise,” says ASPS President Phillip Haeck, MD.
Another trend is that the type of patient seeking Mommy Makeover plastic surgery is younger than a decade ago.
Here, Tara L. Huston, MD, assistant professor of surgery and a member of our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division, answers a few of the frequently asked questions about Mommy Makeover surgery.
Q: What is a Mommy Makeover?
A: “Mommy Makeover” is a term used to describe rejuvenation of the breasts and abdomen. The goal is to address some of the common physical changes that can occur following pregnancy. On the breast, these most commonly include sagging and deflation. On the abdomen, it is often excess skin with stretch marks and bulging.
Q: Who is a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
A: A woman in overall good health who has completed her childbearing.
Q: What can I expect in my initial consultation?
A: Your plastic surgeon will ask about your general medical history and examine your areas of concern. This is the opportunity for you to discuss what bothers you. Together, you will devise a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and is surgically feasible.
Q: Is the Mommy Makeover done all at one time?
A: It can be done in one or two stages, depending on how many areas need to be addressed.
Q: What are the different options for a Mommy Makeover?
A: It is some combination of the following: breast lift, with or without augmentation; breast reduction (FAQs); abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck); mini-abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck); and liposuction.
Women should be specific about their post-baby body goals so that
their surgeon can recommend the most appropriate procedures.
Q: What happens during the Mommy Makeover surgery?
A: The breasts are lifted. If there is volume loss from pregnancy and breast feeding, this can be remedied with the addition of a breast implant. Alternatively, if the breasts are excessively large and causing discomfort, the size may be reduced. In an abdominoplasty, the abdominal muscles are tightened to strengthen the midsection and narrow the waist. Lastly, the excess lower abdominal skin with stretch marks is removed.
Q: Can I have more kids after my Mommy Makeover?
A: If more children are planned in the near future, it is better to wait, especially on the abdominoplasty. Additional pregnancies are possible following abdominoplasty. However, the final result may not be as good if the tissues are stretched again with another pregnancy.
Q: Will a caesarean section or hysterectomy affect Mommy Makeover results?
A: No, the incision for the abdominoplasty is at the same level on the lower abdomen. Some women have bothersome extra skin that hangs over their caesarean section or hysterectomy incision. An abdominoplasty can remove this scar and skin in order to smooth the contour.
Q: When is the best time to have a Mommy Makeover?
A: When childbearing is complete and a stable weight has been achieved. Significant weight gain or loss after surgery may diminish the final result.
Q: I have a hernia. Can an abdominoplasty be done at the same time as the hernia repair?
A: Hernias at the belly button are very common in women who have had multiple pregnancies or twin/triplet pregnancies. These hernias can be addressed by a general surgeon during the same operation. This combined procedure allows the patient to have a single recovery. Our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division and General Surgery Division work closely to assist patients with this.
Q: What are the risks of Mommy Makeover surgery?
A: The risks are similar to most major operations. They include wound healing, bleeding, infection, and seroma (fluid collection) formation.
Q: What will prepare me for surgery?
A: The best way to prepare for an operation is to understand why you are having the operation, what exactly will be performed, and what your results are likely to be. If there are medical issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, these should be well controlled prior to surgery.
Smokers need to stop smoking in order to decrease the risk of wound healing issues. All patients should be nicotine free for at least six weeks prior to and after surgery.
Women who have a Mommy Makeover often say their new and
improved body not only enhances their looks, but also their attitude.
Q: Where are the incisions?
A: The incisions will depend upon the procedures chosen and the techniques utilized by your surgeon. In general, for a breast lift, there is a circular incision around the areola which is carried straight down toward the fold under the breast. It is sometimes called a “lollipop” scar, as this is the shape. Placement of an implant (augmentation) can be done through this same incision if needed. For the abdominoplasty, there is a linear incision from hip bone to hip bone which can be hidden under the bikini line. Depending on the type of abdominoplasty, there may or may not be a circular scar around the belly button, as well.
Q: Will I have scars?
A: Yes, it is not possible to perform these operations without making incisions and leaving scars. Once the incisions are fully healed, your plastic surgeon will instruct you as to how to minimize the scars and help them fade over time. With careful operative technique and attention to scar management post-operatively, it is our goal to have the finest, smallest scar as possible.
Q: What can I expect after surgery?
A: Depending on the types of surgeries chosen and whether the breast, abdomen, or both are addressed, recovery times will vary. You may go home the same day. Alternatively, your plastic surgeon may recommend an overnight stay if extensive surgery was performed, or if you have other medical issues. Recovery can range from one to four weeks in most cases.
Most patients are elated with their new and improved contours after surgery.
Q: When can I resume normal activities after Mommy Makeover?
A: It is helpful to have friends and family available to assist you in caring for children for the first week after surgery. Recovery can range from one to four weeks in most cases.
Q: How long do I need off from a desk job after a Mommy Makeover?
A: Two to four weeks is the average. Some women feel better sooner and choose to return to work one week after surgery. Patients are asked to refrain from heavy lifting for one month.
Q: How much does a Mommy Makeover cost?
A: Cost varies by location and consists of three components: professional fee for the surgeon, professional fee for anesthesia, and the cost of the operating room. Insurance companies do not cover the costs associated with these operations. They are considered cosmetic procedures. Most plastic surgeons have financing plans available.
The one exception is breast reduction. If the breasts are very large, causing shoulder, back, and neck pain, the insurance company will often cover breast reduction surgery to alleviate these symptoms. You should check with your plastic surgeon to see if you would be a candidate for a breast reduction, and the surgeon can work with you and your insurance company.
Q: What is the Stony Brook difference for patients who have a Mommy Makeover?
A: All of our plastic surgeons are board certified in plastic surgery. This certification is relevant because many physicians who are not trained in plastic surgery are now doing “cosmetic surgery.” These physicians have not received the approved education, nor have they completed an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience, and skills required to provide high-quality patient care in plastic surgery.
Women may put themselves at greater risk when using these non-certified physicians, many of whom are not even surgeons. The results of their work may be disappointing, even disfiguring, or lethal.
Another distinguishing factor about the care we provide is that our plastic surgeons are true leaders in the field of plastic surgery. They not only provide cosmetic and reconstructive services but conduct research to advance the art of plastic surgery. Some of this research focuses on patient safety and surgical outcomes. What they have discovered allows them to incorporate the most novel surgical techniques with a safe surgical environment in order to provide our patients with the best surgical outcomes.
what can you not do after a mommy makeover
GENERAL CARE
- A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
- A responsible adult must stay with you after your surgery and overnight until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
- Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fresh fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
- Take all medications as instructed post operatively.
- Wash your face, hair, and body the day of surgery before coming to the office, with antibacterial soap.
- Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics). ● Do not drink any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- Do not smoke as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.