It is helpful to know what your surgery might entail so that you can plan appropriately for your recovery from your mommy makeover. The most common procedures included are a tummy tuck and breast enhancement. Liposuction is also frequently added to produce the final sculpting results you want. Each of these treatments has its specific recovery process, which you will need to focus on to ensure you achieve the best possible results from all of them.
Liposuction tends to require the least amount of recovery time, with most patients back to their daily routine in a week or less. A tummy tuck involves a significantly more extended recovery period, with most patients able to return to the majority of their activities within three to four weeks. Breast enhancement, whether you choose augmentation, lift or a combination of the two, tends to fall somewhere between the two.
In this blog post we’ll look at how painful is recovery from mommy makeover? and Breast augmentation recovery day by day.
How Long Is Recovery From Tummy Tuck And Breast Augmentation
Preparing for Your Surgery
The recovery from your mommy makeover will be determined in part by your preparation going into your surgery. The healthier you are for your procedure, the quicker and more comfortable your recovery will likely be. Dr. Lickstein will help you get ready for your surgery by advising you on certain medications you should stop taking beforehand. In many cases, the medicines that you will be asked to stop are those that could interfere with bleeding, which affects post-operative bruising.
At the same time, certain medications or supplements might be recommended, as they could increase your overall health or reduce your bruising risk after your surgery. You will also be asked to stop smoking many weeks before and after your surgery since active smokers are subject to many more risks during and after a procedure. In addition, nicotine prevents the body from recovering efficiently, which could affect how well your incisions heal and the type of scarring that is left behind.
Making a Full Recovery
Dr. Lickstein will likely give you a timeline of when you can expect to return to light activities, a regular work schedule and more strenuous exercise. Patients are usually up and walking within a day after surgery since this facilitates the healing process. Most are back to work within two to three weeks if the job does not involve significant physical activity. Strenuous exercise may be restricted for as many as eight weeks to provide the body ample healing time before challenging it with aerobic activity or weight training.
You should understand how long your recovery from your mommy makeover will take before you undergo your procedure, which gives you the chance to plan for that healing time to ensure it is restful and stress-free. You may want to clean or prepare meals before your surgery, so you can relax in a peaceful environment with chores already completed. You may also line up care for your children and pets for the first few days, so you can focus solely on resting and recuperating. The more rest you allow yourself, the faster you will be back to your regular schedule, and the more efficiently your body will heal.
How painful is recovery from mommy 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.
RELATED: Is a mummy makeover worth it?
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.
RELATED: How soon can I have a mummy makeover after pregnancy?
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.
RELATED: How much does a mummy makeover cost?
Will I be in pain after mummy makeover?
Pain after a mummy makeover is most commonly experienced during the first few days after surgery. Any significant pain and discomfort will have been resolved by the two-week stage. You may still have mild discomfort up to 4 weeks later, which depends on the combination of procedures you had as well as your overall state of health.
Is mummy makeover recovery painful?
It is normal to experience a mild to moderate degree of pain or discomfort after your mummy makeover. Any type of surgical procedure involves a certain amount of post-operative discomfort. Your surgeon will institute effective pain management strategies, including prescription painkillers, to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the recovery period.
How long does it take to heal from a mummy makeover?
Most women will have completed their healing and recovery process by six weeks after mummy makeover. You may still continue to have certain symptoms, such as residual swelling, for up to 6 months after surgery. Full results of mummy makeover surgery may take at least three months to appear and, in some cases, up to 12 months, depending on the combination of procedures you had.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Day By Day
Breast augmentation recovery will not be the same for everyone, but you can expect some general recovery milestones. Read on to find out what a typical recovery looks like.
The Day of the Procedure
Once you return home after your breast augmentation, you will likely feel groggy from the anesthesia. Plan to spend the day resting as needed, but you can stand up and walk around every few hours to keep blood circulating. You will wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 weeks.
Discomfort during the first few days is common, so make sure to have your supply of pain medication handy. Applying lightweight ice packs to your chest helps relieve swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Days 2 to 4
The morning after your surgery, you may wake up feeling very sore and stiff. Getting up and moving around will help. You can begin showering again at this point; just remember to thoroughly and gently pat your incisions dry afterward.
You may notice that your breasts feel tight and sit unnaturally high on your chest. This is partially due to post-surgical swelling, which will peak around Day 3 or 4. Continue to take pain medication and apply cold compresses as needed. Your plastic surgeon will also recommend sleeping on your back to minimize fluid buildup and to put less strain on your chest area.
Days 5 to 13
You should be feeling more like yourself by Day 5. Swelling and bruising decrease during this time, although your breasts will still feel tight and compressed. If you have stitches, your surgeon will remove them around Day 7. You might notice some itching or a burning sensation, but this is completely normal. Try to take short walks during this first week, but be on alert for any increase in discomfort or swelling.
While it’s a good idea to move your body every day to help with blood circulation, refrain from lifting heavy objects or even lifting your arms above your head. Lifting objects over your head may strain your incisions and cause bleeding or irritation.
Most people can return to work at this point.
Day 14
You have reached the 2-week mark and hopefully starting to see the results of your breast augmentation. Your incisions should be healing nicely, and your breasts will start to feel softer and more natural. Typically, you should not have much swelling or bruising after the 2-week mark, and you can stop wearing the surgical bra to bed at night.
You may notice some asymmetry in your breasts as one breast might start to “drop and fluff” faster than the other. Don’t be anxious; this is a common part of recovery and should improve as time goes by. You can resume low-intensity exercises like biking or lower-body workouts. Just make sure to avoid any activities that involve your chest muscles.
Day 30
You have reached the 1-month mark, and it’s time to show off your new figure! Your breasts should look and feel natural, with just a bit of firmness on the sides. You should feel much better and only experience the occasional twinge or shooting pain. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if you need to keep wearing a support bra.
After the 1-month mark, you should be ready for the pool or hot tub, provided your incisions are completely healed. You can also resume sleeping on your side, but sleeping on your stomach should wait a little longer.
Day 60
You are not fully healed yet, but you are on your way! After the 2-month mark, your surgeon will probably clear you to resume strenuous activities and upper body workouts. Get ready to show off your new breasts in a sundress or bikini! Any breast tightness and asymmetry should have significantly improved at this point.
If you want to read more about how breast augmentation works, check out this previous blog post.
Will I Have Scarring After Breast Augmentation?
Scarring is an inevitable part of breast augmentation, but there are ways to reduce the appearance of your scar. Typically, your breast implant scar will be determined by the placement of your incision. An inframammary incision follows the natural crease underneath your breast. The scar resulting from this type of incision is easily hidden under your clothing.
For more on how your choice of incision impacts your breast augmentation scar, check out this blog by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Other strategies to minimize scarring after your breast augmentation include:
- Sun protection
- Silicone scar creams and strips
- Diligent skin care
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of liquids