Following a significant weight loss might result in sagging in the breast and around your abdominal area when fat is eliminated. If you feel this, a breast lift and a tummy tuck can be the suitable operation for you.
Recovery is a critical step in your recovery journey, so getting all the information you can about how this process will affect your body is essential. We are here to tell you about tummy tucks and breast lift recovery.
This article also discuss tummy tuck and breast lift cost and warning signs after tummy tuck.
Recovery Time for Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift
Your recovery time will depend largely on your body’s recovery rate and the procedures that are part of your mommy makeover. Normally, the length of your recuperation period will increase with the number of treatments you have had.. Keep in mind that recovery from a mommy makeover is typically not short.
The length of recovery time you will need is dictated by your most extensive procedure. For most patients, this is a tummy tuck. Here is a rough estimate of the recovery time for the most common procedures:
- Breast lift and/or augmentation – back to work within a few days, six weeks before lifting or strenuous exercise
- Liposuction – back to work the next day, six weeks before lifting or strenuous exercise
- Tummy tuck – back to work after about two weeks, at least six weeks before lifting or exercising
Preparing for Recovery
Before your operation, there are a few things you may do to facilitate healing. Start by preparing a special rest area for yourself. Make sure to get extra pillows (we recommend a full body pillow) so that you will be completely supported while you rest. You should also put everything you will need, such as snacks, a water bottle, a wash basin, books/magazines, and any hobbies, within easy reach of your bed or recliner.
Immediately After Surgery
A mommy makeover is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you will go home the same day as your surgery. You will be sent home with the appropriate compression garments (included in the cost of your surgery) and a prescription for pain medication. North Raleigh Plastic Surgery does not carry or dispense narcotic pain medication.
You will need someone to drive you home as you will be coming out of anesthesia and will be on pain medication. We cannot allow patients to drive themselves home after surgery.
You should also arrange for childcare and help around the house for a few days, as you will be on narcotic pain medication for around one week after surgery. You won’t be able to drive when using narcotic pain relievers. After the first week, we recommend using NSAIDs (Motrin or Advil) for pain.
You can resume light childcare duties (cooking, helping with homework) after this time but you will still not be able to lift anything more than 5 pounds until approximately 6 weeks post-op.
It is important to note that if a tummy tuck was part of your mommy makeover, you will need to remain bent at the waist for approximately two weeks after surgery.
Plan to sleep on your back or side during recovery. Many patients choose to sleep in a recliner as it helps them stay bent at the waist.
1-6 Weeks Post-Surgery
You will have your first post-op appointment with Dr. Ortiz at the 1 week mark, and another appointment at the 2 month/6 week mark. Any stitches will be removed at your first post-op appointment.
After surgery, you should anticipate bruising for 1-3 weeks, swelling for 2-8 weeks, and soreness/tenderness for a few weeks.
While complications are rare, the most common complication after a cosmetic procedure is infection at the incision sites. To lower this risk, follow all of Dr. Ortiz’s post-op care instructions and avoid swimming for at least three weeks after surgery.
You will continue to wear compression garments during this time and may return to work after approximately 2-3 weeks.
6+ Weeks Post-Surgery
At approximately 6 weeks/2 months after your mommy makeover, you should be able to start returning to your normal activities, including exercise. You will start to see the results of your operation at this point, and the swelling ought to have started to go down.
You will have your final post-operative appointment with Dr. Ortiz 6 months after surgery.
Tummy Tuck And Breast Lift Cost
The cost of cosmetic surgery procedures can vary widely depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon performing the procedure. According to a consumer guide, a tummy tuck typically costs between $425 and $1,800. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to create a smoother, firmer profile. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies and are left with loose, sagging skin around their midsection.
In addition to tummy tucks, the consumer guide also lists the cost of other popular cosmetic surgery procedures. A breast lift, or mastopexy, typically costs between $1,000 and $1,300. A breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts to create a more youthful and perky appearance. This procedure is often sought by women who have experienced sagging or drooping breasts due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Breast augmentation, another popular cosmetic surgery procedure, typically costs between $600 and $800 according to the consumer guide. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of implants to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. This procedure is often sought by women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts and wish to enhance their overall appearance.
It is important to note that the cost of cosmetic surgery procedures can vary based on a number of factors, including the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the location of the practice, and the specific techniques used during the procedure. Patients considering cosmetic surgery should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their options and determine the best course of action for achieving their desired results.
Overall, the cost of cosmetic surgery procedures can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of procedure and the individual patient’s needs. Patients should carefully consider their options and consult with a qualified surgeon to ensure they are making an informed decision about their cosmetic surgery journey.
Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck
Pain, bruising, swelling, and digestive problems are normal and inevitable consequences of the tummy tuck. However, you should be aware of some warning signs after a tummy tuck, such as:
- High fever because it shows infection;
- Severe pain in the operated area;
- Pus or green fluid discharging from the incisions;
- Excessive bleeding in the incision site;
- Shortness of breath; and
- It prolonged bruising and numbness in and around the operated area.
