Mommy Makeover Recovery: What to Expect
Written by Novin Ariana
A mommy makeover surgery offers an extensive surgical solution to all the physical changes that happen to a woman’s body after her pregnancies. It helps women improve their body’s aesthetic appearance by restoring the shape and curves. The goal is to help women return to their pre-pregnancy body and boost their self-confidence. Compared to getting a single surgery that will only have limited results, as it will focus on one part of the body, the Mommy Makeover enhances the shape of a woman’s entire body. Hence, one of the main questions women have on their minds when opting for this surgery is what the recovery looks like.
Today’s blog will break down the mommy makeover recovery journey week-by-week and give you all the crucial details you should know to ensure smooth healing.
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What is a Mommy Makeover?
Before jumping into the recovery details of the mommy makeover procedure, let’s first break down what it is. A mommy makeover isn’t just one surgical procedure. In fact, it includes multiple procedures that address the different physical changes that occur in a woman’s body as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.
What this procedure aims to do is to help the patient achieve the body shape they had before pregnancy, which inevitably becomes a source of better emotional and even physical health.
The unique thing about a mommy makeover is that this procedure is highly customizable. It can include all the surgeries that help address the laxity and the loss of volume in different parts of the body.
The following surgeries are a part of the mommy makeover procedure:
Tummy Tuck
Also known as an Abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck surgery is meant to eliminate the sag in the belly area. It removes the folds and excess skin as well as any excess fat deposits. In addition, it also helps with strengthening and tightening the abdominal muscles. The issue of weakened and separated abdominal muscles is called diastasis recti, which is usually a result of pregnancy.
Breast Lift
This procedure is also referred to as a mastopexy, in which the saggy breasts are lifted to improve their shape so the overall contours of the body are enhanced.
Liposuction
Pregnancy can result in fat deposits in areas of the body such as the hips and thighs. Liposuction helps with this, as fat deposits that don’t reduce with just diet and exercise are suctioned out to slim down the body and reveal a natural hourglass shape.
Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy causes the breasts to lose volume and droop downwards. Breast augmentation uses implants to enhance the size and projection of the breasts as well as increase their shape.
Breast reduction
Pregnancy can leave women with a lot of fat and tissue in the breasts. Breast reductions involve surgery to remove the excess fat, skin, and tissue to reduce the size of the breasts and bring them to a size that complements the body shape of the patient.
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A Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline of the Mommy Makeover Procedure
Since the mommy makeover involves multiple procedures, the downtime for this can be lengthy. The early recovery can require up to 6 weeks. On the other hand, long-term recovery can take up to a year.
Ultimately, every patient is different and will have their own unique journey of healing. However, the timeline below gives you an accurate picture of what every stage of the mommy makeover recovery looks like. Let’s begin.
First Week
The first week after a Mommy Makeover procedure is probably the most uncomfortable because of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. As your body begins recovery, pressure and fatigue dominate these early days.
The best way to get through the first week post-surgery is to take prescribed medications and compression bandages as directed, rest, monitor the surgical drains, and follow the surgical team’s advice on posture and activity level.
Second Week
The second week post-op brings some gradual relief, and the pain, swelling, and bruising begin to resolve. As the body is still in the healing phase, some fatigue and lethargy persist. However, the incision sites start to improve, and mobility gets better as well.
Additionally, most patients can begin low-impact exercises like a light walk at this time. In fact, depending on the extent of the Mommy Makeover surgery, some patients can go back to their desk jobs too.
Third and Fourth Week
The third and fourth weeks are when the most improvement is noticed. Most of the pain, swelling, and bruising fully resolve by this point in the recovery period.
Moreover, patients find it easier to move around and perform light daily tasks, although some tenderness may persist on movement. Barring any complications, most patients continue with their desk jobs as well as light daily activities and low-impact exercises.
Fifth and Sixth Week
Weeks five and six after a Mommy Makeover are highlighted by visible improvement on the surface. Although the body is still healing inside, on the surface the aesthetic improvements begin to take shape as the swelling fully resolves.
On the other hand, there may still be some altered sensations (e.g., numbness) in some surgical sites due to progressive nerve healing; however, for the most part, the aesthetic outcomes become more noticeable.
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Tips to Better Heal From a Mommy Makeover
- You should avoid smoking during healing, as it can restrict blood flow and cause other complications.
- Hydrate yourself thoroughly by drinking plenty of water and follow a nutrient-rich diet to heal easily.
- Avoid drinking coffee excessively, as caffeine can dehydrate the body and hinder its healing.
- Additionally, avoid drinking alcohol, as it can prevent proper wound healing and lead to more inflammation.
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Interested in Getting a Mommy Makeover?
At Novin Ariana Health Clinic, we only offer you the best plastic surgeons who are Board-certified to ensure your maximum safety and satisfaction. Book your consultation here.
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Read our blog to learn about what kind of surgeries a Mommy makeover includes and how this procedure can transform your whole body and revitalize your look.