How to Prepare for the Mommy Makeover Recovery Process

Many women are concerned about the physical changes that pregnancy brings to the body, such as stretch marks, saggy breasts, and unwanted fat deposits. For many women, bouncing back from these natural changes isn’t as easy as it seems. A Mommy Makeover can help restore your pre-motherhood body and enhance your self-esteem. Here’s what to know about preparing for your Mommy Makeover and what the recovery process looks like.

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Popular Mommy Makeover Procedures

Mommy Makeovers are customizable and versatile, making them a popular choice for women who want to rejuvenate certain aspects of their bodies. Below are some of the most popular procedures that women choose to include in their Mommy Makeover:

Breast procedures:

• A breast lift (mastopexy) can address sagging breasts, restoring their perkiness.
• Many women choose to include breast augmentation to restore asymmetric or misshapen breasts, increase cup size, and improve chest contour.
• Some women struggle with overly large, cumbersome breasts after pregnancy. A breast reduction can help remove unwanted volume for a more proportionate bust size.

Liposuction can address unwanted pockets of fat for a perfectly contoured silhouette.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can address separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and tighten loose skin for a flatter tummy appearance.

Prepare for Recovery Ahead of Time

A safe and healthy recovery starts before surgery. Preparing a few key things ahead of time can help you have a smoother, faster Mommy Makeover recovery.

Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications

Don’t take medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diet pills, or herbal supplements two weeks before your Mommy Makeover surgery and two weeks after. These medications are blood thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Arrange for Child and Pet Care

A Mommy Makeover is a major procedure that requires plenty of rest after surgery. During the initial days and weeks of your Mommy Makeover recovery, you won’t be able to engage in routine activities like carrying your children or walking your dog. As a result, you will need to arrange for a trusted adult to take over the majority of child and pet care. Pre-arranging for someone to take over these responsibilities ensures a smooth, stress-free recovery.

Pre-fill Any Medications

Just like most surgeries, driving or walking for long distances after a Mommy Makeover is a big “No!” That’s why you should fill any prescriptions, like painkillers, before your surgery. This will save you the stress and pain of making a pharmacy trip during your recovery time.

Stock Up on Groceries and Prep Food

Go grocery shopping in advance to buy easy-to-prepare food, and cook and freeze your meals. Doing so allows you to enjoy a healthy diet without having to worry about cooking, which is essential for a better healing process and shorter recovery time.

Create an Ideal Recovery Space

A convenient space in your home (usually a bedroom) is a priority for a comfortable and stress-free Mommy Makeover recovery. Here’s what to include in your designated area:

• Extra comfortable pillows to support your body while resting.
• Plenty of entertainment (e.g., a tablet, books, or TV shows) within arm’s reach to keep you engaged.
• Recovery-appropriate clothes like soft button-up shirts that are easy to put on and take off.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline

The average Mommy Makeover recovery time is about four to six weeks. However, this time may vary depending on the procedures included in your Mommy Makeover and your body’s natural healing rate.

Immediately After Surgery

Your surgeon will monitor you for a few hours before sending you home with compression garments and a prescription for pain management if necessary. You will be groggy and tired, so a responsible adult will need to drive you home and stay with you for the first 48 hours after surgery.

1–3 Weeks

Swelling will reduce, and you’ll start gaining mobility. You can resume some light household duties after a week. However, don’t lift anything heavier than five pounds, use the stairs, or take baths, as these things can hinder recovery.

You’ll be back to work by the third week post-surgery. However, this time may be longer for some patients, depending on individual healing and the type of job.

4–6 Weeks

During this period, more of your energy will return, and swelling will reduce significantly. You will feel more confident being mobile and going out in public, but avoid physically demanding exercises and tasks until cleared by your surgeon.

6+ Weeks Post-surgery

At this point, you can fully return to your regular routine, and you can slowly start to incorporate exercise. Incision scars will typically turn pink and flatten out.

Interested in a Mommy Makeover in Scottsdale, AZ?

Dr. Robert J. Spies, a board-certified plastic surgeon, can help you achieve your pre-pregnancy body goals. He has decades of experience performing Mommy Makeovers and providing exceptional care to his Scottsdale patients. Give us a call today at (480) 359-1019, or fill out our contact form to book your consultation.