You’ve accomplished one of the hardest experiences your body will ever endure: childbirth. But your body hasn’t bounced back like you thought it would, or has found new contours you didn’t ask for.
We understand how difficult it is to feel like a stranger in your own body. The Mommy Makeover is the perfect solution. But your hands are full with little ones, so how long is the Mommy Makeover recovery timeline?
It takes 4-6 weeks to recover, and each week presents new milestones as your body heals while your ideal silhouette emerges. You’ll want to prepare accordingly to make recovery as smooth as possible, which is why board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cat created this helpful guide.
First thing’s first, let’s go over how to prepare for Mommy Makeover surgery.
Step 1: Prepare Your Mommy Makeover Checklist
Your Mommy Makeover recovery timeline starts with preparation. During your pre-op visit, a specialized Mommy Makeover surgeon like Dr. Cat will provide thorough preparation instructions.
Here’s a Mommy Makeover checklist to make your recovery seamless:
- Prepare your home for ultimate rest and comfort:
- Arrange childcare (including drop-offs, pick-ups, and babysitting)
- Hire petsitters
- Clean your living space
- Recruit a loved-one or helper to help out with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
- Set up your recovery area with:
- Extra pillows
- Wound care supplies
- Reading materials
- Water
- Snacks
- Hobbies
- Electronics
- Chargers
- Medications
- Arrange transportation to and from your surgery
- Plan to take 2-3 weeks off of work
- Quit smoking at least 1-month before surgery
- Avoid blood-thinners like aspirin
- Review medications and supplements with your surgeon’s staff
- Arrive at a stable weight to ensure a healthy and smooth recovery
This preparation is key to ensure each week of your recovery is smooth and that your Mommy Makeover results last long term. So, what should you expect post-op?
Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline: Week by Week
Week 1: R&R
Your first week of recovery will be the most challenging, which is why you should only plan to sleep, rest, and eat. It’s okay to get up and move around a little, but take it slow. Your body is healing and it’s normal to feel sluggish, hunched over, and lethargic.
Find a comfortable sleeping position and take your prescribed pain management medications. And remember: the discomfort will pass, and each week will get better, so go easy on yourself.
Week 2: Steady Improvement
You’ll start feeling better by week two. But there will probably be noticeable swelling and bruising. If so, you can continue taking your pain medications (as advised and prescribed by your surgeon).
Take short, slow walks around the neighborhood to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. You’ll also want to stay hydrated and avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10 pounds can disrupt your incisions from healing properly). Although you might feel improved, take it slow and follow your post-op instructions to avoid any complications.
By now, you’ll start to notice your gorgeous new silhouette. This can be exciting and overwhelming. Give yourself space to process and keep realistic expectations as your body heals.
Week 3: Be Patient
Around week 3, you might feel more energized and less swollen. Or, you might still feel sluggish and irritated that you’re not recovering faster. These are each normal responses. Everyone’s Mommy Makeover recovery timeline and experience is unique.
Try to be patient with yourself and your body. If you feel good enough, increase your physical activity to longer walks and light, low-invasive movement. You’ll be cleared to drive and return to work (only if you don’t have a physically demanding job).
Week 4: Getting Back to Normal
One month post-op, swelling and bruising will decrease and you’ll feel more energized. You’re officially cleared for light cardio workouts, but tread carefully. As tempting as it is to rock that new pilates outfit that now fits you like a glove, you don’t want to do anything too physically demanding – yet.
Wear compression garments as advised by your surgeon.
Week 5-6: Rock Your Body!
Congratulations! You made it to an important milestone on your Mommy Makeover recovery timeline. With your incisions closed, you can now fully embrace your new figure and get back to most physical activities, including high-intensity aerobics. However, you should postpone heavy weight lifting until week 8.
Get ready for a wave of newfound confidence as you fully embrace your new frame. The body you’ve been dreaming of is yours; you deserve it!
5 Tips for A Smoother Recovery
- 1. Always attend your post-op follow-up visits. These are imperative to ensure you’re healing properly and to assess if you need any adjustments in your follow-up care.
- 2. Don’t smoke: As tempting as it can be for smokers to light up, smoking disrupts blood flow and can cause complications. It’s simply not worth it.
- 3. Take regular, short walks to encourage blood flow and prevent blood clots.
- 4. Don’t lift anything over 10 lbs – not even your child. It’s vital to protect your incisions and avoid putting any strain on your chest muscles and abdomen. This can ultimately widen your scars.
- 5. Maintain a healthy, balanced, nutrient-dense diet. While healing, your body needs necessary vitamins and minerals in whole foods to stay strong and resilient.
FAQs About the Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
1. What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a suite of cosmetic surgeries that restore a woman’s silhouette following childbirth. It addresses specific problem areas in the abdomen and breasts, where changes are most noticeable after giving birth. Mommy Makeover’s include a breast augmentation and tummy tuck, but can also combine other procedures to achieve desired results.
2. What is Included in a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover combines several cosmetic surgeries tailored to your aesthetic goals. It most commonly includes a breast augmentation and tummy tuck, but can also include a:
3. Are All Procedures in a Mommy Makeover Done at Once?
In many cases, yes, the procedures are all done at once. However, some patients prefer to undergo the various procedures in different stages to accommodate their individual needs, lifestyle, or budget. Ultimately, a great surgeon like Dr. Cat Begovic will walk you through your options and curate a Mommy Makeover timeline just for you.
4. How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Mommy Makeover?
The complete Mommy Makeover recovery timeline is about 4-6 weeks to resume normal daily activities. However, patients may experience swelling up to six months, when the scars fully subside, and the final results are visible.
Mommy Makeover Examples
After childbirth, many women feel deprived of their former self. They dream of their pre-baby figure, but the reality is, pregnancy and childbirth drastically changes a woman’s body. It’s a beautiful, but emotionally turbulent process. But there is always a spark of hope in the cosmetic procedures known as a Mommy Makeover.
Dr. Cat is committed to helping women regain their confidence by embracing a silhouette they love to live in. Just take a look at our gallery of Dr. Cat’s Mommy Makeover patients.
Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline Starts Here, at Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery!
Dr. Cat Begovic is the leading innovator in Beverly Hills cosmetic enhancements. Her patients travel locally and from across the globe to entrust their aesthetic goals into her careful hands.
Dr. Cat’s patient care is her highest priority. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery to create a Mommy Makeover recovery timeline that harmoniously complements your lifestyle. We look forward to hearing from you!
