Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Guide

Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Guide : Mommy Makeovers are becoming mainstream, but that doesn’t mean the procedure is a walk in the park. While today’s experienced plastic surgeons use the safest possible techniques, your body still needs time to heal.

On the other hand, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to be completely inactive. For instance, patients are usually asked to walk right after surgery.

So what exactly should you do, and when? Here’s your ultimate recovery guide so you can enjoy the benefits of a Mommy Makeover without complications.

First, let’s talk about what to do beforehand. Being properly prepared can mean the difference between a difficult recovery and a smooth one.

Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover

You can get headed in the right direction for a healthy recovery if you follow a few instructions before the procedure.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Have help ready. You will need help with some activities, such as housework, while you’re recovering from your Mommy Makeover.
Have all tests done beforehand. If your doctor has ordered blood tests or other tests, make sure to follow those instructions.
Stop medications that can encourage bleeding. Always ask your doctor which medicines you can and can’t take.
Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of postoperative complications.

Ask For Instructions Ahead of Time

While the information below is a general guideline, every patient is different, and so is every Mommy Makeover.

Ask your plastic surgeon for printed instructions or a link to postoperative instructions on exactly what to do after your surgery.

Your Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline

Keeping in mind that your situation is unique, here is what most patients can expect following their Mommy Makeover.

Immediately after surgery – 72 hours: You will be given medication to take home, or you will be given a prescription to pick up your medication. You will be asked to avoid medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs).
1-7 days: You will be asked to walk a very short distance following your surgery. Afterward, follow your doctor’s instructions on how much to walk daily. Movement is essential to help prevent the development of blood clots after surgery.
5-10 days: You may be able to go back to work if your job is sedentary. This will also depend on how your recovery is going. Ask your doctor when you’re ready to return to work.
1 week: You have probably been feeling soreness and experiencing swelling and bruising. This is normal. Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor, and make sure you have help around the house during this time.
2 weeks: You may have been feeling very tired during this time. Take naps when you need to, but stay gently active per your doctor’s instructions. This will usually involve walking. Soreness may begin to go down this week, and you will start to notice your swelling going down as well.
3 weeks: Most women are still feeling very tired during this time. If you’re back to work, find out whether you can work part-time. Stay active to the extent your doctor has advised, including walking. You may be able to begin driving again during this time.
4 weeks: You should notice that your swelling has decreased considerably compared to the time right after your surgery. Your post-surgical bruises should also be fading. You may also notice an increase in energy. Increase your activity if your doctor has told you it is fine to do so, but don’t overdo things at this stage.
6-8 weeks: You may be able to go back to your workout routine. Ask your doctor how active you can be, as this will partly depend on how your recovery is going. Your incisions should be fully closed during this time.

After the First Two Months

Depending upon what procedures you had for your Mommy Makeover, you should be feeling much more like yourself. You will probably be back to all your usual activities now.

You may notice some residual swelling, but it should be minimal. Pain should also be much less, or gone completely.

Your scars may take up to 18 months to fade to their permanent state.

When to Call Your Plastic Surgeon

Contact your doctor during your initial 8-week healing period if:

You have a fever.
You notice a dramatic increase in tiredness even though you are resting adequately.
Your incisions have been healing, but they separate.
You have incisions that haven’t begun to heal after the first few weeks.
You have a sudden increase in pain.

Communication With Your Plastic Surgeon Is Important

It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions exactly as he has given them. You should also be honest with your doctor about past or present drug and alcohol use and any medical conditions you have.

Make sure you go to all follow-up appointments. Don’t put these off. Your doctor can only advise you on your next recovery steps if he knows how you’re healing and what you’re experiencing.

The better your communication with your plastic surgeon, the better your chances of an easy recovery, so you can start enjoying the benefits of your Mommy Makeover as soon as possible.