Although having a child can be one of the most amazing and meaningful experiences in a woman’s life, her body goes through an extreme amount of stress during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. These activities cause physical changes that can make a woman feel like her body has transformed into one she no longer recognizes. Although some of these changes can be improved through diet and exercise, many, like loose, sagging skin on the front of the abdomen, cannot be fully corrected without surgical intervention.
A Mommy Makeover combines several procedures, such as Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, and Liposuction, that help a woman reclaim her pre-baby body and feel more confident about her appearance again. But, multiple procedures require downtime, something which is often in short supply for busy moms! Here are some tips for healing faster and more easily from Mommy Makeover surgery by a real plastic surgeon.
What is the recovery after Mommy Makeover surgery like?
The recovery time from a Mommy Makeover can be one of the biggest hurdles for mothers, particularly those who are the primary child caretaker. Setting aside the time you need to rest and heal safely can be challenging. Plan on your initial recovery taking up to two weeks. Lifting more than five pounds and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least four weeks. The lifting restriction includes children, so often, the age of a woman’s children, how much lifting they require, and how much help can be provided will affect when a woman decides to undergo Mommy Makeover surgery.
A woman’s recovery time after a Mommy Makeover will ultimately depend on the specific procedures she has performed. The most common surgeries are Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, and Labiaplasty. It is important for a woman to think carefully about the timing of her surgery and discuss this schedule with her family and friends to ensure she has the support she needs during her recovery.
“When we combine multiple surgeries into one procedure, it may extend the recovery time compared to a single surgery,” explains Dr. Nathan Leigh, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “But, the recovery will still be much shorter than recovering from each individual surgery separately. That is a huge benefit for busy moms who want to achieve a more complete transformation with combined procedures and avoid excessive and repetitive downtime. Although the exact recovery time will be unique to each patient (generally around two weeks), there are several things a woman can do to ensure that her recovery from a Mommy Makeover is as healthy, fast, and easy as it can be.”
#1 – Lean on friends and family for support.
You will need assistance performing everyday tasks and maneuvering around your home for the first 24-48 hours after Mommy Makeover surgery. This includes getting in and out of bed, showering, getting dressed, cooking meals, and anything that involves lifting. Line up your support network well before your surgery so you can keep your focus on rest and recovery once you return home.
“It’s essential to organize childcare for your recovery if you have small children,” stresses Dr. Leigh. “Having a child leap into your arms for a hug or carrying a child can compromise the healing of incisions and cause complications that will prolong your recovery. Map out a plan with your family, so everyone is well aware of and prepared for your limitations after surgery.”
#2 – Design and prepare your recovery area before your surgery.
Comfort is key to a healthy recovery. Define an area in your home where you will spend most of your recovery. Whether it’s your bedroom or the couch in the family room, make sure it is stocked with blankets, pillows, and plenty of entertainment like books and streaming devices. Check that tables are in close proximity to this area, so anything you may need, like water or medications, is easy and safe to reach. Stock your fridge and cabinets with healthy, pre-made meals and snacks. Purchase cozy, loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t require you to lift your arms over your head to get on. Depending on the procedures you’ve had performed, your surgeon may recommend a toilet seat booster to avoid squatting too low. The better prepared you are before your surgery, the less stressful and manageable your recovery will be.
#3 – Follow your post-op instructions to the letter.
The most common reason for complication after Mommy Makeover surgery is a disregard of the instructions your surgeon gives you to follow after your procedure.
“It seems like it would be common sense to follow your post-op instructions closely after surgery,” says Dr. Leigh. “But, more often than not, if there is a complication after surgery, it is a direct result of a patient not following their post-care guidelines. This is not to suggest that certain patients are obtuse or negligent – it’s simply natural to want to push your boundaries when you start to feel better, and it can be a rude awakening when your body lets you know that it is NOT ready. Trying to lift too much too soon is a common culprit. I can’t stress enough how important it is to adhere to every single direction in your post-care instructions if you desire a healthy, fast recovery and great results. Your surgeon can’t follow you home and make sure you’re compliant. THIS part of the recovery is your responsibility.”
The information in your Mommy Makeover post-care instructions helps ensure that you heal the best you can and achieve the desired result from your surgery. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid complications, and make sure to share any concerns you have with your surgeon during your recovery.
#4 – Get your blood moving with short distance walking.
“Even though we stress getting a lot of rest after your Mommy Makeover, that doesn’t mean you should be completely sedentary during your recovery,” explains Dr. Leigh. “Moving your body with gentle activities like walking increases vital circulation throughout your body that aids in the healing process. Walking around the block a few times a day will help decrease swelling, prevent blood clots, and accelerate your recovery if you don’t push it too much.”
#5 – Avoid taking on too much too soon.
Mothers are notorious for being multi-tasking superheroes, so it can be challenging for women to take a break, decrease their activity, and depend on the help of others during their recovery from a Mommy Makeover. But, doing too much too soon can have a seriously negative impact on your recovery and results.
“Women are so used to taking care of everyone else that it can be very hard to put the brakes on and turn the focus on taking care of themselves first,” says Dr. Leigh. “But, this is exactly the commitment you need to make before embarking on a Mommy Makeover. Remember that you pursued this surgery to feel happier and more confident about your appearance. You owe it to yourself and your body to honor the time it needs to make a healthy and full recovery. Doing too much too soon not only extends the time you will need to heal, but it may also harm your results from surgery. Be patient and kind to yourself and be diligent about every aspect of your recovery so you can enjoy your new body and confident outlook as fast as possible!”
Are you considering Mommy Makeover surgery? Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss this combination surgery with Dr. Nathan Leigh or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery by calling (612) 688-3177, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
