However, as excited as many women are to undergo their Mommy Makeover, just as many are worried about the recovery period—they are still moms after all. Life doesn’t stop if you decide to undergo surgery, but that shouldn’t prevent you from looking and feeling fantastic. This recovery timeline will help you better plan following your Mommy Makeover to ensure a smoother transition into your normal life.
Recovery for Breast Procedures
Luckily, breast and abdominal procedures heal at similar rates. The difference is where you experience discomfort and the type of activities you are limited in performing. After your breast augmentation, you will feel a tight soreness across the chest. You may feel groggy for 24 to 48 hours from your anesthesia and should have someone else take care of young children during this time.
Most women begin to feel a reduction in pain after four days, at which time they can resume light activities around the house. You can return to work within two weeks but should avoid any heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Dr. Andreasen typically releases patients back to their regular physical activities after this time.
Recovery for Tummy Tuck
Having a tummy tuck still sets you on a similar recovery timeline as a breast augmentation, this is one reason why we can easily combine the procedures. The location of your discomfort will be different, with tightness across the abdomen. You will be required to wear a compression garment for the entirety of your recovery.
It is imperative that you limit the amount of strain you place on the abdominal muscles following a tummy tuck. You are more likely to develop seromas if you undergo intense physical activities too early. Dr. Andreasen usually allows patients to resume their regular exercise plans after four weeks.
Recovery for Liposuction
Liposuction typically has a shorter recovery period than other breast and body procedures. Since it is commonly used for abdominal and hip enhancement and improving the contour of your body, it is unlikely to cause additional discomfort. It is necessary for both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures that you wear your compression garment until Dr. Andreasen says it’s ok to stop. Compression garments help reduce postoperative swelling and promote tissue contraction, allowing your results to look better.
Tips to Help You Through Your Recovery
- Make sure someone is available to care for you and your children within the first 48 hours. You may need help walking throughout the house and replacing bandages. You will not be able to drive, so someone should be on hand in case an emergency arises.
- Pre-plan your resting area. If you live in a two-story house, we recommend setting up a comfortable spot downstairs with easy access to a restroom. Fill your medications beforehand and have a written schedule of when you need to take pain medications and antibiotics.
- Drink plenty of fluids—anesthesia can leave you feeling dehydrated. It is also necessary to keep up healthy nutrition to provide your body with the essentials it needs to heal itself.
- Plan for your children to carpool with other parents if your spouse is unable to drive them around. Within the first four to seven days, pain medication will prevent you from being able to operate a car.
If you have more questions about the Mommy Makeover recovery or are looking to schedule a breast or body consultation, contact our office today by calling 909-291-4900 or by contacting us online.
