Mommy Makeover Recovery and Aftercare

Mommy makeover recovery and aftercare are key to safe healing and the best possible results. Knowing what to expect during the first few days and the weeks that follow can help you plan ahead, reduce complications, and prepare for the healing process. Here is an overview of mommy makeover recovery and aftercare:

Table of Contents

Managing Swelling

The first few days after mommy makeover surgery are fundamental for your recovery; you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort across the surgical sites. Arrange for a caregiver to stay with you during this period, as you’ll need assistance with daily activities. Take all prescribed medications on schedule to manage pain and prevent infection.

Avoid lifting anything heavier than a phone, and limit movement to basic activities such as using the bathroom. Sleep in an elevated position with pillows supporting your back and knees to reduce swelling. Your surgeon will provide compression garments to wear continuously; these garments minimize swelling and support healing tissues. Follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including dietary guidelines.

Caring for Incisions

During the second week of recovery from mommy makeover procedures, you’ll need to focus on specific care tasks while avoiding the urge to resume normal activities too quickly. Here are key recovery tasks you need to pay attention to:

Incision monitoring: Check surgical sites daily for signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge. Keep incisions clean and dry according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Drain management: If drains were placed during surgery, you’ll need to empty them regularly and track output. Your surgeon will remove them once drainage decreases to acceptable levels.
Movement restrictions: Continue avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and overhead reaching. Walking short distances around your home helps prevent blood clots without straining healing tissues.
Shower guidelines: You may receive clearance to shower, but avoid submerging incisions in water. Pat surgical sites dry gently rather than rubbing.

Some patients may be tempted to do more as pain decreases, but pushing too hard can cause complications.

Returning to Activities Gradually

Between weeks three and six, you’ll notice significant improvements in energy and mobility. Swelling continues to decrease, though some areas may remain puffy for several more weeks. You can gradually increase daily activities, but avoid exercises that target surgical areas.

Light walking becomes helpful during this phase to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Start with short walks and increase duration as your body tolerates. Compression garments should still be worn as directed, though your surgeon may adjust the wearing schedule.

Returning to work depends on your job type. Desk jobs may be possible around week three, but physically demanding positions require more time off. Driving is generally cleared once you stop taking prescription pain medication and can perform emergency maneuvers comfortably.

Maintaining Long-Term Results

As you move beyond the six-week mark, focus shifts to scar management and watching your final results develop. Here are key components of maintaining results:

Scar treatment: Begin using silicone sheets or gels as recommended by your surgeon.
Exercise progression: Avoid high-intensity workouts or heavy lifting until your surgeon provides clearance, usually around 8-12 weeks.
Results timeline: Final results take several months to appear as swelling completely resolves.
Weight maintenance: Maintain a stable body weight to preserve surgical results.
Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled visits so your surgeon can monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Patients often experience substantial improvements by three months post-surgery, though subtle changes may persist for up to a year.

Book Your Mommy Makeover Appointment

Mommy makeover recovery progresses through distinct phases, each requiring specific care. The first few days focus on rest and pain management, while subsequent weeks involve careful progression of activity and wound care. Following your surgeon’s instructions and allowing adequate healing time will aid your recovery and help you achieve the best results. Contact a qualified surgeon near you to book your post-baby body makeover appointment today.