Mommy Makeover Recovery By Stuart Baker on October 14, 2017

Having children is an incredible experience, but it can cause many women to miss their pre-baby bodies. The changes brought on by pregnancy, like excess skin on the abdomen or sagging breasts, are often impossible to improve with diet or exercise. At the Center for Cosmetic Medicine, Dr. Stuart Baker uses a variety of body contouring treatments to create a slender, streamlined appearance. Many treatments, including abdominoplasty and breast lift, may be combined in a mommy makeover to completely transform and restore a woman's appearance after having children.

Before undergoing a mommy makeover, patients should be aware of what to expect during recovery. Dr. Baker explains what to expect throughout the mommy makeover recovery process during consultations at his practice in Champaign, IL.

Each mommy makeover recovery will vary from person to person and largely depends on the procedures performed along with personal healing times. Here, we will take a brief look at what to expect during a general mommy makeover recovery. Contact the Center for Cosmetic Medicine to receive your personalized recovery plan.

Expect Some Pain, Swelling, and Bruising

Some pain, swelling, and bruising are to be expected after undergoing plastic surgery procedures as a part of a mommy makeover. Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside as the body heals. However, pain medications will be prescribed to help ease discomfort and ice packs may be applied to reduce swelling. Also, keeping areas that were operated on elevated and wearing compression garments as recommended can help alleviate swelling.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Strenuous activity and heavy lifting must be avoided for several weeks after a mommy makeover in order to allow the body time to heal and to lower the risk of complications. Resuming strenuous activity, including rigorous exercise or lifting children, too soon after surgery can increase swelling, cause stitches to tear, or increase the risk of infection. Strenuous activity should not resume until approved by a physician, which typically occurs around six weeks of recovery.

Plan to Take Time off from Work

After a mommy makeover, patients will need time to recover before returning to work. The total amount of time will vary based on the type and number of procedures performed as well as personal healing times. However, most women will be recovered enough to return to work within one to two weeks.

Arrange for Help for Yourself and Children

Following a mommy makeover, patients will need help taking care of themselves and any young children they may have. It may be difficult to get up and down, make meals, or take care of other personal needs in the first few days after surgery so arranging for a friend, spouse, or other family member to help for several days after surgery is beneficial to recovery.

Make Driving Arrangements

Most patients will not be able to drive for seven to ten days after surgery and never while taking certain pain medications. Moms who need to drive their children to school, sports practice, or other activities should arrange for a friend or family member to drive their children until they have been cleared to drive by their physician.