The recovery period for a mommy makeover surgery can vary, depending on the specific type of procedures involved and your healing abilities.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips
Recovery time for a Mommy Makeover varies from patient to patient and depends on the specific combination of cosmetic procedures. The average mommy makeover recovery time is about six weeks.
According to Dr. Illich Navarro from Mommy Makeover Tijuana for initial recovery, patients should take at least two weeks off work to rest and recover. During this period, help with childcare and heavy lifting will be necessary.
After three months, most patients have returned to all normal activities, including exercise. It can take six months to one year to see final results; this is normal and expected.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips:
- Do not smoke. Smoking interrupts blood flow and can cause nasty complications like necrosis (tissue death).
- Get help. Having a friend or family member check on you at least once a day can make a huge difference in how smooth your recovery goes. They can help with prescriptions, meals, and other tasks you may feel too weak to do yourself.
- Rest. When you sleep, your body can make great strides in healing. Getting eight hours of sleep a night is encouraged, as are naps.
- Walk. This helps prevent blood clots and promotes circulation. During the first week, you can walk around your room a few times a day. Graduate to slightly longer walks outside as you feel ready.
- Hydrate and eat healthy food. A diverse and balanced array of nutrients will help your body recover and repair. Order groceries and have someone help you prepare nutritious meals. Alternatively, you can meal prep and freeze foods to reheat before surgery.
- Lymphatic massage. Manual lymphatic drainage effectively reduces swelling and, can be an excellent option for patients who want to eliminate excess fluid and toxins during their recovery.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Process
Based on the average recovery timeline of six weeks, here is a rough outline of what to expect.
Week 1
After surgery, you will be dressed in bandages, compression garments, and possibly drains. Most patients find the first two days the hardest as they cope with low energy and the residual effects of anesthesia. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort are at their highest levels this week.
This week, abundant rest and careful incision care are of utmost importance. Walking around your room promotes circulation and healing, but lifting anything over five pounds is strictly prohibited.
Week 2
Most women feel a little better by this week but are still in the “downtime” stage. There can still be significant swelling and bruising, so many patients continue to use pain medication prescribed by Dr. Illich.
Short walks outside are encouraged to prevent blood clots, but rest and frequent naps are still important. It’s also paramount to adhere to your post-operative instructions to avoid complications, no matter how much better you’re feeling.
Week 3 - 4
By this week, many patients can return to work at a desk job and participate in activities like going out to a restaurant or driving. Heavy lifting, including grocery bags and laundry baskets, should still be avoided. Light walking and plenty of rest are still crucial for optimal healing.
Week 5 - 6
By this period, most women feel much more energized. Patients may be cleared to resume moderate exercise and lift up to ten pounds. Incisions should be completely closed, but residual swelling is common.
After six weeks, most patients can return to their normal routine completely. However, everyone is different. As with any procedure, it’s essential to follow the personalized Mommy Makeover recovery plan outlined by your surgeon for best results.
