How Long Is Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Posted February 26, 2025 in Mommy Makeover
For patients considering a Mommy Makeover, the recovery process can sometimes seem daunting. However, one of the best ways to feel prepared for recovery is to learn about the process and what supplies you will need ahead of time so you can focus on resting after surgery. This blog discusses what you can expect immediately after your procedure, how your pain and swelling will progress over the weeks, and when you can start doing different activities once your body is up to it.
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Planning for Mommy Makeover Recovery
Before you can enjoy the full results from your Mommy Makeover, you’ll have to allow some time for your body to rest and completely heal. Everyone’s body is different and will recover at different rates after surgery. Some of the factors affecting recovery time, or healing time, are age, hormonal status, use of hyperbaric medicine, nutritional status or deficiencies, and overall health. Additionally, your recovery time will depend on the surgeries you choose as a part of your procedure.
When planning your recovery, it is important to understand the various stages so you can adequately prepare your space at home and take the necessary time off work. Since rest is an essential part of the healing process, you’ll need to factor in what daily responsibilities need to be put on hold and if you’ll need to arrange for additional assistance, like childcare or pet care. There are things you can do ahead of time, like pick up pain medication prescriptions, compression garments, and anything else you may need post-surgery. This will help make things easier on you when you return home after your Mommy Makeover.
What Can I Expect Immediately After Mommy Makeover Surgery?
After you wake up and the anesthesia starts to wear off, you can expect to feel some discomfort in your treatment areas (commonly the breasts and abdomen). You’ll need to have someone stay with you for the first 24–48 hours since you’ll have limited mobility and will need help around the house. Your treatment areas will be swollen, and you can expect swelling to last throughout recovery. Compression garments will need to be worn around the treatment areas to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
How Long Do Pain and Swelling Last?
It is typical to feel some pain during recovery as swelling persists and your body adapts to the surgical changes. You may also feel temporary numbness in your breasts, abdomen, or other treatment areas. The first few days tend to be when you’ll feel the most discomfort, but after the first week, you’ll likely feel much better. Your pain medications should help manage discomfort, and be sure to let your surgeon know if your pain intensifies or worsens. The greatest discomfort from the Mommy Makeover procedure tends to be the muscle-tightening portion of the tummy tuck. This can be improved with the use of a long-lasting numbing medication (EXPAREL®) injected into the muscle at the time of surgery. This numbing effect can last for 48–72 hours.
Swelling will decrease over time, though your treatment areas may be swollen for a few months. If breast augmentation was a part of your procedure, you can expect your breasts to appear larger than the final result due to swelling. Alternatively, the breasts can also appear smaller due to swelling in the central chest/chest bone or sternum area, depending on the amount of work done in this area. If the chest bone area is swollen, then the relative projection of the breasts appears proportionally smaller. Around two to three months after surgery, once swelling subsides, your final size result will be visible. It is recommended not to buy new bras until this happens.
During recovery, it is essential not to put pressure on the treatment areas. This means sleeping on your back, slightly elevated, to avoid pressing your breasts or stomach against the bed. Some patients choose to use a wedge pillow, stacks of regular pillows, or a recliner to help them sleep in a way that supports their healing.
How Long Will I Have Restrictions on Activities?
As your body heals, you’ll slowly be able to return to your regular activities. However, throughout most of the recovery stages, you’ll need to prioritize rest and light walks to help your blood circulate. Many patients need to take one to two weeks off work so they can focus on healing during the early recovery stage. You also won’t be able to lift anything heavy for around four to six weeks. In general, all strenuous physical activities must be avoided for a minimum of six weeks or longer as directed by your surgeon.
Before implementing new activities into your routine, always check with your surgeon to ensure that they are safe. Following your surgeon’s instructions will help ensure that you have a safe and smooth recovery and can enjoy your Mommy Makeover results as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Mommy Makeover Consultation in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re interested in a Mommy Makeover, contact Dr. Pablo Prichard’s Scottsdale office to learn more about the procedure and your options. To schedule a consultation, call (480) 752-7874 or fill out our online contact form.