If you’ve ever dreamed of reversing the impacts of pregnancy on your body, you’re not alone. In fact, new reports show that procedures geared towards moms, like the customizable mommy makeover, have become increasingly popular in recent years. As cosmetic surgery becomes more in demand, many women have sought to create a faster mommy makeover recovery process, regardless of the procedures involved.
Now, let’s be honest: Most busy moms don’t have time to sit around during a long recovery process. However, that doesn’t mean you should compromise a successful recovery in the name of getting back to business. By following some of our best advice and mommy makeover recovery tips, you can make the most out of your healing time and discover the new body you’ve always dreamed of.
What is a mommy makeover?
Simply put, a mommy makeover surgery is a series of combined procedures designed to help you achieve your pre pregnancy shape fast. With the insight of a board certified plastic surgeon, you can create a custom-tailored plan to restore your tummy, breasts, and booty, and repair any sagging skin leftover from your pregnant belly.
Some of the most common procedures used in mommy makeovers include:
Tummy Tuck
Pregnancy takes a huge toll on a woman’s body, especially in the abdominal section. If you have excess skin that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how strictly you diet and exercise, a tummy tuck can be used to remove this skin and create a slimmer waistline quickly.
Breast Augmentation
Regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed, it’s inevitable that your breasts will be impacted by fluctuations in milk levels during and after your pregnancy. Breast augmentation can help you achieve fuller breasts using safe, effective implants made from silicone or saline.
Alternatively, you can also choose to have a breast lift that can help you reshape the look of your breasts without any implantation. This is a great choice for women whose nipples have become displaced due to breastfeeding.
Liposuction
Liposuction is perhaps the least invasive of the all the mommy makeover procedure options, using specialized equipment to gently remove excess fat from the body. This one procedure can be used to target the tummy, butt, thighs, and anywhere else you may be carrying excess weight.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
It goes without saying that a woman’s private area is heavily impacted by giving birth, but few procedures are designed to address this deeply personal issue. Thankfully, vaginal rejuvenation has gained significant attention in recent years, and has been a game-changer for achieving the mommy makeover results you really want.
Using combined procedures, such as a labiaplasty, vaginal rejuvenation can improve the appearance and function of the vaginal area, helping you to feel like your pre baby self all over again.
How long is the mommy makeover recovery process?
Depending on which procedures you choose, the healing process can vary greatly from person to person. Like any plastic surgery, you’ll need to consult with your doctor to ensure you have a healthy recovery, even if that means scheduling each individual surgery separately.
That said, most mommy makeover patients can expect to recover within a few months of their initial operation, even after having multiple surgeries.
Tip 1: Talk to your Doctor
Tip 1: Talk to your DoctorFirst, remember that each mommy makeover surgery is different, so each recovery will come with a different list of post op instructions. No matter what combination of procedures you choose, you can expect to have a lengthy recovery time if you want to heal properly and avoid complications.
With that in mind, you’ll need to talk to your plastic surgeon to determine the best way to achieve your results safely and effectively. This can mean spacing out multiple procedures to let your body heal in between. You should also carefully review your post operative instructions and make any necessary arrangements to your work and family schedule.
For most patients, the first few weeks will be the most crucial part of the recovery time, so be sure to create a game plan with yourself, your provider, and your at-home support team.
Tip 2: Arrange Child Care
Most women will be unable to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity during the first two weeks of recovery, especially if they’ve had a tummy tuck. Typically, this means avoiding lifting anything that weighs more than twenty-five pounds.
If you have small children, this can be a huge disruption to your daily routine and may require you to plan ahead with childcare arrangements. Whether you decide to hire a full-time caregiver or use the support of a family member, make sure that the needs of both yourself and your little one will be covered.
Tip 3: Eat Well and Hydrate
Fueling your body is an essential part of recovery, as well as getting the best results from your mommy makeover. Be sure to stock your kitchen with nutrient-dense foods, hydrating drinks, and any other essentials for the weeks following your surgery date. It can also be useful to prep meals ahead of time, as you likely won’t be able to be on your feet in the initial stages of recovery.
Tip 4: Prepare Your Recovery Space
While certain patients may require a longer period of bed rest, most women will need to be off their feet to decrease swelling for at least the first two weeks. To make this part of the recovery process easier, consider making a safe recovery space with everything you need nearby.
Other investments, like a toilet seat booster, can make it easier to get to and from the bathroom without disturbing the recovery area. Keep in mind, that this part of the recovery period only lasts a little while, so make sure not to rush while your body heals.
Tip 5: Get Plenty of Rest
Even after the initial need for bed rest has passed, you should still get plenty of rest as you heal from surgery. This includes avoiding strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting. Depending on your specific post op institutions, you may be able to return to light activities within a few weeks after your surgery.
Just be sure to clear any form of exercise with your doctor before hand to be safe.
Tip 6: Report Any Side Effects
Like with single surgery, a mommy makeover has risks that come with some side effects during the recovery time. Depending on the combination of procedures you include in your makeover, some of the most common side effects include:
- Allergic reactions to general anesthesia
- Bleeding or infection at the plastic surgery site
- Loss of sensation in the nipple area
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Blood clots
- Scarring
Most of these side effects occur during the early stages of the body’s healing process but may be noticeable for months after your surgery. Remember, no one knows your body like you do. If you notice any unusual physical changes as you return to normal activities, consult with your doctor as quickly as possible.
Mommy makeover FAQs:
“Is a mommy makeover right for me?”
Becoming a mother is one of the most profound experiences in a woman’s life. Even so, you should never feel ashamed for wanting to get back to your pre pregnancy body. Plastic surgeons are skilled at helping you determine the right path for your needs, whether that means a simple breast surgery or other procedures.
“When is the best time for a mommy makeover?”
If you choose breast surgery as part of your makeover, you should be aware that this can impact your ability to breastfeed. Most doctors recommend waiting until after you’ve finished breastfeeding and have achieved a stable weight after giving birth.
While it may seem like common sense, you also should not consider a mommy makeover if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant again the near future.
“Which procedures should I include in my makeover?”
Combining procedures is part of what makes this makeover so exciting since you can customize your experience based on your goals. Most women start with a tummy tuck and some form of breast surgery as the foundation of their mommy makeovers.
“How can I be sure I’ll have my pre baby body back?”
Ultimately, no surgery can guarantee that you’ll look exactly the same as you did before having children. But with the wonders of modern plastic surgery, you can start to look and feel like your best self again in just a few weeks.
“Will I lose weight from a mommy makeover surgery?”
While you may lose some weight following your procedure, you must remember that this is for body contouring and not a weight loss strategy. Most patients won’t lose more than five pounds.
Contact Our Office Today
To learn more about mommy makeovers or plus size mommy makeovers, connect with a member of our team to schedule your consultation today with Dr. Dahlia Rice at DMR Aesthetics Chicago.
