A mommy makeover is a highly popular procedure that consists of a combination of various surgical body-contouring and breast enhancement procedures to help post-pregnancy women restore both their body and confidence after giving birth. Understanding the mommy makeover recovery process can not only help you prepare for a smooth and successful procedure, but also help you understand what to expect ahead of time.
At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our mommy makeover procedures typically consist of a combination of tummy tucks, breast augmentation, breast lifts, fat transfer, skin tightening, laser treatments, liposuction, and more. Because there are several areas of the body being addressed, recovery may be more extensive compared to that of a single procedure.
This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to your recovery process after a mommy makeover and includes information on what to expect week by week, as well as several key pieces of advice to enhance your recovery process. Each individual will heal differently, but you can expect to follow a similar timeline overall, especially when performed by our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Scott Reis.
If you are ready to get started, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Reis online. Alternatively, you are welcome to call the office most convenient for you:
Contents
About Mommy Makeovers
A mommy makeover is a collection of different procedures that are performed in conjunction to address physical changes made to the body during and after pregnancy. These changes often include sagging or hanging skin, stubborn deposits of fat, changes to the breasts, and even diastasis recti—a condition that causes the abdominal muscles to become weakened and/or separated. While many women can correct their appearance exclusively through dieting, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, for others, this is not enough. Our surgeons can perform a mommy makeover to address each of your concerns, allowing you to attain the figure you have been striving for.
The Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
Recovery is one of the most important aspects of your mommy makeover. While each individual’s timeline will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, our patients typically experience similar healing progressions. To help you understand what to expect, we have provided a week-by-week breakdown of what a typical recovery looks like.
Days 1 Through 7: Rest and Gentle Healing
Your first week of recovery should be focused on resting and using controlled movements to enhance your progression. You will be sent home from your procedure wearing a faja compression garment. This specialized garment is designed to reduce swelling and support the new contours of your abdomen and breasts as they heal. When you feel comfortable and ready, it is encouraged to lightly walk around the house to improve your circulation. We also recommend beginning lymphatic massages during this stage of healing to decrease any inflammation around the treated areas.
Week 2: Early Mobility
Any swelling experienced will start to improve and subside by your second week of recovery, and you may be able to return to performing light desk work. You will need to continue wearing your faja for extra support and shaping. You should continue receiving lymphatic massages during this week, as these massages have been shown to reduce fluid accumulation and enhance skin circulation. (1) Moving will start to feel easier and more comfortable, but you will need to continue limiting your activities to light household tasks.
Weeks 3 and 4: Light Cardio and Transitioning
As you continue to heal, you will be able to start incorporating gentle cardio into your routine. This can include exercises such as walking, stationary cycling, or treadmill exercises. During this time, your surgeon will also transition you from your faja garment to a lighter support garment, such as Spanx. You will still need to continue avoiding any strenuous activities, lifting, and other physical exercises; however, you can start to reintroduce other activities back into your life, especially as your energy levels improve.
Weeks 5 and 6: Increasing Activity
At this stage in your recovery, you will likely reach a point in your progression where you can return to more intense cardio or light resistance training. You may feel your body regain its strength and flexibility, and your activity levels will return closer to normal. It is important to continue consistently wearing your compression garment throughout this time and utilize any scar care instructions that your surgeon may have provided to you.
After Week 6: Returning to Full Activities
By the time you reach your sixth week of healing, the majority of your activity restrictions will have been lifted. You will be able to fully return to your routine activities, including any physical exercise, lifting, or high-impact activities. Your results will gradually start to become more apparent as residual swelling continues to subside, potentially leading to an increase in your confidence levels.
3 to 6 Months and Beyond: Your Long-Term Results
In the months following your recovery, you will be able to experience a reduction in any remaining swelling or inflammation. Your results will start to stabilize and become more noticeable, and any scarring will continue to fade over time. Your stomach will start to appear flatter and smoother, your breasts may look more voluminous, lifted, or symmetrical, and your figure will be more sculpted overall. Results can last for years to come, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Key Points for a Smooth Recovery
When recovering, it is important to remember to:
- Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with detailed guidelines and instructions regarding your compression garment, lymphatic massages, scar care, and more. Each of these instructions is designed to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results, making them crucial for your recovery.
- Stay Active: Gradually reintroduce light movements and exercises into your routine as recommended. Returning to activity as you recover can improve your circulation, reduce the risk of blood clotting, reduce insulin resistance, and more. (2)
- Be Patient: A mommy makeover addresses several areas of the body at once, which also means each of these areas will be healing simultaneously. It is important to be patient with yourself and your results to avoid any complications or health risks that may affect your results.
- Work with an Experienced Professional: One of the most important aspects of any mommy makeover procedure and recovery is ensuring you are working with a team of experienced and qualified professionals, such as the surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon. Our team can provide you with clear support and guidance throughout the entirety of your recovery process, and will be available to answer any questions you may have as they arise.
Why Choose Dr. Scott Reis for Your Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Scott Reis is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Austin, Texas, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Reis was trained at the top plastic surgery residency program in the country and received instruction under some of the world’s most renowned cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons.
Dr. Reis offers extensive experience in breast enhancement, body contouring, and body sculpting procedures, including mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, breast augmentations, fat transfers, skin tightening treatments, and even migraine surgery. He has dedicated his career to providing individualized and personalized care and guidance, ensuring transformative, yet natural-looking results that you can be proud to show off.
Cost of Mommy Makeovers in Austin, Texas
Each mommy makeover is fully customized to your individual concerns, goals, and anatomy, which means the cost of your procedure will vary. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our mommy makeover procedures start at a base price of $12,500, but this cost can change depending on the combination of procedures being performed, the extent of each correction, as well as several other factors. Your surgeon will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate for your mommy makeover during your consultation, once they have created your treatment plan. Our practice additionally offers financing for those interested.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized treatment plan, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:
Final Thoughts
A mommy makeover is more than just a surgical procedure, but a journey that can help you look and feel like yourself again. While this procedure can take time to recover from, many women find that the results are well worth it. By planning ahead, following each of your surgeon’s instructions, and staying patient, you will be able to attain stunning, yet natural-looking results that can last for several years.
References
- Marxen T, Orr Shauly, Goel P, Tsan T, Faria R, Gould DJ. The Utility of Lymphatic Massage in Cosmetic Procedures. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad023
- Tazreean R, Nelson G, Twomey R. Early Mobilization in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Pathways: Current Evidence and Recent Advancements. Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research. 2022;11(2):121-129. doi:https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0258