Mommy Makeover Recovery: What To Expect Week by Week

A mommy makeover is an exciting opportunity to reclaim your body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Still, it’s important to understand that recovery requires time and patience. Since this transformative surgery combines multiple procedures, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or a breast lift, your body will need sufficient time to heal.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from your mommy makeover recovery week by week.

Week 1: Rest & Initial Healing

Your first week will focus on rest. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the areas treated during your mommy makeover. Dr. Walters will provide you with pain management options to alleviate discomfort. A postsurgical compression garment will also minimize swelling and encourage smooth contours.

• Pain management: How painful is recovery from a mommy makeover? While pain levels vary, most patients describe it as manageable with prescribed pain medications.
• Movement: Light, gentle walking promotes circulation and prevents blood clots. Avoid heavy lifting and bending for now.
• Lymphatic massage: Dr. Walters may recommend starting lymphatic massage therapy within the first few days to reduce swelling and improve recovery.

Week 2: Gradual Return to Normal Activities

Your pain should be less intense by the second week. However, it’s essential to continue avoiding strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.

• Compression garments: Continue wearing your compression garment as directed to support healing.
• Returning to work: If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work after about 2 weeks, depending on how your body feels.

Week 3-4: Increased Mobility & Ongoing Healing

As you reach weeks 3 to 4 of recovery, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your mobility and energy levels.

• Light exercise: Walking is still encouraged, and you may be able to add activities such as stretching. You should postpone engaging in strenuous exercises such as running, lifting weights, or high-impact movements until Dr. Walters gives you the green light. Learn more about gradually returning to exercise in our related blog post.
• Scar care: To minimize scarring, Dr. Walters may recommend scar gels, sheeting, or laser treatments. He takes great care to place incisions in discreet locations, and with proper care, your scars will fade over time.

Week 5-6: Resuming Daily Routines

By weeks 5 to 6, most patients feel well enough to return to their everyday routines, although your recovery timeline may vary based on the procedures involved in your mommy makeover. You’ll still need to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity, but you can expect to feel much more like yourself.

Week 7 & Beyond: Full Recovery

After about 2 months, you can expect to fully resume your daily routines, including more vigorous physical activities. While your body continues to heal, you should see the final results of your mommy makeover taking shape, with your body looking tighter and more sculpted.

To maintain your results, continue caring for your skin and scars, as advised by Dr. Walters. Avoid sun exposure on healing scars, and continue with any prescribed treatments to minimize their appearance.

Ready To Get Started?

Every recovery is unique, but this week-by-week guide will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect after your mommy makeover. If you’re ready to take the next step toward achieving your body goals, request a consultation with double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters using the online form or by calling us at (504) 517-6200.