Because a mommy makeover is considered a major cosmetic procedure, many women are concerned about the amount of recovery time involved. Knowing when you’ll be able to get back to work or return to your normal routine is important.
But first, let’s take a look at what a mommy makeover is and who is a good candidate, and then we’ll discuss what the recovery process is like.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that can help women get back their pre-baby bodies. The procedures that can be a part of your mommy makeover include the following:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Mini tummy tuck
- Labiaplasty
Which procedures are included in your mommy makeover will depend on the results you’re looking for, your medical history, and what Dr. MacLennan or Dr. Schmidt determines is best for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
While most people are good candidates for a mommy makeover, there are some qualifications that make some people better candidates than others. These qualifications include:
- Being in overall good health
- Being a nonsmoker
- Having realistic expectations
- Having a BMI less than 35. BMI less than 28 is ideal for a tummy tuck, or minimal visceral fat (fat around your organs inside the abdominal wall).
- Not planning to have more children
Mommy Makeover Recovery
The recovery process is just as important as the procedure itself. After the mommy makeover procedure, you’ll want to get as much rest as possible. You will need to plan for time away from work and household chores. Women with younger children will need help from family or friends with childcare. Additionally, because you’ll be under general anesthesia for the procedure, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and watch over you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Your surgeon will give you detailed information about recovery and send in your prescriptions at your pre-operative visit, which takes place about 1 week before surgery. We will give you instructions about staying hydrated, ideal sleeping positions, dressing changes, how to take your medications, etc.
You will have activity restrictions for about 4-6 weeks after surgery (the length of time depends on which procedures you had). In the first two weeks, we allow walking only, no exercise or lifting more than 10 lbs. After 2 weeks, you may slowly start to resume some light, low-impact cardio activity and household chores. At 4-6 weeks, you may start lifting weights again and gradually return to your normal activity level.
You will also wear supportive garments for 4-6 weeks after surgery. After breast augmentation, reduction, or lift, a soft, lightly compressive bra is worn night and day for the first 4 weeks. The constant support makes healing much more comfortable. We discourage underwires for the first month because they can be irritating to your incisions. If you have liposuction or abdominoplasty, you will wear a compression garment that helps to reduce swelling and prevent a fluid collection.
We always warn patients to be mentally prepared for emotional ups and downs and low energy levels for about 6 weeks after surgery. It’s very normal to feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster and have “down days”. You may also feel exhausted because your body is putting a lot of energy into healing. Try to anticipate all of these feelings and don’t be hard on yourself when they happen.
How much time will I need to take off work?
This is one of the biggest concerns for most patients when scheduling surgery. The amount of time you will need to take off from work depends on which specific procedures were included in your mommy makeover. Also, the more procedures you have, or the more extensive the procedures are, the longer your recovery will be. The nature of your job also makes a big difference.
If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work within a week for a breast augmentation or lift. If your procedure includes an abdominoplasty, it may be more like 2-3 weeks. For those with more physically demanding jobs, you may need to return to light duty with a note from our office describing your limitations. If that is not an option, you may need to take 4 or more weeks off. While this may seem like a long time away from work, returning before you’re ready can extend your healing time and make it more likely that you have a complication.
Does Working From Home Change Your Downtime?
Working from home can help you get back to work sooner. Even when you’re cleared to work, the process of getting ready and commuting to an office can put strain on your body and take a lot of energy. By working from home, you’re giving your body more time to fully heal and rest, while still being able to accomplish some work tasks.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you ready to learn more about a mommy makeover and how it can be customized to give you the beautiful results you’re looking for? Take the first step by scheduling a consultation at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery today. Call our Colchester, VT office at (802) 231-4284 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals!
