Mommy Makeover: More on Recovery

All you need to know about recovering from a Mommy Makeover?

Most are surprised to learn that although recovery from a Mommy Makeover may be painful in the first few days after surgery,  it quickly becomes manageable as you continue to recover.  In actuality, pain is rarely a problem.  Don’t get me wrong, you definitely feel it but any pain is well managed with pain medications and supportive undergarments.  The slow return to physical activity is what often gives people fits.  In many cases, in the first few days after surgery, you have to rely on your friends or family members to help you with even the most basic of tasks.  Things like going to the bathroom or showering can be difficult to do on your own.  But, even though the return to physical activities will be slower than most other surgeries we offer, the limitations are only related to activities that involve your core muscles, chest and arms.  Walking is actually encouraged. Swelling is the biggest issue and that is easily reduced by walking, wearing a comprehensive garment and closely monitoring your diet. Even when you take into account the extended recovery of a Mommy Makeover, by transforming the appearance of your breast and body, the mental part of the recovery is a breeze.  And the best part, this discomfort is a fair trade for getting your elusive pre baby body back.

Although recovery times can vary with a Mommy Makeover, in general it will take you:

  • 1-2 week to get back on your feet and return to normal daily activities
  • 2-4 weeks to return to normal daily activities that use full range of motion of your arms and torso
  • 6-8 weeks to return to your normal workout schedule

There are many tricks to help you feel more comfortable during recovery.  The use of local anesthesia during surgery really does help with comfort immediately after surgery.  Intermittent icing is sometimes helpful if ok’d by your surgeon.  Next we rely on pain medications, muscle relaxants and compression garments in the first week after surgery to minimize any discomfort and pain.  After 1 week, pain medication is usually not necessary and non narcotics like Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be used instead.  Also, if surgical drains were placed, they are usually removed within the first week of surgery. Usually by 2 to 3 weeks, all medications can be discontinued.  The length of use of the supportive undergarment will vary and just depends on how it makes you feel.  Most like the support and use it for at least the first 6 to 8 weeks of recovery.

After 6 weeks, you should be at your baseline but in many cases, getting back into your full exercise routine may take a little longer.  Exercise can cause swelling which can be uncomfortable, especially in the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.  It is best to ease back into this routine slowly and temporarily change up some of the exercises if necessary.

If your recovery seems slow, treatments like lymphatic massage and LED light therapy can really make a difference.  These are especially helpful after the first 4 weeks following your surgery.  Also, avoiding alcohol and smoking during recovery will be absolutely necessary as these two things will extend your recovery time.

Although there will always be some tough times during any surgical recovery, Mommy Makeover recovery can be well managed.  Be confident with your choice and embrace your results.  This surgery is amazingly transformative and life changing.  As there is usually only a few weeks of discomfort, it will be absolutely worth the short period of downtime and inconvenience.