What to Expect during the First 5 Weeks after a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover combines two or more cosmetic surgeries to help women reduce the physical effects of motherhood and maturity and achieve slimmer contours. In some cases, mommy makeover surgery helps you restore your body to its pre-pregnancy shape.
At Centre Chirurgical De La Capitale, Gatineau and Ottawa, QC, women can receive a custom-tailored mommy makeover treatment plan to address their unique needs. Dr. Patricia Berbari will tell you what you can expect during your mommy makeover recovery, including the expected recovery timeline.
Here is a timeline of average recovery milestones for mommy makeover patients:
1st Week
Before surgery, make the arrangements you need to make your recovery as smooth as possible. Your mobility will be limited immediately after surgery, so try to make things around your home as accessible as possible. Having a family member, friend, or partner to assist during the first week of recovery can help you complete important day-to-day tasks (such as taking care of small children, grocery shopping, and other household chores).
After all significant surgeries, swelling and pain are common side effects. Plastic surgeons give mommy makeover patients garments to wear post-surgery to help minimize swelling and support the muscles. They also prescribe medication for pain management, so the patient should avoid driving and other demanding activities.
During the first week of recovery, do not expect to do anything but rest, eat, and get out of bed for bathroom breaks. Very short, in-home strolls can help circulate the blood. Walking with a slight stoop is expected during the initial week of recovery.
2nd Week
By now, most mommy makeover patients will not need prescription pain medication and can use over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate moderate pain. Mommy makeover patients should anticipate some fatigue, tenderness, and soreness during the second week.
After about two weeks, it’s safe to resume light work outside of the home, but patients with physically demanding jobs need an additional week or two to begin work. Rest is vital during this phase, but slow, comfortable, and short walks (that do not elevate heart rate) outside the home can keep the blood moving.
3rd Week
Week three is different for all patients. Some patients experience added energy and reduced swelling, while others recover more gradually. Exhaustion and other emotions are expected during the third week of recovery. Engaging in activities that use your brain (like reading, crossword puzzles, and board games) is essential during this phase when the mind is more active than the body. It’s necessary to allow the body to relax to increase healing.
4th Week
Swelling is significantly reduced during week four, but slight inflammation may still occur at the incision line. Post-surgical garments are to be worn until Dr. Berbari instructs patients otherwise. Energy levels should rise. If Dr. Berbari approves, mommy makeover patients may start doing light physical exercise during this time. If patients must travel for work, they should be comfortable enough to do so during the fourth week.
5th Week and Beyond
Most patients feel normal at this point and get to enjoy the results of their mommy makeover. When cleared by Dr. Berbari, mommy makeover patients may resume regular exercise and weight lifting between six and eight weeks after surgery.
Learn More during a Mommy Makeover Consultation
During the first few weeks of recovery, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort after a mommy makeover. However, discomfort is generally manageable for patients who prepare for surgery and closely follow post-surgical instructions.
If you want to learn more about the mommy makeover process and what options are available at Centre Chirurgical De La Capitale, give us a call at (819) 243-7667 or message us online today.
