Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum are significant periods in a woman’s life. These events can sometimes lead to physical changes like excess skin and fat, sagging or asymmetrical breasts, and weakened abdominal muscles. A mommy makeover is a collection of procedures intended to address and improve the body’s appearance after these changes.
As a mommy makeover can encompass many areas of the body and multiple procedures, recovery can be substantial. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Trupiano is here to guide you throughout your mommy makeover journey and help you learn what you can expect during recovery.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant, irreversible physiological changes, which can occasionally lead to discomfort and body dissatisfaction. Plastic surgery procedures included in a mommy makeover aim to help women regain comfort and confidence in their bodies.
A mommy makeover is a set of cosmetic procedures designed to restore bothersome areas in one’s figure and address the appearance of:
- Deflated breasts
- Stretched or loose skin
- Lax abdominal muscles
- Excess skin and fat pockets
- Breast asymmetry
- Diastasis recti
- Physical trauma from childbirth
Mommy Makeover Procedures
Mommy makeover procedures are tailored to your specific anatomy based on your concerns and goals. Dr. Trupiano will establish a mommy makeover treatment plan to meet your needs, and may include:
How Long Does Mommy Makeover Recovery Take?
Recovery after a mommy makeover depends on the number of procedures. More procedures mean longer recovery time. However, as multiple surgeries are performed together, recovery is shorter than having them separately.
Initially, there will be pain and discomfort, but this should be manageable with prescription and over-the-counter medication. Bruising and swelling may last two to three weeks, while residual swelling can take up to six months.
Most patients need about two weeks off work for initial recovery and more time if they have physically demanding jobs. Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for four to six weeks, including lifting small children. Your surgeon will advise when you can resume these activities.
What Should You Expect During the First Few Days of Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Recovery from a mommy makeover depends on the procedures performed and your body’s healing rate. Immediately after surgery, you may feel groggy or nauseous as the anesthesia wears off. For the first few days, pain and discomfort are common. Take prescribed pain medication and rest to avoid extra discomfort. Expect soreness and tenderness when awake. Swelling and bruising can occur; wear compression garments and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and promote healing.
What Are Common Side Effects to Expect During Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Side effects are common after any surgical procedure. As a mommy makeover may include multiple surgeries at once, you can expect side effects; however, Dr. Trupiano will help you manage the effects.
Following a mommy makeover, you may experience some side effects:
- Grogginess, nausea, or dizziness from anesthesia right after surgery.
- Pain and discomfort may be severe in the first few days. Dr. Trupiano will recommend prescription and over-the-counter pain medication options.
- Bruising around incision sites lasts two to three weeks. Walking daily helps circulate blood and reduce bruising and clotting.
- Significant swelling lasts about two weeks, with residual swelling for several months. Cold compresses and compression garments help manage this.
- Numbness and tingling near incisions are common.
- Nipple and breast sensitivity may be affected for several weeks after breast enhancement.
- Scarring is unavoidable but can be minimized and concealed with proper care.
How Can You Minimize Discomfort and Promote Healing After a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover involves significant procedures, so preparing for recovery is crucial to minimizing pain and discomfort. Before surgery, take steps to ensure a smooth recovery.
Here are a few tips:
- Take pain medication as directed to manage pain effectively.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce discomfort and minimize swelling.
- Allow adequate time for recovery, taking at least a week or two off from work.
- Rest and sleep in comfortable, neutral positions, using pillows to elevate the head and shoulders, or sleep in a recliner.
- Schedule assistance for household tasks, including childcare or pet care. Avoid lifting items over ten pounds for six weeks.
- Prepare and freeze healthy meals for easy access.
- Arrange a clean, comfortable space to rest during the healing process.
- Wear support garments to reduce swelling and support new body contours.
- Avoid smoking, exposure to smoke, or using nicotine products until healing is complete, as nicotine can delay healing and cause complications.
Returning to Work and Normal Activities After a Mommy Makeover?
Your return to work and normal activities following a mommy makeover depends on the specific procedures included in your treatment plan and the type of work you perform. Typically, Dr. Trupiano advises patients to take one to two weeks off work to allow adequate time for rest and recovery. For those with more physically demanding occupations, additional time off or modified duties may be necessary for several weeks.
At this stage, most normal activities can be resumed. However, it is important to refrain from strenuous activities, such as intensive workouts, running, or swimming, for at least six to eight weeks.
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You? Factors to Consider Before Surgery
A specific consideration before choosing a mommy makeover is future pregnancy. Pregnancy won’t affect your fertility, but it may undo the makeover results, requiring revision surgeries. Many women wait for their mommy makeover until they’re sure they won’t have future pregnancies.
Generally, good candidates for mommy makeover procedures are women unhappy with their bodies following pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. It’s important to wait until at least a year after pregnancy and 6 months after finishing breastfeeding to consider a mommy makeover.
Dr. Trupiano recommends that candidates for a mommy makeover should:
- Be in good overall health
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a BMI under 30
- Be non-smokers, or willing to quit 6 weeks before and after surgery
- Have no medical conditions that impair healing
- Understand the potential surgical risks
- Have realistic expectations
Choosing Dr. Trupiano as Your Detroit, MI, Mommy Makeover Surgeon
Above all, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Trupiano puts the needs of his patients first and honors their body diversity. As Dr. Trupiano understands the deep connection between physical appearance and overall well-being, he guides each patient through choosing the appropriate mommy makeover procedures to help them achieve the refined results they want.
Whether you’re seeking to restore balance, refine your proportions, or feel more comfortable in your body, you can trust Dr. Trupiano will guide your mommy makeover journey with expertise, sensitivity, and care.
Schedule Your Detroit Mommy Makeover Consultation Today!
A mommy makeover can help you reclaim your silhouette, confidence, and self-image. As one of Troy, Michigan’s premier board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. John Trupiano wants to help you achieve a positive transformation throughout your mommy makeover and recovery.
If you’re ready to start your mommy makeover journey, call Dr. John Trupiano at (248) 220-3310 or complete our online contact form to schedule your personalized consultation today!
