How Much Recovery Time Is Needed for a Mommy Makeover?

Longing for your pre-baby body?

Good news: It is not a thing of the past.

Any mother can regain her youthful, pre-baby shape and appearance with a procedure called a Mommy Makeover.

One of the first questions we receive regarding Mommy Makeovers is: What should I expect during recovery?

Naturally, busy moms want to specifically know how long recovery will take:

How long will the bruising, swelling, and discomfort last?
When can I return to work?
When can I start exercising again?
When will I see complete results from my surgery?

In the following article, we’ll answer all of these questions and several other common concerns regarding Mommy Makeovers.

Let’s first start by explaining what a Mommy Makeover is.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is a surgery aimed at rejuvenating a woman’s body after she is done having children.

Like many other cosmetic procedures, all Mommy Makeover procedures are unique. This is because each one is catered to the individual. Your Mommy Makeover will address the specific concerns you have with your postpartum body.

Most often, a Mommy Makeover includes several of the following procedures rolled into one or two surgeries:

Tummy tuck
Liposuction
Breast lift
Breast augmentation
Breast reduction

Which of these procedures you choose will ultimately impact your recovery time.

Frequently Asked Questions: What to Expect During Mommy Makeover Recovery

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding recovery from a Mommy Makeover.

Q: What should I expect directly after surgery?

A: After your procedure, it’s important to have a trusted friend or relative there to take you home. In most cases, Mommy Makeovers are outpatient procedures, which means you can go home on the same day of the procedure.

In terms of side effects, you will have some bruising, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort. This is all normal and to be expected. Dr. Sieber will give you care instructions for your incision sites and offer techniques and pain medications to reduce swelling, discomfort, and pain.

You’ll need to adjust your lifestyle significantly at first. But over time, your body will heal, and you can return to normal. Be sure to make all of your postoperative appointments with Dr. Sieber.

Q: How long will the bruising, swelling, and discomfort last?

A: Standard side effects associated with the Mommy Makeover procedure include swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness, and some overall discomfort and pain. You can expect these side effects to be worst during the first week and to subside as time goes on.

Q: Will I need help at home after surgery?

A: Yes, you will need help at home after your Mommy Makeover surgery. Ideally, family members and/or friends will be on standby to help you get around, take care of the household, and care for your kids. Small things like getting groceries and picking up small children need to be performed by others at the very beginning of your recovery.

Q: When can I return to work?

A: Most women can return to work within two to three weeks. This, of course, depends on your job. If you have a vigorous job that requires a lot of physical activity, it may take longer to return to normal work.

Q: When can start taking care of my children on my own again?

A: Keep in mind that you’ll need considerable help with your children directly after surgery, especially when they are small and require constant attention. Most women require assistance for around two to four weeks, but it can take up to six weeks for you to be in full charge of your children again.

Q: When can I start exercising again?

A: You won’t be able to start exercising after your surgery for approximately six weeks. Unlike returning to a typical desk job or carrying out routine tasks around the house, exercise is particularly exerting on the body. Therefore, you’ll want to give yourself adequate time to recover before doing activities such as running, swimming, or lifting weights.

Short walks, however, may be encouraged sooner rather than later. You can speak with Dr. Sieber about this at your regular check-up appointments following surgery.

Q: Where will my incisions be?

A: This will depend on several factors, including which procedures you opted for and exactly how each procedure was performed. Varying techniques exist with procedures such as breast lifts and tummy tucks, for example.

Ultimately, the placement of your incisions will be up to the discretion of Dr. Sieber. Keep in mind, however, that Dr. Sieber will do his utmost to place all of your incisions in discreet locations.

Q: What is recovery like if I have more than one surgery?

A: Most Mommy Makeovers can be completed in one surgical procedure. However, some women may be interested in staggering surgeries, or Dr. Sieber may deem it necessary to perform the makeover in two sessions. If this is the case, you should expect to go through a substantial recovery period both times you have surgery. Only the specific areas of your body that are affected will be different.

Q: When will I see the complete results?

A: You should be able to notice some Mommy Makeover results directly following your procedure. Keep in mind, however, that bruising and swelling will be camouflaging your true figure. This can last for up to four or six weeks.

As your body heals, your results will become increasingly apparent. Generally speaking, at around three months, you’ll be able to see the bulk of your results and go back to all of your normal daily activities. For some women, it can take up to a full six months or even a year before the ultimate results have been completely achieved.

Q: Will I have scars?

A: Scars are part and parcel of the Mommy Makeover procedure. Fortunately, Dr. Sieber is skilled at making operative scars as small and indistinguishable as possible. In most cases, they will be hidden in hard-to-see areas, such as below the bikini line. Moreover, Dr. Sieber will offer post-operative instructions for helping your scars fade as quickly as possible.

Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today

The journey towards your pre-baby body starts by booking a consultation appointment with Dr. David Sieber of San Francisco’s Sieber Plastic Surgery. To schedule yours today, contact our office at (415) 915-9000!