The recovery period after any plastic surgery procedure is crucial to getting optimal results and minimizing the risk of complications. After your mommy makeover, you will have to take some time away from work, carpooling and other daily duties so your body can rest and recuperate.
This week-by-week breakdown can help you get a better idea of what your activity restriction after a mommy makeover will look like, although you should always consult your plastic surgeon if you have specific questions.
Weeks 1 and 2
For the first two weeks after your mommy makeover, your calendar should be clear and you should plan on relaxing around the house. Prior to your procedure, set yourself up with a quiet recovery space—maybe in your bedroom or even a guest room—where you can just focus on resting and healing. Get laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and meal prep done before going in for your mommy makeover so you don’t have to worry about those things when you come home.
During this time, you can lightly walk around the house as you start to feel up to it, but don’t push yourself to do too much just yet.Enlist some help with household chores, childcare and other duties.
Weeks 3 and4
Most women are able to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks after their mommy makeover.
In weeks 3 and 4, you should be able to start adding light exercise into your routine, but check with your plastic surgeon first. Start slow, such as with a light walk around the block, and see how your body feels. If you’re sore or swollen, take it easy.
The physical demands of your job will determine how soon you might be able to get back to work, but plan to take around 2 to 4 weeks off and see how you’re feeling. Make sure you get the okay from your plastic surgeon before heading back to work.
Weeks 5 and 6
Over these next weeks, work with your plastic surgeon to start increasing the duration, frequency and intensity of physical activities. You should still take it slow and listen to your body, but you should be able to start adding more exercises and activities to your workout and daily routine at this point. Limit heavy lifting to around 20 pounds for the first six weeks, and avoid abdominal exercises if a tummy tuck was a part of your mommy makeover.
If ever you feel pain, discomfort or start to notice swelling returning while exercising, take a step back. Remember that your recovery from plastic surgery should be slow and steady to see the best results.
Weeks 7 and Beyond
After the first six weeks, you should be able to gradually work back to your normal routine, but still keep up with any follow-up appointments you have scheduled with your plastic surgeon. If labiaplasty was included in your mommy makeover, wait six weeks before having sex.
Keep in mind that you won’t see your full results for about 3 to 6 months after your mommy makeover, so don’t be discouraged if you’re still not exactly where you want to be at seven weeks out. Continue eating healthy, nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, getting the right amount of exercise and checking in with your plastic surgeon. Before you know it, your clothes will be fitting better, you’ll start to see your new shape and your confidence should get a great boost.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Harrington Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive techniques performed by a highly specialized all-female team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.
