Pregnancy, aging, and weight gain can all be detrimental to maintaining your youthful body contours, but a Mommy Makeover has proven to be a highly effective option to help women regain their pre-baby body. As a treatment plan consisting of multiple combined procedures, the recovery period after a Mommy Makeover can be more extensive when compared to other procedures. Knowing what to expect during your recovery from a Mommy Makeover can help you better prepare for surgery, helping facilitate a smoother healing period. Philadelphia plastic surgeon David Bottger, MD offers a comprehensive timeline to provide patients with further insight into a typical Mommy Makeover recovery period:
- Early Recovery (Week 1): Rest is crucial during this period. Most daily activities will be restricted and we advise enlisting help for household chores, meals, daily responsibilities, childcare, etc. You’ll likely have a post-operative visit to check on your incisions.
- Weeks 2-6: Most patients can start to perform light daily activities as comfort permits. Non-strenuous jobs and office work can usually be resumed after 2 weeks. However, anything strenuous, including lifting heavy objects or intense exercise, should still be avoided. Swelling should start to decrease significantly.
- Weeks 6-12: Most normal activities, including some forms of exercise, can be resumed as recommended by Dr. Bottger. This depends on the nature of the cosmetic procedures chosen.You can generally return to all types of exercise, including lifting and aerobics, as long as Dr. Bottger clears these activities.
- Months 3-6: By this time, most of the swelling is gone and the final results of your surgery will be more apparent.
- One Year Post-Op: The full effects of your Mommy Makeover are visible, although it’s crucial to maintain a stable weight to preserve the results.
Keep in mind, the healing process for each patient varies according to the procedures chosen and their individual needs. However, the information above can provide a better idea of the typical aftercare guidelines required following a combined surgical plan.
Dr. Bottger is dedicated to ensuring every Mommy Makeover patient has a strong understanding of what to expect during their healing process. Contact our Philadelphia practice today for more information on a typical Mommy Makeover timeline, or to book a consultation.