There is no-one-size-fits-all approach to a mommy makeover procedure. It will be personalized for your own specific needs. Not every patient is going to have all the procedures that make up a mommy makeover and some may only have to do one or two of them. Since mommy makeover procedures differ, recovery is going to be different for everyone but there are still some things that you should know to help you along the process.
Following your surgery, bandages or gauze are going to be applied to your incisions. A support bra or elastic bandage will minimize swelling and support your breasts. You may also have a compression garment that can help control the swelling in your waist, buttocks, or abdomen. You are then given instructions that can include how to care for the site after surgery, medications you can take orally or apply to reduce infection and help with healing, specific concerns to look for in your general health and with the surgical site, and when you should follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Questions to Ask about Recovery
You may be a little overwhelmed when it comes to your recovery, so it helps to have a list of questions you should ask before your procedure. Ask about where you will be taken after surgery for the initial recovery period. Ask about drains and for how long you will have them in. Ask about showering and bathing and when it is okay to resume normal exercise and activity. Be sure to ask about follow up care and when you will need to alert your surgeon of any changes.
Healing continues for several weeks and is not going to be an overnight process. As the swelling decreases, the shape of the abdomen, waist, genitals, buttocks, and breasts improve.
What to Look for When You Go Home
After you go home, it’s necessary to pay attention to any chest pains, unusual heartbeat, or shortness of breath. You will need to seek medical attention for these right away. If these complications do happen, it could require additional treatment and hospitalization.
Results of a Mommy Makeover
You may not see the results of the surgery for several months after the recovery period. Implants will settle and surgical scar lines will typically improve but they may never actually disappear completely. Most women feel that these are small compared to the improvement in self-confidence after the procedure. Surgery is not an exact science and there are good results for many women but no guarantee. Sometimes it may be necessary to have another surgery.
Following your surgeon’s instructions is going to be key to the success of your surgery and give you an optimal recovery period. Incisions shouldn’t be subjected to any abrasion or excessive force during the time of recovery and healing. Follow the instructions on how to care for yourself and have someone else help you in the first few days after the procedure so there isn’t too much pressure to get up and move around before you are ready.
