Mommy Makeovers can include many different procedures. Most include a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty procedure. This procedure helps reverse the changes pregnancy has left on your belly. For a full Tummy Tuck, recovery can be 4 to 6 weeks. Most busy Moms don’t have the time during the school year to stay at home and recuperate. We are usually working late at the beginning of summer with Mommy Makeovers so if you are interested in the procedure, now is the best time to come in for a consultation. In this post, I will review what’s involved with a Mommy Makeover and the recovery from a Mommy Makeover.
Let’s start with the Tummy Tuck part. When you are pregnant, the uterus stretches as does your abdominal wall. When your abdomen enlarges, your rectus muscles stretch, and usually, the space between the rectus muscles expands as well. This space contains fascia or connective tissue that does not have much elasticity. So, once it’s stretched, the fascia doesn’t shrink back. No matter how many crunches you do, or how thick your rectus muscles are, that space between the muscles will not get smaller unless repaired with surgery. Also, some women will have extra skin that does not return to pre-pregnancy form and needs to be cut out.
After a Tummy Tuck, most women spend at least 1 week in a recliner during their recovery period since we have pulled the skin tight. After that 1st week, some women still prefer a recliner, but many will sleep in a bed with pillows. By the 3rd week, women can stand straight, and I prefer women do not drive for 4 weeks following a Tummy Tuck. This restriction means no carpool or shopping trips. Women who have a desk job can usually return to work after 2 weeks, but those with a more active job may need 4 to 6 weeks off work. With such a prolonged recovery period, it can be beneficial to add other procedures to the tummy tuck.
Some women may want a Breast Lift or Mastopexy to help restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy location. This operation is usually a simple outpatient procedure that requires one week off from work. As long as you have to spend time recovering from a Tummy Tuck, this does not add any extra time off.
Other women may want Breast Implants to help fill the breasts. This procedure is also a simple outpatient procedure that requires one week off from work but can easily be combined with the time off for a Tummy Tuck.
Labiaplasty is another procedure that we routinely perform on moms. It too is a simple outpatient procedure that usually requires only one week off from work. Adding this at the time of Mommy Makeover does not add any extra recovery time and can help you get back to that pre-pregnancy body.
Of all the procedures that we do, Tummy Tucks have one of the longest recovery times. It can be hard for busy moms to schedule enough time for a stress-free recovery. There are 2 times of the year when most people can find some time – early summer when school is out, and winter holidays. Early summer is also beneficial for students, teachers, and school employees since they usually have 2 to 3 months off. People will often book their surgery date 6 months ahead of time. As you can imagine, these 2 times are very busy for plastic surgeons. So, if you are thinking of having a Mommy Makeover, come in for your consultation today and reserve a convenient time for your surgery.