Home / Surgical Procedures / Body Contouring Procedures / Mommy Makeover / Recovery Timeline
Recovery after a mommy makeover varies from patient to patient because the procedure is so highly customizable. Mommy makeovers are put together somewhat à la carte, allowing you to pick and choose what areas you wish to address. No matter what your choices, however, recovery can be intense since you’ll be healing from multiple procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction.
It’s not unusual for mommy makeover recipients to need two to four weeks before resuming their normal daily activities and returning to work. Rushing the recovery process is an incredibly bad idea, so plan ahead instead. Talk to your surgeon about what to expect after your mommy makeover so you can take adequate time off work, line up people to help you around the house, and recruit friends to drive for you until you can do so again.
There are quite a few factors that can affect your mommy makeover recovery timeline. As mentioned above, one key component is the procedures you choose. Most patients have a tummy tuck and some sort of breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction) at a minimum. Many also opt to add additional procedures such as liposuction or a thigh lift. Multiple procedures mean a longer recovery period and more incision sites to heal.
Individual healing also matters. Your age, overall health, and adherence to your post-op instructions all impact healing time. Also of paramount importance is the plastic surgeon you choose. The more experienced your surgeon, the more smoothly your surgery and subsequent recovery will go. Surgical technique also matters. Modern techniques such as drainless tummy tucks can reduce recovery time, so look for someone who stays abreast of medical advances.
Even though every mommy makeover is a bit different, we’ve put together a typical healing timeline based on what experience has shown us. This is a general overview, so your journey may not match this exactly. For personalized advice, make sure you talk to your surgeon about any questions or concerns.
We're certainly not psychiatrists, but we have seen the impact a positive outlook can have during recovery. Remember that recovering is a process, and there may be some ups and downs along the way. As you recover, stay focused on your end results and goals while remembering that any discomfort and inconvenience are temporary. Other healing tips include these:
Full recovery typically takes three to six months, though most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within six to eight weeks. Remember that we define “full recovery” as the point where all residual swelling is gone and your final results are fully visible.
Avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds, including children, for at least 4–6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon. We know this means you can’t hold or carry your children, but hugs and snuggles are still strongly encouraged!
Residual swelling can persist for several months, especially in areas like the abdomen. We encourage you to check in with your surgeon if you’re concerned about swelling.
Light walking is encouraged within the first week, but avoid strenuous exercise for six to eight weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.