Mommy Makeover Recovery

Anticipating a smooth plastic surgery recovery is important to any patient, but for moms it’s a really big deal. You’re already busy taking care of your family—how can you carve out a few weeks of downtime? While it does require some smart planning, recovering from a mommy makeover, even with small kids at home, is totally doable. Knowing what to expect is the first step.

Mommy makeover recovery time depends on the procedures you have

One great thing about mommy makeovers is that you can have multiple procedures with only one recovery—a big time saver if you want to make improvements throughout your body.

General rule of thumb: downtime-wise, your recovery will follow the course of the most extensive procedure. For most mommy makeover patients, that’s a tummy tuck. However, you’ll experience the same feelings and progression in appearance for every procedure that you have. Take a look at recovery info for these common mommy makeover procedures for more info:

How long will I need help with my kids?

The hard news first: you won’t be allowed to lift anything over about 10 lbs. for the first 2 weeks. Heavier things—including your children—are on the no-lift list for 3 to 6 weeks. Since most mommy makeover patients have a tummy tuck, expect the 6 weeks rule to apply. The good news is that you’ll be able to resume light activities very soon after surgery and won’t have to go more than a day or two without snuggling your little ones. A basic timeline of the type of childcare help you’ll need:

  • Around the clock care for you and your kids the first 2 to 3 days
  • Around the clock care for your kids the first 2 weeks
  • Someone else to drive for 2 weeks
  • Help with physical housework for 2 to 6 weeks, including carrying laundry, groceries, etc.

When will I see final results?

Again, this depends on the procedures you’re having. Breast lift or augmentation results are fairly close to final after about 3 or 4 months. Tummy tuck results are looking great a few months after surgery, and pretty fantastic by six months out. Results of any procedure can continue to improve for up to one year. Your surgeon will show you examples of previous patients’ results at different stages during your consultation.