Skip to main content
Schedule a Consultation

Blog

Daniel Careaga, MD
Paul Durand, MD
Karl William Schwarz, MD

Schedule a Consultation

Mommy Makeover Recovery, Week by Week

Posted February 11, 2025 in Mommy Makeover

Mom holding her baby on her chest

A Mommy Makeover is a set of cosmetic procedures designed to address changes to a woman’s body due to age, significant weight loss, or pregnancy and breastfeeding. While the results can be life-changing, giving you back your confidence and helping you feel like “you” again, the recovery process requires patience and planning as you heal. In this blog, we’ll go over what to expect each week after your Mommy Makeover surgery to help you better prepare for a smooth and complication-free recovery.

4 Min Read:

Week One

The first week after your Mommy Makeover is probably the most challenging as your body begins to heal from multiple procedures (like a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast lift—the most commonly chosen treatments included in a Mommy Makeover). The key word for this initial phase of healing is “rest.” You will have significant swelling, as well as some bruising and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. 

Your mobility will be limited, though taking short, slow walks around your home is recommended to encourage blood flow and discourage blood clots. You will need help with routine tasks, as you will be prohibited from lifting anything over five pounds, and even standing upright may be discouraged if you have a tummy tuck. Take it slow and let your body lead the way.

Week Two

You should start feeling better by the second week after your Mommy Makeover, but you’ll still need to take it easy. Any pain will subside, and you will see some improvement in bruising and swelling. Continue to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities. If you had surgical drains after your surgery, they will likely be removed at a follow-up visit, and your surgeon will also check to ensure that you are healing properly. 

Weeks Three and Four

Once you reach this point in your Mommy Makeover recovery, you will notice that you feel significantly better—almost back to normal. If you haven’t returned to work yet, you will be able to by week three or four, as long as your job doesn’t require too much physical activity. Your mobility will improve, and you will be able to return to light exercise. Your incisions will also be healed (or close to it), so you can begin to use silicone scar gels or strips to help fade scars. 

Weeks Five and Six

You will be almost completely back to feeling like your regular self at this point in your recovery. While you may have seen some results immediately after your Mommy Makeover surgery, the continued decrease in swelling will make your results more apparent each day. You will have more energy and will be able to gradually increase the intensity of your exercise as well as get back to all of your daily activities. 

Week Seven and Beyond

You did it! You’ve reached the end of your Mommy Makeover recovery and can now fully enjoy your gorgeous new shape. Swelling will be almost non-existent, and your newly defined contours will be evident. You will be able to go about your life, from exercise to work to social activities, without any restrictions, reaping the benefits of your Mommy Makeover.  

Tips for a Smooth Mommy Makeover Recovery

  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter to ensure that you heal safely and without complications. 
  • Get help from friends and family to make the recovery process more manageable and stress-free. Enlist their help for transportation, help with childcare, or running errands. 
  • Eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated to fuel your body and encourage healing. Drinking water helps reduce swelling, as does a diet low in salt. 
  • Be patient—it takes time for your body to adjust to its new contours, so trust the process.

Learn More About Mommy Makeovers in Coral Gables

Recovering from a Mommy Makeover requires patience, but the rewards are well worth it. If you’re ready to explore what a Mommy Makeover can do to restore your body contours and your confidence, it’s time to come in for a consultation with one of the highly skilled and experienced surgeons at Careaga Plastic Surgery. To schedule an appointment to discover the series of procedures that will offer you the gorgeous results you’re looking for, call our office at (305) 929-0445 or complete the online contact form.

Categories