The overall length of recovery following a mommy makeover varies from patient to patient. Like most women, you’ll be excited to see the final results of your makeover, but be patient with the process and keep in mind that a hurried recovery might decrease your chances of a favorable outcome.
Here are a few tips to ensure that your recovery period is as comfortable as possible:
Know what to expect after surgery
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions that should be strictly followed for a successful recovery. Generally, you can expect to be bandaged, wearing special compression garments, and you may even have some surgical drains. Again, careful attention to following instructions is important to ensure normal healing after surgery. If you’re uncertain about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for clarification.
It is normal to experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling for the first few weeks after your mommy makeover. It is usually hard for mothers to refrain from their day to day activities with their kids, but ample rest following surgery is the key to a speedy recovery.
Get your supplies ready and set up a “recovery space”
Take at least 2 to 3 weeks off work for recuperation and arrange your bedroom or living room into a recovery area dedicated to rest and relaxation. Before your surgery, stock your recovery area with some reading materials, a TV and remote, blankets, soft pillows, bottles of water, and lots of snacks so that you won’t have to get up more than necessary.
You will be pretty sore after your mommy makeover, so you’ll need to stay in bed and get as much sleep as possible. Having your own private space will make it a lot easier for you to get through the recovery period.
Line up some help for the first few weeks
Make sure you have a friend, family member, or hired help around to assist you during the first couple of weeks following the surgery. Recovering from a mommy makeover is tough, and you’re going to need someone to help you with your day to day needs, including taking care of your children.
Post-surgical recovery could take several weeks or months depending on the specific procedures involved in your personal mommy makeover. Heading back to work early or attempting to do more than you feel comfortable with may slow down the process. Refrain from heavy physical activity until you have your doctor’s permission. Everyone progresses differently. Try not to feel frustrated if your progress is taking longer than you anticipated and remember that this is a major surgery.
A few more tips for a speedy recovery:
- Eat well-balanced meals and drink lots of fluids.
- Set an alarm for the first few days to make sure you’ll remember to take medication.
- Try sleeping with several pillows under your back and keep your legs slightly bent at the hips to minimize the tension on your incision.
- Aspirin, diet pills, and some vitamin supplements can interfere with your recovery. Consult your surgeon before taking over-the-counter drugs and vitamins.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for the first few weeks so you’ll feel more comfortable.
- Avoid eating salty food because it increases swelling.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine can greatly impair your ability to heal after surgery.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, extreme pain, or any other medical emergency.
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