A mommy makeover is a combination of surgical procedures that aim to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. This cosmetic surgery procedure typically focuses on the breast and abdominal area.
During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of a mommy makeover, including the recovery phase.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides mommy makeover to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities in this area of The Golden State.
Recovery Process
The surgeon will inform the patient about the approximate time it will take for her to resume her routine after the surgery. Following the mommy makeover, the patient and her attendant will receive instructions on post-operative care. These guidelines may include info on:
- Standard post-operative symptoms
- Drains, if they are placed
- Signs of potential complications
- Discontinuing smoking and blood thinning meds for a specific duration
Immediately After the Surgery
Immediately following the mommy makeover plastic surgery, the incision areas will be bandaged. The patient may be required to wear compression garments in certain treated areas. After the anesthesia subsides, she may feel some pain which can be managed with pain medication.
However, the patient should reach out to the surgeon in case the pain is unbearable or persistent. After the procedure, there will be some swelling. This swelling may persist in some patients for a few weeks or even months.
If the inflammation does not resolve gradually or appears abnormal, the patient should reach out to the surgeon to understand whether this is indicative of a problem.
Recovery in the Initial Two Weeks
Mommy makeover cosmetic surgery may involve downtime of around one to two weeks based on the extent of the surgery. Patients should discuss the use of pain pumps and pain relief meds to address the initial post-op pain with their surgeon. These measures will allow the patient to move around and sleep comfortably.
A significant part of the recovery may be around the tummy tuck element of a mommy makeover. The patient should meticulously follow the surgeon’s guidelines to minimize the recovery period. There will be a substantial reduction in the discomfort level within the initial five to seven days.
The recovery period will not increase if the patient chooses to undergo several procedures at the same time. For example, breast augmentation recovery is around seven days while it takes 14 days to recover from an abdominoplasty procedure. Thus, the recovery period, if these surgeries are done together, will be approximately ten to 14 days.
Care during the Recovery
After the surgery, the patient must carefully follow the surgeon’s post-op guidelines including instructions on taking prescription meds, wearing compression garments, and undertaking the right level of activity for a predictable recovery.
The patient can follow the below mentioned universal precautions for a safe and quick recovery:
- Engaging a caregiver for assistance around the house and with meds for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
- Sleeping with several pillows under the back as well as keeping the legs bent at the hips to decrease strain on the incisions, reduce the pain, and lead to a softer scar.
- Avoiding jogging, lifting heavy items, and contact sports for six weeks following the surgery.
Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other neighborhoods and communities in this part of the country for a mommy makeover.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579