A long recovery period can be distressing for some women. However, there are many tips to help you recover faster from a mommy makeover.

Take a look at the following tips to help you recover from a mommy makeover:

1. BE PREPARED!

You can write down a checklist to have everything for your recovery. It can include items related to:

• Purchase any necessary supplies such as ice bags, comfortable pillows, etc.
• Preparing a place to rest and relax.
• Preparing entertainment for when you relax, such as TV shows, movies, books, etc.
• Having someone to help around the house with tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
• Arranging for someone to take care of your children, drive them to school and activities, etc.
• Organizing time away from work.

2. WEAR YOUR COMPRESSION GARMENT

While in the hospital, you will be given a compression bra and an abdominal band. After your drains are removed, our nurses will fit you with an abdominal compression garment and provide you with an additional surgical bra. We recommend wearing these most of the time for the first 8 weeks. Compression garments are essential to a faster recovery from mommy makeover and ensure you get the most out of your surgery without complications.

3. WALK

When you walk, blood flow throughout the body improves. This helps prevent blood clots from forming and ensures better and faster healing of abdominal plasty and breast wounds. Short walks around the house are recommended for the first week, and then you can slowly walk out of the house as you feel more comfortable.

4. USE COLD COMPRESSES

Cold compresses are great for dealing with swelling after a mommy makeover. They are most effective in reducing swelling and bruising within the first 48 hours, although they can have great pain-relieving properties much longer.  Apply cold-soaked towels or wrapped ice packs around swollen areas of your body to reduce swelling. Make sure you use clean towels and do not apply ice directly to the skin. Make sure to dry the dressings if they are wet. Cold compresses and ice packs can help you recover faster from surgery.

5. SLEEP ON YOUR BACK

After your mommy makeover, you will be asked to sleep on your back for up to 4 weeks. You cannot sleep on your side or stomach after surgery.  Elevation and using multiple pillows to support your knees may help you sleep more comfortably after a mommy makeover. You will also need to wear a compression garment while sleeping for the first 8 weeks.

6. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET

A healthy and balanced diet is essential after any surgery, especially cosmetic surgery. Your body needs many vitamins and nutrients to heal and rebuild new tissue. Maintain a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, fiber and protein to strengthen your body and immunity. You also need to make sure you stay hydrated. Water is crucial for metabolism and wound healing, so try to keep a water bottle with you at all times.

7. DO NOT SMOKE

Smoking can ruin abdominal plastic surgery results. It can ruin the results of breast augmentation. Smoking interferes with blood flow and prevents wound healing.

This is why our surgeons recommend quitting smoking at least 4 weeks before your mommy makeover and at least 4 weeks after. If you can quit smoking for good, that would be even better. This will help maintain the effects of the mommy makeover and make them last longer.