Countless women considering mommy makeover surgery after having children have come to my New York City plastic surgery practice. Although they each had unique concerns and goals, they shared a desire to regain confidence by addressing the physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy. And virtually all of them had questions—and some anxiety—about the recovery process.
Below, I’ll walk you through what to expect during your mommy makeover recovery, from the first few days to the weeks and months ahead. I’ll also share practical tips and expert advice to help you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.
The First 72 Hours: Prioritize Rest & Pain Management
Immediately after surgery, you’ll feel groggy from the anesthesia and some soreness—that’s completely normal. Once you’re awake and stable, you’ll go home with a trusted friend or family member.
Expect to feel the most discomfort during the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Swelling and tightness are common, especially if your makeover included a tummy tuck. I prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort, and I encourage patients to stay ahead of the pain by taking medications on schedule rather than waiting for it to intensify.
Mommy Makeover Before and After Photos
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Mommy Makeover Recovery Week-by-Week
Week 1
By the end of the first week, you should start feeling more like yourself—but don’t rush it. Light walking around the house is important to improve circulation and lower the risk of blood clots, but you should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous movements.
You’ll continue wearing compression garments for about 3 weeks to help control swelling and support healing tissues. Swelling after mommy makeover surgery peaks during this period before beginning to subside. If a tummy tuck was a part of your mommy makeover, your surgical drains (if used) will typically be removed between days 5 to 7.
What To Expect:
- Tightness or pulling sensation at incision sites
- Difficulty standing fully upright if a tummy tuck was performed
- Low energy levels—your body is using energy to heal
Week 2
By week two, many patients report a noticeable reduction in swelling and pain. You may still tire easily, but short walks and gentle movement can help build strength. If your job is non-strenuous or remote, you might be cleared to return to work around this time.
However, it’s still too soon to drive if you’re taking prescription pain medications, and lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk is still off-limits.
Weeks 3 to 4
At this stage, your drains (if used) have been removed, your energy is improving, and you may feel ready to resume some of your usual routine. Most patients return to work around 3 to 4 weeks post-op, depending on the physical demands of their job.
You’ll have some residual swelling that continues to decrease gradually. You’ll continue to wear your compression garments as directed, and you might start light cardio like walking outdoors or on a treadmill. You should still avoid lifting children or pets, engaging in core exercises or strenuous workouts, and swimming or soaking incisions.
Months 2 to 3
Around the two-month mark, swelling continues to subside, and you’ll likely start seeing more defined results. This is often when patients feel like their emotional and physical investment is paying off.
I typically clear patients to ease back into strength training and more intense workouts around this time. Internal healing takes longer than it looks on the outside, so overdoing it too soon can set you back. At this stage, it’s also easier to wear regular clothes again (a significant milestone for many!), and the final contour of your figure becomes more visible as residual swelling decreases.
Scar Healing
Every mommy makeover includes incisions, and while I place them strategically to be as discreet as possible, some visible scarring is inevitable. Scar healing is a gradual process, and most scars evolve over 6 to 12 months.
In the early weeks, scars appear red or pink and slightly raised. Over time, they fade and flatten and can easily be hidden under swimwear and undergarments. I often recommend medical-grade silicone products, scar massage techniques, and sun protection to support healing.
Final Results: What To Expect at 6 Months & Beyond
Most mommy makeover results take 6 months to a year to develop fully. Swelling can come and go during this time, especially at the end of a long day or after exercise. Scars will continue to soften and fade. If you’re concerned about the appearance of scars, I offer in-office treatments like laser therapy to improve their appearance.
Mommy Makeover Recovery Tips
You can help improve your recovery experience by:
- Preparing a recovery space ahead of time with all of the essentials. Our mommy makeover recovery “must-haves” include medications, water, easy-to-reach snacks, phone charger, compression garments, and extra pillows. You won’t feel like gathering these things later, so having everything within arm’s reach is a game-changer.
- Taking care of meal prep before surgery or enlisting help for cooking. Nutritious, high-protein meals support your body’s healing process and give you the fuel you need to regain energy.
- Sticking to a consistent skincare and scar-care routine. Sunscreen is a must—even under clothes—to prevent hyperpigmentation and darkening of healing scars.
Every mommy makeover recovery is unique, but the process becomes much more manageable when you know what to expect. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Ask for help. You’ll need it—especially if you have young kids.
- Follow your post-op instructions. They’re designed to help you heal efficiently and safely.
- Be patient. Healing takes time, and your body deserves the grace to recover at its own pace.
If you’re considering a mommy makeover and want to discuss your options in more detail, I’d be happy to meet with you and create a personalized surgical and recovery plan for your needs. Request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (212) 249-4020 to schedule an appointment.
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