February 2024

What To Expect When You're Having 
A Mommy Makeover: Recovery Tips 

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Breast Augmentation with Implants or Using Fat

In breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon increases the size and enhances the shape of the breasts. This can be achieved through the placement of breast implants or by using the patient's fat in a fat transfer procedure.

Implants are typically inserted through incisions made either in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the breasts.

Breast Lift
Surgery

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipples to achieve a more youthful appearance. In a breast lift, Dr. Burns makes incisions around the areola and possibly vertically down to the breast crease. Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted.

Combo Breast Aug
with Breast Lift

Some women may choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift to enhance volume while also addressing skin sag. This involves the simultaneous placement of implants and the reshaping of breast tissue through a lift procedure. This is a highly customized procedure dialed in by Dr. Burns, based on the patient's individual needs.

Breast
Reduction

Breast reduction is a highly sought-after solution for moms who have had unforeseen weight gain with breast ptosis, and those who are experiencing neck and back pain and headaches. Breast reduction is performed to reduce the size and weight of overly large breasts, alleviating discomfort and improving overall breast aesthetics. In a breast reduction, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin through carefully planned incisions. The remaining tissue is then reshaped and lifted to achieve a more proportionate and balanced appearance.

Body Contouring After Babies

For many women, the post-pregnancy changes can lead to a shift in body confidence and impact clothing choices. Whether it's shortly after child-bearing, or a decade-plus later after silently battling loose, stretched skin, their post-pregnancy figure may have quietly chipped away a woman's confidence and self-esteem. Many of our patients will tell us that their clothing choices become centered around what will conceal, rather than reveal their figure.It's typically at that point, that a woman is more motivated to make alterations to her post-baby body shape by removing stretched and loose skin and excess fat. 

Tummy Tuck
with Lipo 360

In breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon increases the size and enhances the shape of the breasts. This can be achieved through the placement of breast implants or by using the patient's fat in a fat transfer procedure.

Implants are typically inserted through incisions made either in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the breasts.

Corset Plication Tummy Tuck Technique

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipples to achieve a more youthful appearance. In a breast lift, Dr. Burns makes incisions around the areola and possibly vertically down to the breast crease. Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted.

Lipo 360 "Shrink Wrapping"
the Skin

Some women may choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift to enhance volume while also addressing skin sag. This involves the simultaneous placement of implants and the reshaping of breast tissue through a lift procedure. This is a highly customized procedure dialed in by Dr. Burns, based on the patient's individual needs.

Learn more:
The Dallas Tummy Tuck
The Corset Tummy Tuck
Avoiding Trendy Lipo: Why Elegant Lipo is Better

Immediately Following Your Mommy Makeover

Recovery from a mommy makeover is a gradual process, and individual experiences vary based on the type of procedures performed. A mommy makeover is routinely performed as an outpatient procedure, but some women elect to stay overnight in our Cloister recovery facility, especially when multiple procedures are performed together.

After a mommy makeover, it is normal to experience pain and discomfort in the first few days. Nevertheless, after approximately one week, your pain should be able to be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. It is possible to experience bruising and swelling which may take up to two to three weeks to resolve.

Here are some things you need to know to move through your mommy makeover recovery seamlessly Most of Dr. Burns' patients are active moms, and they all pre-plan for recovery success with their procedures so that their partners and family are ready to be supportive so that mom focuses on her healing.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

Recovery from a mommy makeover largely depends on the rate-limiting factor which is the tummy tuck. The tummy tuck involves tightening of the abdominal muscles which requires the most recovery time. Recently, the use of Exparel has made a huge difference in the discomfort with muscle tightening. Exparel is a long-lasting local anesthetic that is injected into the abdominal muscles and around the abdomen to keep the area numb for the first few initial days after the procedure.

Lipo 360

Liposuction also requires recovery time as there is swelling, stiffness, and soreness. Compression garments are worn for the first 6 weeks to smooth the skin and avoid contour irregularities. Lymphatic massage has helped many of our patients recover faster as this helps with pain and swelling.

Breast Surgery

The breasts are usually the least painful and don’t require a lot of extra-special attention in terms of recovery. Dr. Burns practices rapid recovery breast augmentation where the dissection is meticulously done using electrocautery to avoid bleeding and the implant pocket is numbed with long-lasting local anesthetic. A breast lift might require more recovery to allow the incisions to heal, but similarly to a tummy tuck, the breasts are injected with a local anesthetic to decrease discomfort for the first few days post-op.

Regardless, moms should expect about a week of downtime where they will primarily rest at home and require some help with children.

Helpful Tips To Get You Through

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help With Your Recovery

Recovering from a mommy makeover, which may involve multiple procedures, can be physically demanding. It's crucial to reach out to your support system for assistance. Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, or even hiring a caregiver, having help during the initial stages of recovery is essential. Many moms may be hesitant to ask for assistance, but recognizing that it's necessary for a smoother recovery is important.

Plan For Success

Planning ahead is key to a successful recovery. Expect a few weeks of downtime and take proactive steps to minimize stress. Meal preparation before the surgery can alleviate the burden of cooking during recovery. Organizing carpools with other moms and neighbors can ensure your children are taken care of, and arranging for additional help, such as a maid or laundry service, can allow you to focus on healing.

Help With Heavy Lifting

Adjusting lifting habits is crucial for mommy makeover patients. To protect the surgical areas, it's recommended to avoid weight-bearing and strenuous activities using your arms and core for lifting. Instead, squat down, use your legs to lift your child, and stand up. This minimizes strain on the healing breasts and core muscles. When possible, ask for assistance from your caregiver to minimize your risk of a complication early on.

Let Your Body Rest

While this can be challenging for most moms, getting adequate rest is paramount for a successful recovery. Going to bed earlier, taking daytime naps, and ensuring your sleeping environment supports healing are essential. A bed or recliner that inclines can help alleviate pressure on the abdominal area. Sleeping in a flexed position during the initial weeks is often recommended to support the healing process. No sleeping with children or pets until otherwise cleared to do so.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Staying well-hydrated and consuming a diet rich in protein is vital for the body's healing mechanisms. Even if you're not particularly hungry, it's important to eat to provide the necessary nutrients. Some patients turn to protein shakes, Ensure, or Boost supplements to ensure they meet their nutritional requirements during recovery. Consuming protein is essential to maintaining your strength post-surgery.

Exercise

Giving your body the necessary time to heal is crucial. It's generally advised to refrain from strenuous exercise for about a month after the mommy makeover. Initially, focus on light activities such as walking, using a stationary bike, elliptical, or stair master. After a month, a gradual reintroduction of light weightlifting or toning exercises can be considered. Return to more strenuous cardio exercises is typically recommended around the three-month mark.

Following these recovery tips can contribute to a smoother recuperation process and optimize the results of the mommy makeover. In your pre-op appointment and follow up surgical care, our registered nurse will communicate graduated clearance based on your unique procedures to. ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Our Team Is Here For You

When you book your mommy makeover, you're saying yes to transforming your body and your confidence. Please ensure you select a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Dr. John Burns in Dallas, TX, employs both artistry and skill in using advanced techniques that go beyond mere surgery – we specialize in creating results that are as natural yet transforming. Our team is curated to provide you with passionate and compassionate care throughout your journey. We are your advocates for a beautiful outcome that you will enjoy for years.

Dr. Burns offers complimentary consultations for women considering mommy makeover rejuvenation throughout the United States and the world.  

Stay In Touch

Follow us for news and information on plastic surgery procedures