Mommy Makeover Recovery Guide

A Mommy Makeover can be a life-changing surgery that restores your body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. But optimal results require more than just the procedure; you must follow a detailed recovery plan to heal correctly and achieve the best outcome. This blog walks you through everything you need to know before and after surgery to support your healing journey.

Table of Contents

• Before Surgery: How to Prepare for Your Mommy Makeover
• The Day Before and the Day of Surgery
• Must-Have Items for Mommy Makeover Recovery
• Postoperative Instructions: What Happens After Your Mommy Makeover
• Sleeping After Mommy Makeover Surgery
• Caring for Incisions
• Showering After Mommy Makeover
• Activity Timeline After Mommy Makeover
• Week-by-Week Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline
• Long-Term Tips for Optimal Recovery

Before Surgery: How to Prepare for Your Mommy Makeover

Two Weeks Before Surgery

At least three weeks before your procedure, you’ll meet with your surgical team for a preoperative appointment. During this time, they will review your surgical plan, walk you through your instructions, and answer any questions.

Two weeks prior to your surgery date, discontinue the following:

• Weight loss medications such as Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or any other GLP-1s
• Over-the-counter supplements, including fish oil, Vitamin E, ibuprofen, and aspirin

These medications and supplements increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anesthesia, so it’s essential to stop them unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

One Week Before Surgery

Use this time to get organized. Contact your surgical coordinator if you have any questions about the upcoming procedure, and finalize your plans:

• Review your consent forms and surgical plan
• Secure reliable transportation to and from the surgery center
• Schedule at least two weeks off work to allow for rest and healing
• Avoid making any other plans for the day of surgery; dedicate that day to recovery

The Day Before and the Day of Surgery

The Day Before Surgery

• Wash your body with the provided antibacterial soap to minimize infection risk
• Eat a nourishing meal and hydrate throughout the day
• After midnight, do not eat or drink anything unless instructed otherwise
• Prepare and pack a small bag with your essentials for the day of surgery
• Mentally prepare for the recovery process, positive anticipation helps patients feel more in control and reduces anxiety

The Day of Surgery Checklist

On the morning of your procedure:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that accommodates dressings or compression garments
• Bring your ID, a zip-up sports bra, a slip-on jacket, and soft pants
• Take prescribed medication only if your surgeon has instructed you to
• Expect to rest and sleep for most of the day after your procedure

Start walking as soon as you feel able, even a short trip to the bathroom helps prevent complications like blood clots. Continue sipping fluids throughout the day and stick to a light diet until your body feels ready to resume regular eating.

Must-Have Items for Mommy Makeover Recovery

Shopping List

• Compression garments
• Comfortable zip-up bras and jackets
• Loose-fitting pants
• Slip-on shoes
• All prescribed medications
• Several pillows or a reclining chair for elevated sleep

Packing List for Surgery Day

• Valid ID
• Zip-up clothing
• Slip-on shoes
• Recovery plan spreadsheet (if provided)

Postoperative Instructions: What Happens After Your Mommy Makeover

Medications

Take all medications as directed. Staying on schedule is critical to managing pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing complications like infection or blood clots.

Drain Management

You may have one or two surgical drains depending on your procedure. Your surgeon or nurse will teach you how to:

• Measure and record fluid output
• Clean the area and tubing daily
• Secure the drain lines to clothing to avoid pulling or discomfort

Some drainage (especially dark red fluid) is expected during the first 48–72 hours. Keep the skin around the drains clean and dry.

A video guide for drain care will be available soon via YouTube. Stay tuned for the link.

Sleeping After Mommy Makeover Surgery

For those who have had a tummy tuck as part of their Mommy Makeover, sleeping slightly elevated is best. Use pillows or a recliner for comfort and support.

If you had fat transferred to your buttocks, avoid sleeping on your back for the first few weeks. Instead, sleep on your side and rotate sides every two hours.

Wait at least three weeks before attempting to sleep flat or on your stomach after a tummy tuck. If you only had liposuction, lying on your stomach after 48 hours is generally fine, but consult Dr. Bedolla to confirm.

Caring for Incisions

You’ll leave surgery with Steri-Strips on your incisions. These should remain intact for several days, even through showers. During the first 48 hours, keep the area dry.

After two days:

• Shower normally, but don’t rub the incision site
• Pat the incisions dry, never wipe or apply pressure
• Avoid topical antibiotics unless specifically instructed

You can begin silicone scar therapy (gels or strips) around the three-week mark if the incisions are healing well.

Showering After Mommy Makeover

Showering is permitted 48 hours after surgery:

• Use lukewarm water and gentle, unscented soap
• Let the water run over the incisions without scrubbing
• Pat dry with a clean towel
• Avoid baths, pools, or hot tubs for three to four weeks

Activity Timeline After Mommy Makeover

Return to Work

• Most patients who only had breast procedures return to work within three to four days
• After a tummy tuck or full Mommy Makeover surgery, plan for at least two full weeks off work

Driving

You may drive once you’re no longer taking narcotic pain medication and can safely move your body without discomfort.

Exercise

Expect to resume full physical activity, including gym workouts, around four to six weeks post-op. Your surgeon will assess your readiness during follow-up visits.

Week-by-Week Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline

Day One

You can expect to feel groggy and sore. Movement is vital, so get out of bed regularly to promote blood circulation. Begin Lovenox® injections as instructed to prevent blood clots. Stay hydrated and eat small meals. You may also see minor drainage from your incisions.

Day Two

Swelling and soreness may increase. Begin showering and remove compression garments slowly. You may feel lightheaded, so it’s a good idea to have help nearby. Wash and dry your compression garment before wearing it again. Continue tracking your drain output carefully.

First Week

You’ll still have swelling and bruising, but pain and stiffness begin to improve. You should be able to move more comfortably. Attend your one-week follow-up appointment to have one drain removed and get a complete exam. Continue using compression garments and tracking recovery.

Three Weeks

Most patients walk upright again by this time. Drains are removed, and compression garment wear can be reduced to 12 hours on, 12 hours off if healing is progressing well. Steri-Strips will begin to fall off. You may start scar therapy treatments. Swelling continues to subside, and you’ll begin seeing early results.

Six Weeks

By now, most of the swelling has resolved. Your new body contours become more visible, and clothes start fitting better. You’ll likely be cleared for full physical activity, including swimming and gym workouts. Continue to wear your compression garment if it helps manage residual swelling.

Long-Term Tips for Optimal Recovery

• Stick to all follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Stay active with light walking, but avoid strenuous activity until cleared
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and water.
• Continue wearing your compression garment beyond six weeks if it helps you feel comfortable.

Schedule Your Mommy Makeover Consultation in Houston, TX

Recovery from a Mommy Makeover is a process that takes time, planning, and patience. Every stage, from the day before surgery to week six post-surgery, is an opportunity to support your body and achieve the best version of yourself.

If you’re ready to explore Mommy Makeover surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Edgar Bedolla. Dr. Bedolla has extensive experience performing customized Mommy Makeover procedures and is committed to delivering natural-looking, confidence-boosting results. From your first visit to final follow-up, Dr. Bedolla and his dedicated team will be with you every step of the way.

Contact us today at (281) 990-8487 or complete our online contact form to schedule a personalized Mommy Makeover consultation.