A mummy makeover is a set of cosmetic surgeries that help a woman's body get back to how it was before she got pregnant and had a baby. Patients often undergo a tummy tuck, breast lift or breast reduction, and liposuction. The results are life-changing, but it's important to know how long the recovery will take so you can plan, set realistic goals, and make sure the healing goes smoothly and safely.
To recover from a mummy makeover may depend on the procedures done, the patient's overall health, and how well they follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions.
You should plan on being out of work or other activities for at least a few weeks to heal. Performing multiple operations at once may make the recovery time longer.
It's important to remember that recovery time isn't the only thing to worry about. You should also think about the procedure's scope, the method used, and your overall health.
After surgery, you'll get clear instructions on how to care for yourself at home, including the surgical area and pain. Your surgeon will tell you when to resume normal activities.
You will have swelling, bruising, and pain for the first few days after surgery. You might also need to wear a compression garment for a long time to help control swelling and support your new shape.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. It's important to remember that recovery times are different for everyone. Follow your surgeon's advice and give yourself time to heal. The healing time after a mummy makeover varies for each individual and depends on the specific treatments they received. However, there are certain actions you can take to expedite the healing process:
- Follow your surgeon's instructions after the surgery. This will include instructions on how to take care of your wounds, manage your pain, and limit your activities.
- Take a break and relax. It's very important to let your body heal. Your cosmetic surgeon may tell you to stay away from heavy lifting or hard work for a while.
- Make sure you drink enough water. Drinking a lot of water can help reduce swelling and speed up healing.
- Eat a balanced diet. A diet rich in protein and other nutrients can help you heal.
- Put on compression clothes. Your doctor may tell you to wear compression clothes to help with swelling and healing.
- Don't smoke. It's important to quit smoking or not smoke for at least a few weeks before and after surgery because smoking can slow down healing.
- Don't miss any of your scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon. You must keep all of your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to make sure you are healing properly. It's important to remember that everyone heals at their pace. The best way to make sure your recovery goes smoothly is to follow your surgeon's instructions, take your time, and let your body heal.
Recovery Period (First 1–2 Weeks)
The first two weeks after a mummy makeover are highly vital for getting better. For this time:
- Soreness and Discomfort: You should expect some swelling and soreness. Your doctor will offer you pain drugs to help with the pain.
- Movement Restrictions: You can't do several things, like bend, lift big stuff, or do strenuous work. Walking gently is good for your blood flow and minimises your risk of getting blood clots.
- Dressings and Drains: You might need to wear surgical dressings, compression garments or drainage tubes to keep swelling down and prevent fluid from building up.
- Rest: It's crucial to get adequate sleep, and obtaining support at home is often a smart option.
Short-Term Recovery (Weeks 3–6)
During weeks three to six:
- Less swelling: The swelling and bruises start to go down, and you can see that you are moving better.
- More Activity: You can start doing light activities every day again, but you should still stay away from heavy lifting and high-intensity activity.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Your surgeon will check your recovery, look for issues, and remove sutures or drains if needed.
- Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments for a long time helps keep your body in shape and lowers swelling.
Mid-Term Recovery (Weeks 6–12)
After surgery, six to twelve weeks:
- Better Movement: Most people may move properly again and do mild exercise.
- Exercise: You can start doing simple things like walking as long as your doctor thinks it's acceptable.
- Healing of Incisions: The scars from the procedure start to fade, but they could still be red or raised.
- Body Shape: You will start to see how your body looks more defined and how the makeover is working.
Long-Term Recovery (3–12 Months)
The full recovery after a mummy makeover can take up to a year, depending on the specific treatments performed and each individual's healing speed.
- Scar maturation: Over time, scars become smaller and flatter. It can take a few months for the scar to look how it does now.
- Results: The mummy makeover's results, like body shape, breast size, and stomach tightness, are clear.
- Changes in lifestyle: To keep the results, you need to eat well, work out regularly, and not gain or lose a lot of weight.
Factors that affect recovery time
- How many surgeries: If you have more than one surgery, like a stomach tuck, breast lift, or liposuction, it may take longer to heal.
- Age and Health: People who are younger and healthy frequently get better faster.
- Stick to Post-Op Instructions: After surgery, it is very important to follow the surgeon's instructions for rest, wound care, and activity limits.
- Support System: Getting aid from family or friends in the initial few weeks could make things less stressful and help you heal faster.
Our patient travelled all the way from Vancouver, Canada, for her mommy makeover — and she couldn’t be happier with her experience! From her first consultation to recovery, everything went smoothly and professionally.
To get more and detailed information, it's best to consult a board-certified Op. Dr. Onur Oğan experienced in performing mommy makeover procedures.
