Even though national plastic surgery organizations don’t compile statistics for mommy makeover procedures, at my plastic surgery practice in Fort Worth, it’s clear that the number of women seeking this post-pregnancy surgery continues to increase.
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a phrase that encompasses a range of cosmetic procedures that address the physical changes experienced by women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The most common combination includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and some form of cosmetic breast surgery. That could include a breast lift, either alone or with implants, standalone breast augmentation, or breast reduction. You can see one of my patient’s mommy makeover over results in the Instagram post below (before photos are on the left):
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What Do You Do After a Mommy Makeover?
Questions from mommy makeover patients during their consultations often involve queries about what to expect during the recovery period. I cover most questions in the post-op instructions provided to all patients, and I provide some surgery and recovery information in this related blog post. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also offers helpful mommy makeover recovery information.
Still, many patients are curious about specific situations after surgery. Keep reading to learn about how soon you can fly, swim, and exercise after a mommy makeover.
How Soon After a Mommy Makeover With a Tummy Tuck Can I Fly?
If your mommy makeover includes a tummy tuck (as most do), I recommend waiting at least a month before flying. Healing from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) typically takes the longest of all the mommy makeover procedures. After a month to 6 weeks, the incisions and muscle tightening involved in the surgery should be well-healed. One of the primary concerns of flying after surgery is the risk of blood clots and thrombosis. These are related to trauma experienced during the surgery and the change in altitude involved in flying. Avoid taking a long flight and try to walk around as much as possible during the flight.
Other considerations related to flying involve the physical activity associated with airports. Running to catch a flight or lifting heavy luggage can pose risks and affect your healing. Plan to arrive well ahead of your flight and ask for help, if necessary.
How Long After Plastic Surgery Can You Swim?
First, relaxing in the pool and swimming are 2 very different things and the timetable is different. Swimming laps can be a strenuous activity that involves muscles that need at least 6 to 8 weeks to heal following a mommy makeover. Another issue is that a tummy tuck and breast surgery involve several incisions. Even after the wounds appear healed, there may still be small openings through which bacteria can enter. When you are cleared to get in the pool, take it easy at first and gradually resume exerting more energy.
How Soon Can I Exercise After a Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover?
We have a lot of active women who get mommy makeovers at our practice, and it requires a lot of patience and willpower for them to stay away from the gym. As I mentioned, it typically takes incisions at least 6 weeks to heal. But the healing process is unique for each patient, and it may take 8 weeks or more in some cases. Intense exercise, such as cross-fit training, can put extreme strain on the incision sites. Disrupting the healing process will set you back even more time, so be sure to get your plastic surgeon’s clearance before resuming physically strenuous exercises.
If you’re considering a mommy makeover and want to see more photos of my patients’ results, visit the before-and-after photo gallery.
Women come to me for mommy makeover surgery from throughout the state, including Mansfield to Abilene, TX, and beyond. Use our online form to contact us if you have additional questions or want to request a consultation, or call our office at (817) 228-4315 to schedule an appointment.
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