That’s when loved ones need to support a new mom through her recovery. Once they feel emotionally and mentally stable and are in overall good health, the next best step is undergoing a mummy makeover.
It is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy shape and self-confidence. As the procedure involves multiple procedures like breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the step-by-step recovery process so you can navigate through smoothly and without any unpleasant surprises.
So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you experience a smooth and swift recovery process following a mummy makeover:
Proper preparation is vital for a smoother recovery. If you plan ahead, you can easily enhance comfort and minimise the risk of complications. Furthermore, it can also expedite the healing process. Some of the best ways to prepare for a seamless recovery process is to:
Remember that the better you prepare for your surgery, the smoother your recovery will be, as there will be fewer things to worry about.
Here, it is vital to understand that the recovery timeframe depends on the combination of procedures you have undergone and your body’s ability to heal naturally.
However, immediately after the surgery, you will be monitored in the hospital’s recovery area for a few hours before you’re discharged. Before you’re released from the hospital, your surgeon will give you a pain medication prescription along with compression garments to wear for a few days. As you cannot drive, make sure to book a ride or ask someone to escort you home.
You will mostly rest for a few days post-surgery. The doctor may ask you to lie with your chest and head elevated and on your back to keep fluid circulating, thereby preventing the risk of buildup. Furthermore, you will also be asked to get up and walk once every hour. This is much needed to avoid the risk of developing blood clots.
If you also get a tummy tuck during your makeover, you must bend your waist as much as possible for two weeks at least and sleep on your sides or in the recliner to maintain a desired posture.
One week later, you can start light household chores. However, don’t engage in rigorous tasks or lift anything heavy for at least six weeks post-surgery.
Also, keep the site of the incision moist using occlusive ointment. This will facilitate healing. Furthermore, at this stage, you will also have a follow-up appointment. This appointment with the surgeon will ensure your healing process is on track.
At this point, your surgeon will assign gentle exercises for recovery. These exercises will promote your range of motion and facilitate healing. Furthermore, the surgeon may instruct you to perform self-massage, especially if you have received breast implants.
For enhanced healing from the surgery, the surgeon may advise you on the following:
This is needed to maintain clear and consistent communication with the surgeon. Additionally, regular monitoring of the operated site allows the surgeon to detect any complication and address it promptly, thereby ensuring a smooth recovery.
You will be advised to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Hydration is essential for wound healing and body functioning. Nonetheless, dehydration can affect the appearance of the skin and is likely to interfere with the healing process of the incisions.
The surgeon may recommend getting quality sleep as it allows the body to heal, repair and rejuvenate faster. Therefore, try to get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for speedy recovery at night. Also, take time to rest and relax during the day. Never overwork your body.
To ensure a fast recovery process, adhere to your prescribed medication schedule. At this recovery stage, the surgeon will prescribe you painkillers, stool softeners and antibiotics. Take them punctually as prescribed to prevent infection, facilitate recovery and manage pain and discomfort.
During the initial healing stage, it is vital to prevent infection. And one of the best ways to ensure this is to keep incisions dry yet clean. Therefore, in the first week of surgery, use only a damp sponge to clean the body and area around your incision. You can resume bathing once the wounds have healed sufficiently.
It is best to eat healthy during this time and avoid vaping, smoking and consumption of alcohol. These substances can interfere with the process of healing and also increase complication risk.
Similarly, you should avoid blood thinners post-surgery for at least six weeks as they could potentially be threatening to your life.
After six weeks, you can return to your regular activities and even resume your workout routine that you had pre-surgery.
Six months post-surgery, you will begin to see the actual results of the makeover as all swelling goes away. The surgical scars are faded to pink and even flattened out. Besides this, if you have lost nipple sensation, then the good news is that it is likely to return after six months post-surgery.
As you start the healing journey, you will be recommended to eat a healthy and nutrient-dense diet so that your body can repair and recover. Some dietary changes your surgeon may advise you for an optimized healing process may include a diet rich in:
Mummy makeover is a great way for women to restore their pre-pregnancy body shape. However, since it is a surgical procedure, it has a gradual recovery process that requires patience, time and adherence to post-operative instructions. For more information about the mummy makeover procedure and recovery process, schedule a free consultation with our qualified surgeon at MPH.
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