Christopher Chung, M.D.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Chief Medical Officer
Sono Bello

For many, the impact of pregnancy on their abdomen lasts long past the birth of their child. Many people who have given birth still struggle with a baby pooch for months or even years, no matter how much they diet or exercise.

The truth is, those bodily changes caused by pregnancy can be especially stubborn even for the most active and motivated people. For many, getting back to that pre-baby body is a major challenge that can feel impossible.

Fortunately, getting that post-baby tummy back to a flat , toned shape can be achieved with just one procedure: the Mommy Makeover.

Sono Bello’s Mommy Makeover procedure is designed to eliminate excess fat and achieve sculpted results using a combination of micro-laser liposuction and excess skin removal for a full mid-section transformation.

For people considering the Mommy Makeover as an option for getting back to their pre-baby body, some big questions might be top of mind:

• How long does it take to recover from a Mommy Makeover procedure?
• Is there anything I can do to speed up recovery from a Mommy Makeover?
• What does the Mommy Makeover recovery process look like?

The answers to these questions are surprisingly simple and could provide real help for someone considering whether or not the Mommy Makeover is the right solution to achieve their ideal look.

How long does it take to recover from a Mommy Makeover?

It’s important to understand that no two patients are the same. That means there really is no single answer to “how long it takes to recover from a Mommy Makeover.” However, there are a few factors that can help each patient understand what their Mommy makeover recovery will look like.

The full healing process after a Sono Bello Mommy Makeover procedure can take anywhere from a week to a month depending on specifics of the surgery and the individual receiving it.

Because everyone’s individual healing process is different, an individual’s recovery period may be slightly shorter or longer than the average.

Some patients feel ready to restart their daily routines and activities within days, even while their bodies are still recovering. Others need to wait until every fiber and bit of tissue impacted by the surgery is back to its pre-op equilibrium before they resume their normal lives.

Fortunately, most Sono Bello patients report that they feel happy and confident with their results within one month after their Mommy Makeover procedure.

What factors might impact my recovery from a Mommy Makeover procedure?

Each patient’s body, healing time, and lifestyle is different—and each of these factors (and more) can play a role in extending or shortening a patient’s individual recovery experience.

Plus, the Mommy Makeover procedure itself is not always exactly the same. Patients with larger abdomens, or who need more skin removed, might require more extensive surgery that requires more time. This can add to the overall recovery time for that individual patient.

Age, overall health, and lifestyle of the patient also may influence the length and intensity of recovery time. Fortunately, modern liposuction procedures such as those offered by Sono Bello are designed to minimize pain and discomfort, which in turn leads to a smoother and less intensive rehabilitation period.

On the surgical side, more extensive procedures will naturally require a longer time for healing. Patients who undergo multiple areas of liposuction, for example, may need more time to heal than those undergoing a single area.

As far as patient health goes, more physically fit patients – being more resilient – usually experience shorter recovery times. However, there are always exceptions to this rule. Simply because someone is in good shape, doesn’t mean they will automatically have a seamless recovery. They must be sure to follow all instructions given by their surgeon to ensure that the healing process is as smooth as possible.

How can I get the best possible results from my Mommy Makeover?

Patients who are serious about achieving the best possible results and the easiest possible recovery should be proactive. Staying healthy and getting the right amount of sleep ahead of the procedure can go a long way and set each patient up for the best recovery after the procedure.

Before they even enter the operating room, they should have a discussion with their provider about setting expectations and making plans for after the surgery. They can also make a point of educating themselves about the procedure. Understanding exactly what’s happening to their body will help them take better care of it as it heals.

As a part of their planning and goal setting, they can set reminders to schedule follow-up appointments, pick up prescriptions, buy products to keep treatment areas clean, and even find a yoga class or massage parlor nearby to help with active recovery. The idea is that by simply thinking about ways to enhance their wellbeing after the surgery, patients will be in a headspace conducive to achieving success.

Can I do anything that will shorten my Mommy Makeover recovery time?

After a Mommy makeover procedure, a patient’s surgeon will provide them with a post-surgical self-care program. Following this program closely and listening to a surgeon’s instructions can provide serious benefits for a patient’s recovery timeline.

These instructions typically include avoiding smoking and alcohol prior to surgery (and for a few weeks afterwards), drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy balanced diet and taking any prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothing and sleeping on their back with pillow support may be recommended to further reduce swelling or discomfort in the treatment areas during the initial stages of recovery.

Most individuals will experience minimal downtime after their Mommy Makeover procedure – enabling them to return to doing the things that they enjoy in relatively short order.

What should I do during my Mommy Makeover recovery period?

Once the surgery has concluded and the recovery period has begun, it’s essential to follow the physician’s instructions properly and attentively.

For starters, patients will always be encouraged to schedule and – most importantly – attend all of their follow-up appointments. During these meetings, the doctor will provide detailed advice tailored to the individual regarding how to best recover from their surgery, including ways to minimize discomfort and avoid complications.

They will likely be advised to take medications, keep incisions sanitized, change bandages when necessary, apply topical ointments, and wear compression garments to reduce swelling.

The physician will usually instruct Mommy Makeover patients to follow a well-balanced diet filled with nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods such as dark greens, healthy fats, berries, and ginger. There are also foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, and fermented probiotic-rich products that can help repair the tissues. Whatever they choose to eat, patients should avoid processed foods and sugary snacks that can slow the healing process.

Patients should also make an effort to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Resting will help them regain strength after surgery and staying hydrated helps flush toxins out of the body which promotes wound healing.

Active recovery is important, but patients should avoid overly strenuous activities for at least two weeks after their surgery. They may be able to start light exercise such as walking within a few days but intense activities such as heavy lifting should be postponed until a doctor approves them.

Most patients will be told to wear compression garments during the first weeks following surgery to reduce swelling and help with skin retraction. Compression garments are specially designed to fit close to the body, which helps keep swelling down and allows the treated area to heal properly.

By following their providers recovery plan, patients can ensure that their liposuction results are as good as they can be and will last for years to come.

Want the shortest recovery from a Mommy makeover? Be optimistic, disciplined, and caring towards yourself.

Although the majority of Mommy Makeover recipients recover from their operation within a matter of days or weeks, it will take months before their final results become evident. So, healing is really the first step on their journey towards achieving a better body. It takes time for the benefits of the procedure to truly take effect. This is why patients should remain optimistic and not be discouraged if their body transformation isn’t obvious within a week or two of surgery.

As long as they remain disciplined and committed to living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of their bodies, the results will come. And they can always reach out to their surgical team throughout the healing process for reassurance and guidance.

The best way to get started with the Mommy makeover process is through a free Patient Consultation with a Sono Bello Patient Care Consultant. They can help each patient understand the best option to achieve their dream body, and understand how they can best finance their procedure for maximum success.