Hello and thank-you for your question. A Mommy Makeover is a truly transformative process. The recovery, though, takes a bit of patience. Most of my patients elect to use Exparel for tummy tucks, body lifts, and breast reduction. The medication is injected at the time of surgery and lasts for 3 days. It has been particularly helpful for our tummy tuck patients in that it allows them to get up and around more quickly. It is normal to experience pain and stiffness. At 4 weeks post-operative, it is normal to feel fatigued. Weight gain early in the healing process is frequently due to fluid retention. It is normal to have intermittent swelling in the operative sites 4 weeks post-operative. To reduce swelling, I recommend to my patients that they wear the compression garments, limit salt and sodium, and drink plenty of water. If fluid retention persists, a diuretic (water pill) is prescribed. Lymphatic message may help. However, I would advise that you take plenty of time off to recover. You are investing a great deal of time, effort and money into improving yourself, and you want to protect your investment by giving yourself the appropriate time to heal. Taking a week off may work if everything goes smoothly, but you would be better off taking at least 10 to 14 days of to be sure you will feel up to going back to work. If it is possible to arrange for a flexible schedule once you return allowing you to leave early will give you additional time if necessary. It is better to overestimate the time needed to recover rather than go back too early. It generally takes 6 weeks to get your energy back and feel back to normal.Close follow-up with your Plastic Surgeon and his/her nursing staff is essential for the optimal results. I encourage my patients to follow-up with me regularly and frequently for the best results. Best wishes during your recovery
