I’m a 42 yo woman who recently had liposuction across the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Nine months out, I’m completely healed with beautiful results and am now considering a Mommy Makeover (TT & breast augmentation) however, after my last grueling recovery, I’m a little scared. The months post op were horrible, and the pain was so much worse than I anticipated. I could barely walk for months. Should I expect recovery from the MM to be the same? How hard is recovery, really?
Answer: Mommy Makeover vs liposuction recovery The recovery experiences for a Mommy Makeover and liposuction can vary because these procedures target different areas and involve different aspects of surgical intervention. Here's a general comparison of what you might expect in terms of recovery for each: Mommy Makeover: Components: A Mommy Makeover typically involves a combination of procedures to address post-pregnancy changes in the breasts and abdomen. Common components include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction. Recovery: The recovery for a Mommy Makeover can be more extensive than for individual procedures. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in multiple areas. The initial recovery period can range from a few weeks to several months. Activity Restrictions: Patients are often advised to limit physical activity, especially strenuous exercise, for several weeks. It may take longer to fully resume normal activities compared to standalone liposuction. Liposuction: Procedure: Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas using a suction technique. Recovery: Recovery from liposuction is generally quicker than a Mommy Makeover. Patients may experience swelling and bruising, but they can often return to light activities within a week or two. Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments may be recommended to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. Factors Influencing Recovery: Individual Variation: Recovery experiences can vary widely among individuals based on factors such as overall health, the extent of surgery, and individual healing capacity. Combination Procedures: If liposuction is part of the Mommy Makeover, the recovery from liposuction will be concurrent with the overall Mommy Makeover recovery. Tips for Smooth Recovery: Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions closely. Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled. Allow your body the necessary time to heal before resuming strenuous activities. Wear compression garments as directed to support healing and reduce swelling. It's crucial to have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about what to expect during the recovery process based on the specific procedures you are undergoing. They will provide personalized guidance to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
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Answer: Mommy Makeover vs liposuction recovery The recovery experiences for a Mommy Makeover and liposuction can vary because these procedures target different areas and involve different aspects of surgical intervention. Here's a general comparison of what you might expect in terms of recovery for each: Mommy Makeover: Components: A Mommy Makeover typically involves a combination of procedures to address post-pregnancy changes in the breasts and abdomen. Common components include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction. Recovery: The recovery for a Mommy Makeover can be more extensive than for individual procedures. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in multiple areas. The initial recovery period can range from a few weeks to several months. Activity Restrictions: Patients are often advised to limit physical activity, especially strenuous exercise, for several weeks. It may take longer to fully resume normal activities compared to standalone liposuction. Liposuction: Procedure: Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas using a suction technique. Recovery: Recovery from liposuction is generally quicker than a Mommy Makeover. Patients may experience swelling and bruising, but they can often return to light activities within a week or two. Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments may be recommended to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. Factors Influencing Recovery: Individual Variation: Recovery experiences can vary widely among individuals based on factors such as overall health, the extent of surgery, and individual healing capacity. Combination Procedures: If liposuction is part of the Mommy Makeover, the recovery from liposuction will be concurrent with the overall Mommy Makeover recovery. Tips for Smooth Recovery: Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions closely. Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled. Allow your body the necessary time to heal before resuming strenuous activities. Wear compression garments as directed to support healing and reduce swelling. It's crucial to have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about what to expect during the recovery process based on the specific procedures you are undergoing. They will provide personalized guidance to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Recovery Of the procedures you mentioned the tummy tuck is the longest of the recoveries. Typically patients will take 2-3 weeks off work and will be back to most normal daily activities including exercise around 6 weeks. Medication is usually prescribed to manage pain. Some patients elect to have a medication given during surgery called Exparel which can help manage pain during the first few days after surgery. Speak with your surgeon to learn more.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Recovery Of the procedures you mentioned the tummy tuck is the longest of the recoveries. Typically patients will take 2-3 weeks off work and will be back to most normal daily activities including exercise around 6 weeks. Medication is usually prescribed to manage pain. Some patients elect to have a medication given during surgery called Exparel which can help manage pain during the first few days after surgery. Speak with your surgeon to learn more.
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October 3, 2023
Answer: Surgery Most people do not complain of pain from liposuction as horrible, nor does it take months to recover. The tummy tuck and breast augmentation are bigger procedures, more involved, and more discomfort and downtime. You might do each separately.
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October 3, 2023
Answer: Surgery Most people do not complain of pain from liposuction as horrible, nor does it take months to recover. The tummy tuck and breast augmentation are bigger procedures, more involved, and more discomfort and downtime. You might do each separately.
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September 21, 2023
Answer: Recovery from combined procedures Hello! I almost always tell my patients that liposuction is likely one of the most painful procedures that Plastic Surgeons do (both for the patient as well as the physician!) if the liposuction was done right. Remember, that when you remove large volumes of fat you also remove energy from the body and so recovery can be more challenging both physically as well as metabolically. A tummy tuck and breast augmentation should theoretically be significantly easier in terms of recovery but this varies between patients as well as surgical techniques (i.e. drainless tummy tuck vs. traditional, TIVA vs. General Anesthesia, etc). Be sure to discuss these questions during your consultation with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
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September 21, 2023
Answer: Recovery from combined procedures Hello! I almost always tell my patients that liposuction is likely one of the most painful procedures that Plastic Surgeons do (both for the patient as well as the physician!) if the liposuction was done right. Remember, that when you remove large volumes of fat you also remove energy from the body and so recovery can be more challenging both physically as well as metabolically. A tummy tuck and breast augmentation should theoretically be significantly easier in terms of recovery but this varies between patients as well as surgical techniques (i.e. drainless tummy tuck vs. traditional, TIVA vs. General Anesthesia, etc). Be sure to discuss these questions during your consultation with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
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September 11, 2023
Answer: Mommy Makeover vs liposuction recovery Dear Metalmom30, generally speaking, mommy makeover is more complicated surgery than liposuction and patients tend to have higher pain levels after MM. However, with a good preoperative and postoperative protocols, pain can be significantly reduced. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations. Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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September 11, 2023
Answer: Mommy Makeover vs liposuction recovery Dear Metalmom30, generally speaking, mommy makeover is more complicated surgery than liposuction and patients tend to have higher pain levels after MM. However, with a good preoperative and postoperative protocols, pain can be significantly reduced. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations. Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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