Mommy makeover: Full tummy tuck/breast lift and implants. Enough time to recover?

Question

Full tummy tuck & breast augmentation planned for 9 weeks before my family vacation. Doc thinks I’ll be good to go and I do too, but I’m looking for those who have been through it. Cruise & then Disney World/Orlando.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

You can see there's a pretty clear consensus among plastic surgeons that the typical recovery following a mommy makeover that includes a tummy tuck is 4 to 6 weeks. That means you should enjoy your vacation. I would caution, however, that you may still not be fully healed at 9 weeks and may need to rest a bit more often than you might expect. Best of luck and enjoy your vacation!.
Best of LuckDr. Romanelli

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. Generally speaking, you should be able to travel 4-6 weeks after tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Providing your recovery is uneventful, you should be able to go on vacation 2 months after your surgery. My best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon will help you decide if you would be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. You can get a tummy tuck and breast augmentation/lift at the same time and this is part of what people talk about when they use the term  "mommy makeover". Of course, these procedures can be done separately though the cost is usually more. It is very common for women to want a mommy makeover, especially after having had children. Pregnancy definitely is hard on the abdominal and breast areas and this is a comment complaint among women visiting my office. 
It is very common for patients who get mommy makeover surgery to ask about their recovery and when they can start exercising after surgery. 
Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine (because of the nerve blocks given during surgery) and usually feel very comfortable going out in public the same or next days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them in person the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. 
I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and they might hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. 
Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.
I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.
I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of mommy makeovers. Good luck with your future surgery!
I hope my answer helped you and if it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  Have a great day.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Healing after a mommy makeover is usually pretty straight forward. There is a process of swelling and bruising that undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.  Patients can return to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery.  We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months or so after surgery. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, 4-6 weeks should be enough time to recover from a mommy makeover every surgeon has different post op care instructions,follow your PS's advise.best of luck.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, 4-6 weeks of recovery time allow return to your usual daily activities.  More strenuous activities may require a little more time.  It is best to partner with your plastic surgeon for the recovery process and follow the postoperative instructions carefully.  Your surgeon will see you regularly for follow up during recovery and can help guide you back to activity at the appropriate time.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery and great result.  Enjoy your trip!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Good luck on your upcoming surgery!  At nine weeks post op you should be feeling well enough to go on vacation given you have a  normal recovery.  You still may have some swelling and may tire at the end of the day, but who doesn't after a day at Disney!  Have fun.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Is a tummy tuck necessary? 
Often minimally invasive procedures such as J PLASMA (with or without Ultherapy) can be substituted for the tummy tuck; in addition they allow for treatment of the back hips and waist. It depends on if there is (enough) muscle laxity and how much skin excess is present. If a conventional tummy tuck can be avoided, the breast surgery is much more easily tolerated and therefore the recovery is reduced.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your questions.  A recovery period of  6 weeks is generally what I recommend after a mommy makeover.  You should be good to go for your vacation 9 weeks after surgery but be sure to discuss your plans with your plastic surgeon.  Have a great trip.

Kanit Wittayavanichai, MD · Answer

Hello NewMeForty. Most of my patients can resume to their usual activities within 4 weeks, so 9 weeks are plenty of time to recover. I hope you had a lovely trip! / Dr. Kanit W. Thailand

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