5'6, 155lbs, does 16 weeks seems like an excessive wait time for heavy lifting after a mommy makeover?

The incisions on your breast should be healed at 3 to 4 weeks. The next area, your abdomen, has two different areas, each with its optimal recovery time. The first is healing of the abdominal skin flap that has been elevated and trimmed. This flap has a potential space under it and the flap needs to heal back down in place so that potential space is closed and can’t collect any fluid. This should be healed in 4-6 weeks. The last area is your diastasis repair. This is accomplished by suturing your rectus fascia together in 2 layers. This repair will be strong enough for you to return to regular activity at 6-8 weeks. While waiting 12-16 weeks is completely OK, it may be a bit too cautious. Best wishes.

While that is longer than would be considered typical for lifting, it is important to note that every surgeon has a bit different protocol based on their own experiences. If you have found a surgeon whose goals align with yours, I would recommend trying to stick to her protocol as best as you can. While these can be difficult, your surgeon has your best interest and safety in mind.

The appropriate wait time before resuming heavy lifting after a mommy makeover can vary depending on the specific procedures performed, individual healing rates, and the recommendations of your surgeon. However, 16 weeks (approximately 4 months) is not necessarily an excessive wait time for heavy lifting following a mommy makeover.

In general, mommy makeover procedures often involve surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction. These procedures can impact the abdominal muscles, breast tissue, and surrounding areas. Proper healing and tissue recovery are crucial for optimal results and to reduce the risk of complications.

Your surgeon will likely provide specific guidelines for activity and lifting restrictions based on your individual case. These guidelines are designed to protect the surgical sites, minimize the risk of complications such as bleeding, wound separation, or damage to the surgical results, and promote optimal healing.

Heavy lifting and strenuous activities can put strain on the surgical areas, potentially disrupting the healing process or causing complications. Waiting approximately 16 weeks before resuming heavy lifting allows for sufficient time for tissues to heal, regain strength, and reduce the risk of complications.

It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and adhere to the recommended timeline for activity restrictions. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery or activity limitations, it's best to discuss them directly with your surgeon for personalized guidance. They can provide recommendations based on your specific procedures and individual healing progress.