A Mommy Makeover can be a lasting and immensely rewarding treatment to feel more like yourself after the effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the physical demands of raising children. The procedures included are personalized to your wishes, but most transformations include some combination of liposuction, a tummy tuck, and breast surgery.
Recovering from a Mommy Makeover can sound daunting with children at home, but efficiently planning for a multi-procedure surgery can make all the difference. With thoughtful preparation, you can maximize your recovery while keeping your household running smoothly. Dr. Bottger, a board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon, sheds light on how to optimize your Mommy Makeover recovery with kids in the household.
Best Timing
A healthy, stable weight is required before undergoing a Mommy Makeover to make the most out of your final results. Since the body continues to stabilize in the months after giving birth, Dr. Bottger often advises waiting at least six months before planning for additional surgery.
In addition, it’s typically recommended to wait until you’re finished having children before planning for your Mommy Makeover procedures. Future pregnancies can undo the effects of a tummy tuck, breast lift, and/or breast augmentation, so waiting until your family is complete can prolong the lifespan of your results.
Fitting a Mommy Makeover Into Your Family’s Schedule
Another aspect to consider when planning a Mommy Makeover is your family’s calendar. Many parents schedule surgery during a stretch of time when extra help is available, such as when a close friend or partner can take time off, grandparents can visit, or older children are in school or camp.
There will be limitations to your mobility and activity restrictions to account for, including:
- No lifting anything over 10 pounds (including toddlers)
- Inability to drive for a certain amount of time, requiring you to get help with any pick-ups and drop-offs
In general, many women avoid busy seasons like holidays, birthdays, or the start of the school year, as elective surgery can increase disruption to your day-to-day routine during stressful periods. Dr. Bottger can give you a personalized recovery timeline based on your unique surgical plan, but many patients require about one to two weeks of downtime before returning to light daily activity.
Set Yourself Up for Success
- Childcare: Arrange for full-time help for at least the first week or two, whether you decide to enlist a partner, relative, friend, or hired caregiver. Also, line up support for tasks like child supervision, school and club drop-offs, bath time, and bedtime routines. Lifting restrictions are often the toughest part of recovery for parents, as picking up most babies and toddlers will be prohibited.
- Recovery Environment: Create a comfortable recovery space before your surgery day. Choose a spot that’s easy to reach (ideally on the main floor to limit stair climbing) and stock it with extra pillows for propping yourself up, a wedge or recliner if you have one, loose button-front clothing, your medications, water, phone chargers, and entertainment. Keep frequently used items at waist height so you don’t have to bend or reach. If possible, set boundaries so this space can be a quiet retreat when you need rest.
- Meals and Chores: Take care of meal-prepping for yourself and your children ahead of time. Prepare and freeze simple, nutritious meals in the weeks before surgery, or set up a meal train with friends and family. Grocery delivery can also be ideal during this time. We advise protein-rich foods, fruits, veggies, and plenty of fluids to support healing.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
Emotional ups and downs post-surgery are normal and expected. Whether this is caused by a shift in hormones, residual effects of the anesthesia, or frustration/guilt from asking for help, it can be comforting to remind yourself that your emotions will stabilize as you continue to heal. Lean on your support system, and don’t hesitate to share how you’re feeling. Dr. Bottger and our team will provide you with ongoing support so you feel reassured and cared for throughout the recovery process.
Dr. David Bottger — A Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Mommy Makeover Surgeon
- Certified in aesthetic procedures by American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), 20+ years of experience
- Uses Crisalix® 3D imaging during consultations to visually outline goals and provide a “virtual preview” of potential results.
- Performs the cutting-edge Drain Free Tummy Tuck technique to make recovery period smoother and less uncomfortable
- Completed competitive fellowship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation, making him one of few fellowship-trained plastic surgeons in the country
An invaluable step in the Mommy Makeover process is choosing an aesthetic surgeon who you can trust to be your recovery advocate from start to finish. Dr. Bottger has performed hundreds of Mommy Makeovers for countless patients and is deeply familiar with the strong continuum of care necessary to achieve safe, stunning results.
If you have questions or you would simply like to discuss the Mommy Makeover process personally with Dr. Bottger, please feel free to book a consultation at our Philadelphia practice. We serve patients throughout the Main Line, Newtown Square, Bryn Mawr, and nearby areas.