Mommy Makeover

How Long Does Swelling Last after a Mommy Makeover?

A mom and a dad smiling and posing with their two happy children on their backs.

You have completed your family and now you have decided you want to do something to help you improve your figure. A mommy makeover is the perfect solution, but as a mom, you are probably wondering how long recovery is and how long you will experience swelling after the makeover. The answers to those questions are not always so cut and dry.

When it comes to plastic surgery, a mommy makeover is a little different. Instead of one procedure, like a tummy tuck, multiple procedures are performed at the same time. This can include tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lifts and vaginal rejuvenation, just to name a few. Because of this, mommy makeovers are much more extensive and so is the swelling.

What we can do is look at each procedure to give you a better idea of the swelling you can expect and how to reduce the swelling after your mommy makeover.

A Tummy Tuck

During a tummy tuck procedure, the lymphatic drainage system in the body is disrupted. This disruption leads to fluid buildup and swelling. As you heal, the body repairs the lymphatic system and fluid is once again able to drain. However, this takes time to complete. The majority of the swelling from a tummy tuck typically resolves within 6 to 12 weeks, but minimal swelling can continue for up to a year or more. Swelling can also last longer if you have liposuction with your tummy tuck.

After your tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon may recommend a compression garment or fitted abdominal binder for you to wear. This helps reduce the swelling. Swelling also increases with activity. Resting and elevating your legs can also help reduce the swelling at the end of the day.

Liposuction

Swelling associated with liposuction depends on a couple different factors. The more fat removed, the longer the swelling may last. If you have liposuction with a tummy tuck, the swelling will last longer. The main swelling can last 3 to 6 months and minimal swelling can last up to a year. As with tummy tucks, your plastic surgeon may provide you with compression garments to help minimize the swelling.

Breast Enhancement Procedures

Breast enhancement procedures include breast reduction, breast augmentation and breast lifts. How your body reacts and the amount of swelling that can occur are different depending on the person and the procedure. After any type of breast enhancement procedure, most plastic surgeons recommend wearing a surgical compression bra or other wire-free bra to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

With a breast reduction or a breast lift, swelling is normal for at least a couple months and minimal swelling can continue for up to a year. Swelling after breast augmentation surgery can be present for 4 to 6 months while the breast implants drop and settle. As a lift is often combine with breast augmentation, this can cause an increase in swelling time.

Female Rejuvenation

Female rejuvenation, or labiaplasty, addresses the size and shape of the labia minora. Swelling after this procedure is common and typically peaks around the second or third day. In many cases, the swelling can make this area larger or more distorted than it was before surgery. In most cases, this is normal. Swelling typically improves within 6 weeks but can last as long as 3 to 6 months.

Swelling after any surgical procedure is common, and a mommy makeover is no different. Follow the post-op instructions from your plastic surgeon for swelling reduction. If you feel your swelling is more than normal, contact your plastic surgeon for an examination.

 

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How Long Does Swelling Last after a Mommy Makeover?
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How Long Does Swelling Last after a Mommy Makeover?
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Nashville board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Nein shares some tips on how to reduce swelling after a mommy makeover.
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BeautySmoothie
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