What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures designed to address the physical changes that occur after pregnancy. It often includes breast surgery such as augmentation, lift, or reduction, a tummy tuck to repair separated abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, and liposuction to contour the waist and other areas. Every woman is different, and Dr. Glenn Lyle tailors each surgical plan to meet her individual goals, body type, and lifestyle.

Recovery varies depending on which procedures are performed, your overall health, and how closely you follow post-operative care instructions. While it is a significant surgery, many women are surprised by how manageable the healing process can be with proper support and planning.

Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline

– Week 1: Rest and Rebuilding

The first week after surgery is the most physically demanding. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, tightness, and soreness, especially around the abdomen and breasts. During this time, your body is focusing entirely on healing, and rest is critical. Dr. Glenn Lyle and his team provide pain management protocols and detailed instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Depending on your surgical plan, drains may be placed during surgery to help remove excess fluid. These are typically monitored and removed at an appropriate time during follow-up visits. Patients are also fitted with medical-grade compression garments immediately after surgery to support the treated areas, reduce swelling, and promote proper healing.

Key actions during Week 1 include:

• Resting in a reclined position to reduce tension on incisions
• Walking gently for at least 10-15 minutes every few hours to support circulation
• Wearing compression garments as directed
• Avoiding bending, lifting, or twisting
• Keeping hydrated and eating nutrient-rich meals

– Week 2: Turning the Corner

By the second week, most patients start to feel a noticeable improvement in mobility and overall energy. Bruising starts to fade, and pain becomes more manageable, often requiring fewer or no narcotic pain medications or Tylenol or ibuprofen. This stage is often described as the turning point, where patients feel more optimistic about their recovery and begin to see early changes in their body contours.

Short walks around the house or even outdoors and light daily activities are usually safe, but it’s still important to avoid any lifting or strenuous motion. If drains were placed, they may be removed during this time depending on output and healing. This is also the week when you’ll typically have your first follow-up visit with Dr. Glenn Lyle, who will evaluate your progress, change or assess the SteriStrips applied to your surgical incisions, and provide guidance for the next phase of healing.

Although some patients feel well enough to consider returning to work, only those with sedentary roles and full medical clearance should do so. You should not be driving if you are still taking narcotic pain medication. Generally, plan 2 weeks of no driving. You must feel comfortable enough to slam on the brakes without hesitation if a situation demands.

– Weeks 3 to 4: Transition and Reintroduction

The third and fourth weeks mark a shift toward more independence and comfort. Swelling continues to decline, and mobility improves significantly. Patients generally feel more confident moving around, handling light chores, and even returning to office work or social activities, depending on their energy levels and surgeon’s approval. For those seeking to return to exercise- light dumbbells ( 5-10 pounds) are a great minimally disruptive way to remain active without putting excessive strain on the surgical sites. Dr. Lyle will tell you if this is OK.

At this stage, Dr. Glenn Lyle transitions patients from SteriStrips to medical-grade silicone tape to promote scar healing. Silicone tapes are worn for up to three months and help flatten and soften surgical scars. Some patients may begin their first DermaV vascular laser treatment, which targets early redness in healing incisions. Red light therapy may also be introduced to stimulate collagen and improve skin regeneration. In certain cases, Neogen plasma energy is used to further support tissue repair and refinement.

Key care updates during this phase:

• Silicone tapes replace SteriStrips on healing incisions
• First DermaV or red light treatment may be introduced
• Compression garments remain important, especially for arms, breasts, trunk, and thighs
• Scar massage is still avoided

Driving and desk work may resume with clearance