Pregnancy and childbirth can change a woman’s body in significant ways. To address the loose skin, stretch marks, and changes in body contour, patients can undergo a mommy makeover at our Dallas, TX plastic surgery center. These procedures bring together tummy tuck, breast enhancement, and other surgeries to help tighten skin and restore a mother’s figure.

Before undergoing a mommy makeover, patients should know what the side effects are. Below is a rundown of the common side effects that patients experience after their mommy makeover.

Grogginess after Surgery

Immediately following a mommy makeover, many patients will notice grogginess or feelings of exhaustion. Nausea or dizziness may also occur. This is a natural response to anesthesia as it is wearing off. These sensations should last for a few hours before eventually abating.

Pain and Discomfort

Many mommy makeover patients experience soreness after their surgery is performed. This pain and discomfort is most pronounced in the first day or so after a mommy makeover, becoming less of an issue as the healing process runs its course.

Patients will usually receive prescription pain killers to help manage pain in the early days of recovery. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken once the severe discomfort has eased off. Patients will also be encouraged to get a lot of rest in the first days of recovery to avoid causing additional discomfort and to allow the body to heal faster.

Bruising

Bruising is another common response your body will have to surgery. The bruising will be located around any incision sites following the mommy makeover. For most patients, bruising will last about two weeks, with minor discoloration lasting for another two to three weeks after that.

To help with bruising, patients are encouraged to walk around just a little each day. This will promote circulation and allow various side effects to reduce faster. In addition, walking will help patients avoid the formation of dangerous blood clots in the legs, a risk people face if they are sedentary after surgery.

Swelling

Swelling accompanies bruising and is a common side effect of all surgical procedures. Major swelling will last for about two weeks, with residual swelling lasting another two to three weeks after that. Some minor swelling pay persist for several weeks after surgery, though it is typically difficult to notice a month after the procedure.

Using a cold compress can help manage swelling as well as discomfort. Be sure to follow a 15 to 20-minute rule, only applying the compress for a given duration and then leaving the compress off for the same duration. Compression garments can also help minimize swelling after body contouring surgeries like a mommy makeover.

Numbness, Tingling, Breast Sensitivity

Patients may notice some numbness and tingling along the incision sites, which is the result of nerves being affected by the surgical process. With breast lift or augmentation surgery, nipple sensitivity and breast sensitivity will be different for a while.

These side effects will last for up to several weeks, but should be less of an issue as tissues repair themselves. Proper rest and full recovery is the sure way to address these matters.

Post-surgical Scarring

Scarring is an unavoidable consequence of surgery, which may be of concern to mommy makeover patients. The scarring will be quite noticeable in the first weeks after surgery, through will gradually get better over the course of the next few months. Year by year, the scarring should continue to fade and become less noticeable.

Thankfully, the scarring from a mommy makeover can be concealed by many clothes, undergarments, and even bathing suits. Proper skin care can also help reduce the prominence of mommy makeover scars.

Learn More about Mommy Makeovers

For more information about mommy makeover surgery and how it can help you look your absolute best, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. Our entire team is here to answer your questions and address your concerns about the surgical procedure.