For busy moms, finding the “right time” for a mommy makeover can feel like an impossible task. With kids home for summer break, you might think this is the worst time to plan a procedure that requires real rest and recovery. In reality, with the right preparation, summer can actually be one of the better times to schedule your mommy makeover, especially with school responsibilities on pause and more flexibility in everyone’s daily routine.
What to Expect During Recovery
After your mommy makeover, expect to take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to rest, recover and heal at home. While tenderness, discomfort, swelling and bruising will gradually diminish over time, there are some steps you can take to make the first few days as comfortable as possible.
While Dr. Harrington encourages light movement in early recovery, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Energy levels may fluctuate, and it’s common to feel more fatigued than expected as your body directs its resources toward healing.
Arrange for Support Before Surgery
The first few days after surgery are the most important for rest, and this is when having a solid support system makes the biggest difference. Whether it’s a partner, parent or trusted friend, arrange for someone to help with childcare, meals and household tasks during this initial recovery period. Even if your kids are older and more independent, having an extra adult around to handle the day-to-day during those first days allows you to truly rest.
Set Up a Comfortable Recovery Space
Choose a space in your home where you can rest comfortably and where your kids can still check in on you without you needing to get up and move around too much. Having essentials like water, medications, your phone and entertainment within reach can help you avoid unnecessary movement in those early days.
Prepare Kid-Friendly Activities in Advance
If your children are home for the summer, having a plan for how they’ll spend their days during your recovery can ease a lot of stress. This might mean lining up camps, playdates or activities for the first week or two, or stocking up on activities they can do independently while you rest.
Plan for a Gradual Return to Activity
As you start to feel better, you’ll likely want to get back to your usual routine with your kids. It’s important to ease back into activity gradually. Lifting children, carrying heavy bags or engaging in strenuous activities will need to wait until Dr. Harrington gives you the green light, so continue leaning on your support system for these tasks even after the most intensive part of recovery has passed.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been considering a mommy makeover and want to talk through how recovery might fit into your family’s summer schedule, Dr. Jennifer Harrington and her team at Harrington Plastic Surgery & Med Spa are here to help.
To get started, contact us online or call our Plymouth, MN office at 651-290-7600 to schedule your consultation today.
