‘How Long After a Mommy Makeover Can I Drive?’: A Guide to Your Mommy Makeover Recovery

Busy moms juggling work, carpools, and the thousand other obligations that come with being a parent often put their needs second to everyone else’s. Some of the women we see considering mommy makeover surgery at our practice in The Woodlands, Texas, say they’re concerned about a lengthy recovery putting them on the parenting sidelines for too long.

In addition to wondering, “How long after a mommy makeover can I drive?”, many prospective patients have concerns regarding childcare and when they can lift their kids after surgery. Not to worry, though. We break down what you can expect from your mommy makeover recovery below, including the specific factors that can affect when you can start driving again.

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How soon can I drive after a mommy makeover?

Busy moms will be happy to know they can get back behind the wheel within 1 to 2 weeks as long as they’re off prescription pain medication. You’ll want to be careful when getting into and out of the car and when you turn to put your seatbelt on. These movements may put unwanted strain on your incisions.

How long after a mommy makeover can I go back to work?

The recovery time for returning to work after a mommy makeover surgery varies depending on the individual and the specific procedures performed. Generally, patients can expect to return to desk jobs within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. More physically demanding jobs require a longer recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks.

How soon can I fly after a mommy makeover?

Flying too soon after a surgical procedure as involved as a mommy makeover increases the risk of complications. If you’re planning a vacation, schedule your flight at least 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. If you’re flying into Texas to have Dr. Gill perform the surgery, you should discuss your travel plans before scheduling the procedure so you know what to expect.

How long after a mommy makeover can you work out?

Many of our mommy makeover patients lead active lives that include exercise, and they’re eager to return to the gym, running, or swimming as soon as possible. However, it’s important not to push yourself physically too soon after surgery. You can expect to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before resuming strenuous workouts or lifting heavy weights.

How long is recovery after a mommy makeover?

Each patient recovers at her own pace . However, there are some general guidelines that can help you plan for your recovery time after a mommy makeover. This timeline is based on my extensive experience performing mommy makeover procedures.

Day of surgery

Patients often ask about what to wear after mommy makeover surgery. Plan to wear loose, comfortable clothes throughout your recovery. Don’t wear any tops you have to pull over your head to avoid putting tension on your incisions.

Expect 2 to 3 weeks of downtime

There’s no sugarcoating it; the first week of recovery is uncomfortable. You’ll do little but sleep, eat, get up to use the bathroom, and take short, slow walks around your home to help boost blood circulation. You’ll need to remain slightly bent over during these brief walks to avoid putting strain on your tummy tuck incision.

Taking prescription pain medication minimizes the discomfort during the first 7 to 10 days of recovery. We want patients to be able to stop the pain meds sometime during the second week after surgery. Most people return to work after 2 to 3 weeks, though this timeline may vary a bit depending on how physically demanding your job is.

Line up child care and other help

If you’re a mother of a young child or children, one of the most challenging aspects of recovery is having to avoid lifting your toddler during the first 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. If possible, arrange to have your kids stay with close friends or family members for the first few days of your recovery. Doing so will enable you to get enough rest throughout the day.

If your spouse or partner continues working during the recovery period, you’ll need someone to help out around the house, shuttle children to and from school, and ensure that you can focus on resting. Preparing meals before your surgery is one way to limit the amount of help you need.

Other preparations include filling prescriptions ahead of time and creating a “recovery nest” that includes everything you’ll want to have within arm’s reach. This could be a smartphone, remote controls, medications, snacks, water, pillows, cold packs, and blankets.

When it comes to sleep, we offer lots of advice to help you get the necessary rest you need without putting strain on your incision sites. If you’re not used to sleeping on your back, sleeping in that position in the weeks leading up to your surgery date is also a good idea.

‘When will I feel normal?’

If working out at the gym and feeling energized throughout the day is your definition of “normal,” you should expect it to take about 6 weeks before you regain that feeling. You’ll gradually increase your level of activity throughout those 6 weeks, but it’s important to resist the urge to push yourself physically until you are completely healed.

You’ll return to our office to meet with me several times during the recovery process for follow-up appointments, including a six-week check, where I can assess your progress and give you the all-clear for strenuous exercise. Of course, we encourage patients to contact us with any questions or concerns they have during the recovery period.

Dr. Gill discusses mommy makeover recovery:

Watch Dr. Gill discuss the mommy makeover as part of his patient education series as he helps his patients develop a good understanding of the recovery process (watch on YouTube).

Why Choose a Mommy Makeover?

We understand that the choice to get mommy makeover surgery—which typically combines a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast lift with or without implants—is a big commitment. Learn more about what is included in this procedure in our related blog post.

In addition to being board-certified medical providers, my wife, Dr. Anita Gill, and I have two daughters, so we know that parents can get stretched thin.

Having children, though, results in changes to the body that no amount of working out or following strict diets can address, such as tightening loose abdominal skin or repairing separated abdominal muscles. And deflated breasts won’t magically regain their volume or shape. If those changes have undermined your confidence and you’re looking for a way to regain your pre-pregnancy body, a mommy makeover is an excellent option.

Dr Gill is hands down the best surgeon out there. From pre-op to post-op, I am 100% happy with my Mommy Makeover. I went to several surgeons, prior to choosing Dr Gill. By far, Dr. Gill had the best bedside manner, listening to MY wants and needs, then making his recommendations. He has the most amazing and caring staff, calling you often. Day of surgery was seamless. I hired a nurse after, who takes care of cosmetic surgery patients. She has seen many surgeries, and when she said my results are one of the best she has ever seen, That tells you a lot! Thank you Dr. gill and staff for treating me like royalty, and with my new body I feel like royalty too! – 5 Star Google Review

Read what other mommy makeover patients have had to say on our reviews page and see their stunning transformations for yourself in our before and after gallery.

Take the First Step

If you’re looking for a mommy makeover specialist in Conroe or Spring, TX, request a consultation using the online form or call us at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment. We can answer all of your questions about the procedure and what to expect during recovery.

Updated September 2024