A Mommy Makeover is a powerful way to reclaim your body and confidence after pregnancy, weight changes, or life in general. This popular cosmetic surgery usually combines a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with either a breast lift (mastopexy) or a breast lift with implants (augpexy). The goal? To restore the shape and contour of the abdomen and breasts in one comprehensive procedure.
While the results can be transformational, the recovery journey requires time, patience, and the right tools. Below are our top three recovery tips for women undergoing a mommy makeover—each one crafted from years of clinical nursing experience and the voices of hundreds of recovering women.
1. Prioritize Comfortable Sleep: Your Body Will Thank You
Let’s talk about one of the most underestimated challenges in recovery—sleep. After surgery, your body will need rest like never before, but finding a comfortable position can feel nearly impossible. Between tight abdominal incisions and sore, swollen breasts, sleeping flat on your back or side is off the table.
Enter: the recliner or wedge pillow setup. Sleeping in a slightly reclined, elevated position (about 30–45 degrees) reduces tension on your tummy tuck incisions and supports your chest. Using a recliner or wedge pillow setup is the best way to maintain this position. While quality REM sleep is not a guarentee, there are some things you can do to help achieve rest.
Our Recovery Pillow is designed with soft cushioning to buffer surgical areas from pressure and equipped with a convenient pocket to store essentials like your phone or remote, this pillow was made for recovery comfort—especially in reclined or seated positions.
2. Manage Drains with Confidence and Cleanliness
Surgical drains are common after a mommy makeover, especially when both tummy tuck and breast procedures are combined. While essential for reducing fluid build-up and promoting healing, these drains can be awkward to manage—especially during daily hygiene routines like showering or getting dressed.
The Mended Wing Drain Holders are a must-have accessory for anyone recovering with drains.
The adjustable drain belt keeps your drains secure and close to your body so you can move around safely and comfortably. Plus, we include a shower drain holder that makes showering possible without the dread or discomfort of trying to juggle multiple drains. With your drains under control, basic activities of daily living like cooking, using the restroom, and preparing food become far less daunting.
Your hygiene matters not just for your comfort—but also for infection prevention. By using tools that keep your drains safe and organized, you protect your incisions and gain some much-needed peace of mind.
3. Track Pain and Meds Like a Pro
Post-op pain is real—but manageable when approached with intention. Between prescription narcotics, over-the-counter meds, stool softeners, and anti-nausea meds, keeping track of it all can be overwhelming—especially when you're tired or in pain.
That’s where our Recovery Journal shines.
More than just a notebook, the journal organizes your medication schedule, drain outputs, and notes to keep top of mind all in one place. It's an incredible tool for maintaining control of your recovery, reducing confusion, and making communication with your care team smooth and simple.
You can bring your journal to post-op appointments to show trends in your drain output or pain levels. Plus, there's space to write down any questions for your surgeon—or even just reflect on your healing journey.
A mommy makeover is a big step toward feeling like yourself again—but recovery doesn’t have to be a solo journey. With the right tools, support, and preparation, you can rest, heal, and embrace this season with grace.