A Mommy Makeover is a powerful way to help women feel confident in their bodies again after pregnancy. This customized combination of procedures—typically including a tummy tuck, breast enhancement, and liposuction—can deliver amazing results. But like any major surgery, recovery takes time, and many of our patients have the same question: “What will my scars look like, and how long will they take to heal?”
Knowing what to expect during recovery can give you peace of mind and enable you to plan for the first week through the first anniversary of your procedure. If you plan to take a cruise, for example, you can schedule your surgery to feel confident in a bikini by the time you embark on your journey.
With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from your recovery and scar healing process following a Mommy Makeover, week-by-week and month-by-month.
Week 1
The first week post-surgery is all about rest and basic healing. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort are normal. My specialized approach to tummy tuck surgery includes using EXPAREL®, a non-opioid medication that provides long-lasting pain control in the days following the procedure. Patients may or may not have drains. You’ll wear compression garments for several weeks to support tummy tuck healing and reduce swelling.
Minimizing the appearance of scars begins during the surgery itself. I use progressive tension sutures on the tummy skin flap to distribute tension throughout the flap, rather than on the incision itself. Additionally, I use Quill barbed, knotless suture technology to avoid knots under the skin and ensure the final closure is evenly tensioned.
As a final step in the operation, I cover the incisions with Sylke Wound Closure. This incredible dressing relieves tension on the incision, has antibacterial properties, and promotes wound healing. Patients love this dressing because it can get wet in the shower, and they don’t have to worry about dressing changes during the 2–3 weeks it remains on the incisions.
Once removed, you’ll notice the incisions may look a bit scabby and raised. Following post-op instructions and avoiding straining the incisions will pay off down the line.
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Weeks 2–4
During this stage, most patients feel well enough to return to light daily activities and possibly work (depending on job duties). Swelling begins to subside, and any nondissolvable stitches are typically removed by the end of Week 2. The Sylke Wound Closure is removed between 2 and 3 weeks. Scars may still appear red or slightly raised. Some itching is normal as nerves regenerate. This is a sensitive phase for your scars, so protecting them from tension and UV exposure is crucial. The recovery from breast augmentation or a breast lift takes less time than from abdominoplasty.
Tips:
- Keep incisions clean and dry.
- Start using silicone gel or scar sheets.
- Avoid sun exposure—UV light can darken scars permanently.
Months 1–3
As swelling decreases, your results will be more noticeable. You may gradually resume low-impact exercise and wear supportive bras or compression garments as directed. Scars often look most pronounced or slightly firm during this phase. This is entirely normal. With proper care, scars usually start fading during this period. Massaging scars gently improves circulation and collagen remodeling.
Months 4–6
By now, you’ll probably feel fully recovered and have resumed your normal activities. Your body continues to adjust, and your contours will look more defined. You should expect to see scars begin to soften, flatten, and lighten. You may notice they start blending more with your surrounding skin. Stick with your scar care routine even as they start fading.
Months 6–12
Around the one-year mark, most Mommy Makeover scars have faded significantly, though exact results vary by skin type, genetics, and how consistently you’ve followed our aftercare instructions. Scars are typically thin, flat, and blend more with the surrounding skin. In some cases, they may continue to improve. If you want to minimize the visibility of scars even more, laser treatments or microneedling can help.
Get Started
Healing from a Mommy Makeover is a gradual process, but knowing what to expect at each stage can ease anxiety and set you up for success. Dr. Hasen uses his expert surgical technique to strategically place your scars, and we offer advanced scar management treatments for additional improvement. If you’re ready to explore whether a Mommy Makeover is right for you, request a consultation at our Naples, FL, office using the online form or call us at (239) 262-5662.
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