At-Home Support

Please arrange for someone to drive you home and help around the house for the first few days. A supportive environment during early recovery will make a significant difference in your comfort.

Returning to Daily Activities

Most patients return to desk work within two weeks.
Swelling and discomfort may continue but typically improve by the end of the second week.
Patients are typically cleared to return to the gym or resume physical activity around 6 weeks post-op.

Compression Garments

Abdomen

You will go home in a compression garment over your abdominal area.
Please have two garments ready in advance - snug-fitting but easy to put on and remove.
Compression should be worn consistently for 6 weeks for optimal healing and results.

Breasts

You’ll leave the procedure in a surgical bra or compression wrap.
Wear this for the first 3-7 days, then switch to a lightly compressive sports bra if preferred.
Do not wear underwire bras until cleared by Dr. Wingate.

Pain & Discomfort Management

BodyTite or liposuction may be used during your procedure and is typically performed with local anesthesia, which lasts 4-8 hours post-op.
Please fill all prescriptions before surgery so they’re ready at home.
Most patients transition to Tylenol + Advil by the second or third day.
Gentle movement, rest, and compression help relieve discomfort.

Normal Healing

Swelling and bruising are expected and may last several weeks to months.
You may notice fluctuations in swelling during recovery.

The most effective ways to reduce swelling include:

Wearing compression garments as directed
Avoiding overexertion in the first 4-6 weeks
Staying hydrated and well-nourished

Surgical Drains

You will likely go home with two abdominal drains, which are usually removed within 1-2 weeks in the office.
Full drain care instructions will be provided at your pre-op appointment.
For showering with drains, use a lanyard or long necklace to clip and support the bulbs.

Showering & Bathing

You may begin showering two days after surgery using gentle, fragrance-free soap.
Avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared by Dr. Wingate.

When to Call

At Wingate Plastic Surgery, we’re here to guide you through each phase of your transformation with compassion, expertise, and care. If you have any concerns during recovery, we’re just a phone call away.

Please contact Wingate Plastic Surgery if you experience:

Bleeding that does not slow or requires you to change pads more than every few hours
Noticeable asymmetrical swelling (e.g., one side significantly larger than the other)
Pain that is not controlled by rest, ice, or medication
New fever or redness spreading beyond your incision lines

Mommy Makeover Recovery Guide Wingate Plastic Surgery