Mommy makeover recovery must haves are help at home, a support bra and abdominal compression garment, a recliner or pillow wedge, loose zip-front clothing, prescribed medicines in an organiser, and easy food and water within reach. Arrange childcare for at least two weeks, stop smoking well before surgery, and prepare your home before the operation.
This guide is part of our mommy makeover overview. Print this page and tick items off as you go.
Checklist
The mommy makeover checklist is grouped by stage, so you know how to prepare for mommy makeover surgery in the right order.
Mommy makeover recovery must haves checklist
Four weeks or more before surgery
- ☐ Stop smoking: an American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) blog advises at least a month before and six weeks after.
- ☐ Ask about stopping aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements, which Mayo Clinic says raise bleeding risk.
- ☐ Arrange two weeks off work and childcare cover.
- ☐ Book someone to drive you home and stay at least the first night.
The week before
- ☐ Fill prescriptions and set out a pill organiser.
- ☐ Set up a recovery spot with a recliner or pillow wedge.
- ☐ Move everyday items to waist height so you don’t bend or reach.
- ☐ Cook and freeze simple meals.
After surgery
- ☐ Walk short distances several times a day.
- ☐ Wear garments as instructed; record drain output if you have drains.
- ☐ Keep follow-up appointments.
In my practice, I give patients a printed list like this at the pre-operative visit, because the days before surgery are busy and easy to forget.
Packing list
Your mommy makeover packing list for the hospital or surgical centre should be small and easy to manage one-handed.
- ☐ Loose, zip-front or button-front top and soft trousers with a wide waistband.
- ☐ Slip-on shoes, since bending is hard.
- ☐ ID, insurance or payment details and your surgeon’s instructions.
- ☐ Phone, long charging cable and headphones.
- ☐ Lip balm and a small pillow for the car seatbelt.
- ☐ Glasses instead of contact lenses.
Supplies
A mommy makeover supply list covers garments, rest, hygiene and food, all set up before you come home.
| Category | Mommy makeover post op must haves |
|---|---|
| Garments | Support bra and abdominal binder (often supplied); a spare set |
| Rest | Recliner or pillow wedge; pillow under the knees |
| Hygiene | Handheld shower head, shower stool, gentle soap, wet wipes |
| Wound care | Dressings and supplies your surgeon recommends; no creams on fresh incisions unless advised |
| Food and drink | Water bottle with a straw; high-fibre and protein-rich snacks |
| Medicines | Prescribed pain relief; stool softener if advised |
| Reach | Grabber tool, low shelf for daily items |
ASPS says your breasts will be in a bandage or support bra and your abdomen in compression after surgery, and an ASPS recovery blog recommends nourishing food, water and help at home. For the week-by-week plan, see our mommy makeover recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on what to buy, garments, how to prepare your home and what to avoid before a mommy makeover.
What do I need to buy before a mommy makeover?
A pillow wedge or access to a recliner, loose zip-front clothes, a water bottle with a straw, a shower stool, a grabber tool and easy meals. Ask your surgeon which garments and dressings they supply before buying your own.
Do I need to buy my own compression garment?
Often not for the first stage, as many surgeons supply it. ASPS says you’ll wear a support bra and abdominal compression after surgery. A second set is useful for washing; check sizes with your surgeon.
How should I prepare my home?
Set up a rest area near a bathroom, put daily items at waist height, freeze meals and arrange childcare. You’ll need someone to stay at least the first night, as Mayo Clinic advises after a tummy tuck.
What should I avoid before surgery?
Smoking, which an ASPS blog says to stop at least a month before and six weeks after. Mayo Clinic also lists aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as raising bleeding risk; ask your surgeon before stopping any medicine.
If you’d like a personal preparation plan, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For costs and all options, return to the mommy makeover hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Bartlett S. Everything you need to know about mommy makeovers. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2021. plasticsurgery.org
- Campanile G. What to expect during your mommy makeover recovery. ASPS. 2018. plasticsurgery.org
- Mommy makeover recovery. ASPS. plasticsurgery.org
- Tummy tuck. Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org
- Tummy tuck. NHS. 2023. nhs.uk
