Any mom will tell you that having a child is a fulfilling experience. But carrying a baby – or more than one – can take a toll on your body. A Mommy Makeover can restore your body to your pre-pregnancy firmness and contours. Deciding to have surgery after pregnancy is very personal, so it’s only natural to have many questions about it, including how long you’ll have to wait before having sex afterwards.
As normal as that question is, we find many patients are too embarrassed to ask when you can have sex after a Mommy Makeover. So we’ll explain the answer here.
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of surgical procedures that work together to restore your breasts and torso to their pre-baby appearance. Those procedures may include liposuction to remove fatty deposits, a breast lift or augmentation to reshape your breasts, and abdominoplasty to re-contour your mid-section. Dr. Rob Kessler individually tailors each surgery to match the patient’s body and goals.
For you, that might mean a “lighter” combination of breast lift coupled with liposuction, or a more extensive breast augmentation and tummy tuck. Less invasive or less extensive surgery will require less recovery time. But whatever the details, you will need at least a few weeks to fully recover.
WHEN WILL IT BE OK TO HAVE SEX?
You will need to abstain for the first two weeks following surgery, possibly longer if your surgery is more involved. There are three reasons for this:
- If your heart rate or blood pressure become elevated (during sex or other exercise) that can cause internal bleeding at your surgical sites.
- Your abdominal muscles will be sutured. Contracting them before they’ve had a chance to start healing could cause tearing.
- Strenuous activity could also cause your incision to re-open.
After the initial two or three weeks, however, timing becomes more personal. It will depend on your level of interest and whether you feel physically comfortable. If having sex hurts, wait longer. In any case, Dr. Kessler recommends waiting at least four weeks before allowing any weight on your abdomen and breasts, as this could injure you before your body has had a chance to completely heal. Dr Kessler sees his post-operative patients frequently during their initial recovery to assess their healing and to make individual recommendations based on how they are progressing.
SOME WOMEN SAY A MOMMY MAKEOVER BOOSTS SEXUAL SATISFACTION
Many of our patients here at Kessler Plastic Surgery report that sex is better following their surgery. That may be due to an enhanced self-image, but there is also an anatomical reason for this experience. Abdominoplasty tightens the tummy but it also lifts the pubic region, which repositions the clitoris over the pubic bone. This more youthful position of the clitoris against the pubic bone allows for more direct pressure during intercourse enhancing the experience.
NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK
Dr. Kessler looks forward to answering your questions. Your plastic surgeon is your medical partner in achieving your aesthetic goals, so there is no such thing as too many questions, or embarrassing questions. Discussing your individual situation honestly and openly will help you make an informed decision about having a Mommy Makeover, and it will ensure you know what to expect during your recovery and beyond.
With a Mommy Makeover, you can look forward to your post-baby body as much as you do to being a mom. So let’s talk. You can schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kessler by calling 949.644.6544.