How to prepare for a mummy makeover: Pre-op tips

While they are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, in America mummy makeovers have been performed for years. A mummy makeover is the combination of surgery and beauty treatments that aim to improve the appearance of a woman’s body after childbirth and breastfeeding.

It is undeniable: pregnancy is a very intense time in a woman’s life. In addition to everything happening on an emotional level, the body also undergoes huge changes in preparation for the birth of a new life. These changes often remain visible on a woman’s body, no matter the efforts undertaken to return to a pre-pregnancy appearance. Cellulite, stretch marks, excess skin, droopy breasts: sometimes a good diet and exercise alone are not enough. Cosmetic treatments can help women get a toned, aesthetically-pleasing body – just the way they desire.

In this article, we are going to provide tips for women who are considering a mummy makeover and how to prepare for the procedure. There are different aspects to take into account. We will give you a rundown below..

What is a mummy makeover?

A mummy makeover includes two or more surgical procedures that typically address the breasts and the abdominal area. While it is often possible to combine all treatments in one session, you will discuss with your doctor what is the best course of action in your case. This will be decided by our specialists on an individual basis.
As the name suggests, the procedure first originated as a means for women to rejuvenate the areas of the body that were most affected by motherhood. However, over time, mummy makeover has evolved and can include any combination of surgical procedures that aim to restore a toned, youthful appearance.
Several surgical procedures can be combined during a mummy makeover and for this reason, it must be customised to suit individual needs, lifestyle and anatomy.
Here’s a rundown of the cosmetic procedures that can be included in a mummy makeover.

Tummy tuck

During a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from your midsection. Abdominoplasty includes different procedure types. Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable for you depending on the amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed, as well as your individual needs.

Liposuction

Stubborn pockets of fat can be removed during a liposuction. Areas that can be treated with liposuction include your tummy, abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, neck or buttocks.

Breast surgery

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can heavily affect how your breasts look. For this reason, many women decide to have breast surgery to tackle sagging breasts and achieve a more defined shape and an improved contour.
With breast implants, you can give your breasts more volume and proportion. Implants are inserted in each breast and are filled with silicone or a saline solution. They can last several years. There are different shapes and sizes to choose from; your surgeon will help you determine what is the best option for you.

If, instead, you’d like to reduce the size of your breasts, you can opt for a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty). During this procedure, the surgeon removes fat, skin and glandular tissue from your breasts.

Another very popular breast procedure included in a mummy makeover is breast lift, or mastopexy. With breastfeeding, the skin stretches to support fuller and heavier breasts, which, in turn, lose elasticity and sag. By removing excess skin and repositioning the breasts as desired, a breast lift can really change the shape of your breasts and lift them up. Many women choose to combine this procedure with a breast reduction.

Are you a good candidate for a mummy makeover?

We will assess eligibility for a mummy makeover on an individual basis. As a rule of thumb, ideal candidates are women who have given birth at least six months prior surgery and who are close to their ideal weight. This means not more than 4 to 9 kg (or 10-20 pounds) within the weight they wish to achieve.

What are the pre-op guidelines before undergoing a mummy makeover?

Your pre-op guidelines for a mummy makeover will vary depending on what procedures you will undergo. You will get a personalised treatment plan and pre-op tips once your surgery is confirmed. Generally speaking, there are a few guidelines that apply to all cases. You can find them below.

Consult with a specialist

Always talk to a certified and experienced plastic surgeon for any cosmetic procedure you wish to undergo. Contact us at KCM Clinic to get outstanding medical and patient care! Fill out this form and one of our patient coordinators will get back to you.

Get lab tests and medical evaluation

Make sure that you inform our patient coordinators about any medical conditions you might have. This is fundamental to assess whether you are eligible for a mummy makeover. We might also ask you to run a few lab tests to assess whether you are fit to undergo the procedure(s).

Adjust your medications

During our consultation, our patient coordinators will ask you if you are taking any medications regularly. Please inform them accordingly as we might ask you to stop taking them or adjust them prior to surgery (usually a few weeks before). Typically, patients should stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.

Take care of your health

Your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery – just like with any other surgical procedure. You should also avoid smoking for a few weeks after surgery as smoking may hinder wound healing. This might be a great opportunity to quit smoking altogether!

Want to have more information about a mummy makeover? Get in touch anytime!