What is a mummy makeover?
Many women are faced with profound changes in their bodies after pregnancy, and sometimes diet and physical exercise are not enough to regain the desired body shape. The areas of the body that are typically most affected are the abdomen, with the appearance of stretch marks and loss of muscle tone; the breasts, which can lose volume, appear less firm or sag; and other areas of the body where fat deposits have accumulated.
The moniker ‘mummy makeover’ refers to a series of surgical procedures that can help women who have gone through one or more pregnancies achieve a figure similar to the one they had before giving birth.
Mummy makeovers can help counteract these unwanted changes by combining the most appropriate procedures to help women feel better about themselves, improve their well-being and self-esteem.
Depending on what patients want to achieve, there are different cosmetic procedures that can be performed. In this article, we are going to give you an overview of how a mummy makeover works, who it is for, what recovery looks like, and how you can prepare for these treatments.
What is included in a mummy makeover?
A mummy makeover includes two or more surgical procedures that typically address the breasts and the abdominal area. While it may be possible to undergo these procedures simoultaneosly, it is generally recommended to perform them one by one. You will discuss with your surgeon what the best course of action is in your case. Here’s a rundown of the cosmetic procedures that can be included in a mummy makeover.
Breast augmentation
Breast implants can help you get a more defined shape and better contour. After pregnancy or breastfeeding, breast may lose volume or look slightly different from one another. Breast implants come in different shapes and sizes; you will choose the most appropriate ones with your surgeon. Breast implant surgery, also known as boob job, involves inserting one implant in each breast and is carried out under general anaesthesia. Breast implants can be filled with silicone or with a saline solution.
Breast reduction
If, instead, you’d like to reduce the size of your breasts, breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) might be a good solution for you. This procedure involves removing fat, skin and glandular tissue from your breasts in order to achieve an improved, more proportionate look. Large breasts can cause physical discomfort due to their weight and many women decide to undergo this type of surgery to alleviate pain. Breast reduction during a mummy makeover helps mothers restore their pre-pregnancy look and can be combined with a breast lift procedure.
Breast lift
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause your breasts to sag, lose elasticity, and your nipples to point downward. This typically happens because your skin stretches as your breasts become fuller and heavier. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that can lift and change the shape of your breasts. The procedure involves trimming any excess skin and repositioning your breasts as desired. A breast lift is carried our under general anaesthesia and can be combined with a breast reduction.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. There are different types of tummy tuck procedures, depending on the amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed. You will discuss with your surgeon what procedures best suits in your case.
Liposuction
Liposuction involves removing deposits of fat from specific areas of your body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, neck or buttocks. Liposuction can also countour these areas and is performed using a suction technique.
Are you a candidate for a mummy makeover?
A mummy makeover is typically recommended to women who have given birth at least six months prior surgery. Patients should also be close to their ideal weight, or not more than 4 to 9 kg (or 10-20 pounds) within the weight they want to achieve.
Moreover, ideal candidates for a mummy makeover should be in good health overall, and have no any underlying conditions that might pose a health risk during or after the procedure. A mummy makeover, moreover, is only recommended to non-smokers. Smoke slows down wound healing and can cause serious complications during and after surgery.
Each patient is assessed on an individual basis, so if you are unsure of your eligibility, please get in touch anytime – we’re happy to assist you!
Mummy makeover pre-op: How do you prepare for surgery?
Your pre-op guidelines before a mummy makeover vary depending on the procedures you undergo. We will provide you with personalised tips and guidelines to follow once you are all set to visit us at KCM Clinic. Generally speaking, we might ask you to perform a medical evaluation to assess your current overall health and we will also ask you if you take any medications regulalrly. You might need to stop taking or adjust them a few weeks before the procedure. Aspirin, anti-inflammary drugs and herbal supplements should also be avoided before surgery as they can increase bleeding.
Mummy makeover post-op: Recovery time
Recovery after a mummy makeover will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. There is no general post-op timeline after a mummy makeover, as it will be based on what type of surgery and how many procedures you underwent.
Generally speaking, if you had breast surgery, you will be given a specific bra to wear for the first four weeks. Moreover, you should wait at least one month before hitting the gym or do any strenous activity. Each body recovers at its own pace, so make sure you take the time to heal properly and get the support you need once you are back home after surgery.