Although having children is one of life’s greatest gifts, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can take a big, and often irreversible toll, on a woman’s body, leaving many mothers dissatisfied with their appearance. Unfortunately for some, after having a baby, their bodies will never return to their original shape or condition, no matter how much weight they lose or how much toning they do. However, when the time is right, and their body has recovered from pregnancy, there are some surgical options available to them.
A Mummy Makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures custom designed for each woman to achieve the desired results. There are procedures to help correct separated tummy muscles, excess skin and breast concerns to give a patient back a body they love. Mummy makeovers are ideal for women who’ve finished having babies and who want to reclaim their body. Mummy makeover surgery isn’t only for mums too. It refers to the combination of any breast and tummy surgery that may be needed after large weight loss, and the result is often quite a dramatic transformation.
What Does A Mummy Makeover Usually Include?
As the breasts and abdomen are the primary areas of change with motherhood, a mommy makeover will often centre around a breast and abdomen procedure. During pregnancy and breast-feeding, the breasts will also enlarge, increasing as much as a full cup size or more.
However, returning back to ‘normal’ can mean a significant loss in breast volume and noticeable sagging. Throughout a pregnancy, the abdominal muscles, skin and tissues stretch to safely accommodate the growing baby. Unfortunately, after childbirth, these layers may not bounce back to their taut, pre-baby shape.
Your Mummy Makeover may include:
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reduction
- Tummy Tuck – mini, Full or Extended
- Circumferential Abdominoplasty
- Liposuction
Breast implants can restore fullness and lost volume, while a breast lift helps to lift sagging skin for improving shape. For those with disproportionately large, uncomfortable breasts, a breast reduction surgery can create a smaller, more ideal appearance.
To further improve the figure, commonly added techniques can include the abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck, a circumferential abdominoplasty and possible liposuction. However, women do not have to stop here; a mommy makeover can also include a Thigh lift, or Arm lift or a Buttocks lift. Depending on your medical condition and the recommended set of procedures, a Mummy Makeover can be performed during one single operation, or for safety reasons, may be spread out over multiple surgical sessions. The surgeon will determine this once they are able to review your personal medical form and photos and arrange a personal assessment for you.
What to Expect Before, During and After Your Mummy Makeover
Every cosmetic surgery treatment plan is uniquely customized to the needs and goals of the patient. Generally, a mummy makeover can accomplish the following:
- Remove loose abdominal skin (tummy tuck)
- Repair separated or damaged abdominal muscles
- Eliminate pockets of fat from the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, buttocks or other areas of the body
- Lift sagging breasts higher on the chest wall (breast lift)
- Add volume and shape to flat or deflated breasts (breast augmentation)
- Reduce oversized, heavy breasts (breast reduction)
If you have a full Mummy Makeover, you must understand that your recovery period will not be brief. Tummy tuck surgery, in particular, has a very long recovery period; you can expect to spend two to three months healing after this surgery. As a Mummy Makeover is a combination of at least 2 or more procedures, you must expect to allow your body time and rest to heal.
While not all of this period must be spent in bed (usually about two weeks of bed rest is all that is needed), you will not be able to lift more than 10-15 kilos. If you have small children, you will, therefore, need to enlist aid with childcare duties for several months. It also depends on the type of Tummy Tuck – you will recover much quicker with a mini–Tummy Tuck as opposed to a full Belt Lipectomy – so you must be prepared for your recovery time
During your first few weeks of recovery, you will want to have someone present to help you perform basic everyday tasks. While you should be able to manage your pain well while resting, moving around may put pressure on your incisions, resulting in pain flare-ups.
Having someone around to help you get to the bathroom or prepare food will, therefore, be a great comfort. This is usually why it is great as your recovery for the first 2 weeks will be in Bangkok, so you won’t be pressured to do household chores etc, whilst you are recovering in 5 Star Luxury in our hotel – you won’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning etc.
But when you come home it is advisable to put everything you will need, such as snacks, a water bottle, a wash basin and your medications, within easy reach of your bed or lounge where you will rest. Finally, make sure to equip your bed with extra pillows (including a full body pillow) so that your body will be completely supported while you rest. Remember that you will probably need to keep your head and feet slightly elevated after surgery.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware that the results of your surgery will not be evident immediately. During the first three to six weeks of your recovery period, your abdomen and breasts will be swollen. This is not usually anything to be worried about; it’s just your body’s natural inflammatory response, which aids in healing. Your breasts and stomach will, therefore, appear larger than you hoped they would be, but this effect is only temporary.
All Your Mummy Makeover Questions Answered Here:
What age is best for a Mummy Makeover?
There is no standard age or the right time to get Mummy Makeover. However, it is recommended to wait till you are finished having ALL your children, are not lactating and have lost pregnancy weight. Ideally, you should be happy with your weight, if you want to lose weight, then it is suggested to be at your goal weight for surgery. That goal weight is your decision.
How can I speed up my Mummy Makeover recovery?
You have to take your time with your recovery and allow your body to heal at its own pace. Follow all the pre and post-surgical instructions religiously and rest as much as possible.
It can take about six to eight weeks for the tightness to go away after a Mummy Makeover.
Wear a compression garment to minimize swelling – you should wear garments for a min of 8 weeks post-surgery .
Sleep in a recliner in an alleviated position on your back – you should not sleep on your side for 8-12 weeks post-surgery.
Walk slowly to prevent blood clots.
Eat healthy foods which are low in sodium and drink lots of water.
How long before Mummy Makeover looks natural?
It can take up to six months for the results to look natural after a Mummy Makeover.
How painful is recovery from Mummy Makeover?
Mummy Makeovers aren’t as painful as you think. You won’t feel any pain during the surgery as it is performed under general anaesthesia. After the surgery, you will be given pain killers to reduce discomfort so it will be more comfortable.
What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after Mummy Makeover?
If you don’t wear a compression garment, swelling can get worse before it gets better. It can lead to fluid build-up which will cause your post-op swelling to linger longer. You may get suboptimal wound healing results and skin laxity too. Please wear your garments!
How do you wash your hair after a Mummy Makeover?
Always check with your doctor, however generally you will be able to wash your hair 7 to 10 days after surgery. However, please check with you doctor as each case may be different.
Can you walk after a mummy makeover?
It is advised to start walking lightly around on a regular basis during the first-week for 5-10 mins at a time post-surgery to prevent blood clotting. When you are back at the hotel, you must go to breakfast every morning, please do not get room service, this is to ensure you get up and move. Post tummy tuck, you wont be able to stand very straight, as your tummy skin is very tight – so short walks are very important.
