Pregnancy and childbirth are amazing miracles that bring new life into the world. However, they also bring major changes to a woman’s body. While the body does a remarkable job of recovering after childbirth, many mothers are left with excess skin, fat deposits, or other changes they don’t feel fully comfortable with.
If the experience of pregnancy has left you feeling out of touch with your body, know that you’re not alone. And you don’t have to simply accept the changes as permanent if they bother you. There are options available to help you feel renewed and refreshed in your body. One of the most popular and effective options is a “mummy makeover.”
What Is a Mummy Makeover?
A mummy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to specifically target the areas that mothers may be concerned about following childbirth and breastfeeding. The goal is to get rid of stubborn fat pockets and extra skin while tightening muscles and tissue. The result is that your body appears more youthful, toned, and revitalised.
The procedures included in a mummy makeover may vary slightly from patient-to-patient, but generally involve:
Breast lift and/or breast augmentation: These breast surgeries can lift drooping breasts and, if desired, increase their size. This helps create fuller, perkier, and more youthful-looking breasts.
Tummy tuck: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles that may have separated during pregnancy. The results are a firmer, flatter, and more toned abdominal area.
Liposuction: Liposuction is used to remove stubborn pockets of fat from the hips, thighs, back, arms, and other areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. It helps create better body proportions and contours.
These three procedures can be done together during one surgery for complete “head-to-toe” rejuvenation. Some women may choose to start with one or two procedures first. There are also some additional procedures that can be incorporated, like a butt-lift, an arm lift, or vaginal rejuvenation. The specific procedures included depend on each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Is a Mummy Makeover Right for You?
The ideal candidate for a mummy makeover is a woman who:
- Is finished having children and done breastfeeding
- Is in good overall health without major medical issues
- Has realistic expectations about the results
- Leads a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise
- Does not smoke (smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications)
- Is your weight been stable for the past three months
It’s also important to consider your emotional readiness for surgery. Your body has gone through major changes during and after pregnancy. Make sure you feel prepared both physically and emotionally before embarking on cosmetic surgery procedures. Talk to your doctor about your motivation and mental health to determine if surgery is appropriate.
What to Expect During Recovery?
It’s important to know that a mummy makeover involves major surgery, and recovery takes time. You’ll need to take 1-2 weeks off work and avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common during the first few weeks. Results are not fully visible until the swelling subsides, and it takes about 3-6 months to see your final outcome.
You’ll need help caring for your children and assistance with daily activities in the early weeks. Having a strong support system is essential. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully, attending all follow-up appointments, and allowing your body proper time to heal are vital for optimal results.
Deciding on Your Mummy Makeover Surgeon
- Choosing a qualified, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the most important decision when planning your mummy makeover. During consultations, you should:
- Review the surgeon’s training, credentials, experience with mummy makeover procedures, before/after photos, and patient reviews.
- Discuss the surgical plan, options, and expected results. Be sure you agree on realistic goals.
- Ask questions about the facility, anaesthesia, recovery process, potential risks, and costs.
- Never choose a surgeon who makes unrealistic promises or pressures you to undergo too many procedures. Trust your gut – you want a surgeon who listens to your needs and provides customised options tailored to you.
- Take your time researching and meeting with potential surgeons. When you find the right one, you can feel confident that you are in skilled hands and will get the rejuvenated results you desire from your mummy makeover.
