A “mummy makeover” is a custom-designed combination of surgical procedures that can help a mum feel confident and comfortable again with her body. With pregnancy, many ladies experience significant changes to their body. Even when the weight has returned to its pre-pregnancy levels, there are occasionally skin and other changes that are difficult to address without resorting to surgery.
Here are some of the things to consider if you decide surgery is right for you.
1. Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon
As with any cosmetic surgery decision, choosing the right plastic surgeon is the single most important decision of the entire process. There are some very important factors you need to consider including the surgeon’s specific aesthetic expertise and overall surgical experience with the procedures you would like to have. Ask yourself, is this simply a doctor who performs cosmetic procedures, or is this a fully qualified plastic surgeon who has had to undergo the most rigorous level of training in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in order to qualify?
You can do this homework yourself prior to your consultation by checking that the surgeon is not only fully registered and licensed with the General Medical Council (GMC), but is also in the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery as well as a member of at least one of the professional associations of Plastic Surgeons in the UK. These are either the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
2. Knowing Which Procedures Might Be Right for You
Everyone’s body is different and, therefore, each personal “mummy makeover” will be made up of a variety of different cosmetic procedures that are usually performed in the same setting. Some of the more popular procedures include mastopexy (breast uplift) or breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction and breast augmentation. You can choose which procedures you want, in consultation with your plastic surgeon, who will give you his or her professional recommendations to help you make the right choice for you.
3. Planning for Before and After your Surgery
A few critical questions to ask yourself are: Am I fit enough to go through significant surgery and am I well-prepared for the recovery? Is my weight as close as possible to my ideal healthy weight or is there scope for improvement with some diet changes and exercise in preparation for my operation?
Smoking is definitely not advisable for at least six weeks before and six weeks after your operation. Many plastic surgeons would be hesitant to offer such big surgery to active smokers.
As with any surgical procedure, there’s always downtime to be expected while your body recovers. Speak to your plastic surgeon about how long this is expected to be and how many nights (if any) you can expect to be in the hospital? How long before you can drive? What about heavy lifting? And don’t forget, you’ll likely want help looking after your children, doing household chores and preparing meals during this period. The more prepared you are for all these arrangements, the easier and less stressful your recovery will be!
4. Deciding Whether You Want More Children in the Future
Some of the surgical procedures involved in a “mummy makeover” can make having children in the future more complicated. A breast uplift or reduction can sometimes make breastfeeding more difficult because of removed breast tissue as well as scar tissue that can be present after the procedure. A tummy tuck can give you fantastic results, but if you become pregnant again, these wonderful results can soon vanish. Depending on your goals, you may wish to wait until you have completed your family before you decide to have any “mummy makeover” cosmetic surgical procedures.
5. Maintaining Your Results with Healthy Living
A “mummy makeover” can give you remarkable results, but it isn’t magic! Being fit and having a healthy weight will not only help speed your recovery but will also maximise the aesthetic results after your surgery. After you have your “mummy makeover” you should still try to have a healthy, active lifestyle to maintain your results.
A “mummy makeover” can make all the difference to restoring your confidence and sense of “self” after having children, but it isn’t right for everyone.
As I have a special interest in breast and body contouring, you can expect to discuss with me the procedures that are most suitable for you, rather than a “one size fits all” approach. If you are interested in exploring your options and finding out what you can expect, start your journey by booking your consultation with me at any of the hospitals where I practice.
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