After going through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, a woman’s body will naturally change. However, while some women may find it easier to return to their pre-pregnancy body, others will struggle. No matter what you do, there is still some weight that just won’t be lost or excess skin where there was none before. This can often be problematic as it can be detrimental to your self-esteem and confidence. It can cause women to be unhappy with their bodies or avoid wearing certain types of clothing. Fortunately, you don’t have to stay unhappy with your body. Instead, you can have a mummy makeover.
What is a mummy makeover?
A mummy makeover is a combination of a series of cosmetic surgical procedures which aim to rejuvenate a woman’s body. The combination of procedures can be altered to suit the individual, but will generally include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Abdominoplasty
- Labiaplasty
Am I suitable for a mummy makeover?
A mummy makeover is suitable for a woman who is unhappy with her body following childbirth. Areas of the body you may be unhappy with include the breasts or abdomen and in some cases, the labia. It is important to ensure you have waited about 4-6 months after childbirth before having a mummy makeover. This will give the body enough time to fully recover and settle into a more stable and permanent shape. This will also give you the opportunity to lose any excess weight, as you will need to be as close as possible to your ideal weight prior to having the mummy makeover procedure. If you are planning on having more children in the future you may not be suitable for this procedure, as results will be altered by pregnancy and further surgeries may be required. To have a mummy makeover, you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a BMI which is below 30. You will need to be a non-smoker, or be able to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to the surgery, as well as throughout the recovery period.
What does a mummy makeover involve?
A mummy makeover will be performed under TIVA general anaesthetic, so you will not be awake during the procedure. The exact amount of time the procedure will take will vary depending on which procedures you decide to undertake. The mummy makeover will vary from person to person, but generally consists of the following cosmetic surgery procedures:
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation involves the use of silicone implants to increase the size of the breasts. This is ideal for women who lost weight after childbirth and lost volume from the breasts. Before a breast augmentation, you will be able to choose the size of your implants, as well as the texture (smooth or textured), shape (round or teardrop) and placement (subglandular or submuscular). The exact size you can have will vary depending on a number of factors including your body shape, your current breast size and the amount of tissue and skin available. If you decide to get implants which are too large, you may experience problems – not only physical pain in the neck and back, but the edges of the implant may be visible. Prior to surgery, you will be able to meet with a surgeon, who will be able to help you determine the best size, texture, shape and placement to help you achieve your end goal.
Women who want to increase the size of their breasts but do not want to use implants may be interested in a fat transfer to the breasts. This involves the use of liposuction to remove fat cells from a donor area of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs, buttocks or arms. The fat is then treated, before being injected into the breasts. A fat transfer to the breasts allows women to naturally increase the size of the breasts by around one cup size.
Breast lift
Some women will not be appropriate candidates for a breast augmentation. Some women do not need to increase the size of the breasts, but rather just need to increase the positioning and volume. In this instance, a breast lift is a more appropriate procedure. A breast lift does not involve the use of any implants. Instead, a breast lift takes breasts which appear hollow or saggy, removes any excess skin and lifts the breasts so they appear firmer and more youthful. If need be, a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation to increase both the size and volume of the breasts.
Abdominoplasty
After pregnancy, it is common for women to have excess skin around the abdomen. No matter how much exercise you do, the skin just won’t shift. As a result of this, you may want to undergo an abdominoplasty. Otherwise known as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty involves an incision which is made from hip to hip. Excess skin is then removed, and if needed, liposuction is undertaken to remove excess fat. The abdominal muscles will also be tightened. The remaining skin is then pulled over the incision and stitched shut.
If you do not have much excess skin, and it is mostly present in the lower abdomen, you may wish to undergo a mini tummy tuck, which will involve a smaller incision running from thigh to thigh.
This procedure is not suitable for those who have a significant amount of excess fat; rather it is suitable for those who wish to remove excess skin. If you do wish to remove excess fat, you may want to undergo liposuction instead.
Labiaplasty
In some instances, women may wish to add a labiaplasty to their mummy makeover. After childbirth, some women may become dissatisfied with the appearance of their labia minora. A labiaplasty works to shorten the labia minora by removing any excess tissue. This is generally done via direct excision, although sometimes other methods may be used. Prior to your procedure, you will be able to meet with the surgeon in your consultation, who will assess whether you are an appropriate candidate for a labiaplasty, and will be able to help you decide which is the best surgical method for you.
Women who do not think labiaplasty is quite the right procedure may instead be interested in vaginoplasty or clitoral hood reduction.
Recovery after mummy makeover
The recovery period will vary depending on which procedures you elected to have.
At Centre for Surgery, you will be able to return home on the same day as your procedure. You will be able to leave once the effects of the general anaesthetic have worn off. This allows you to relax in the comfort of your own home, rather than having to stay overnight in a hospital room. However, you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. You may also need another person to assist you around the home for the first few days following the procedure.
Generally, it is normal to experience some minor discomfort, as well as some bruising and swelling on the operated areas. If need be, you can apply an ice pack or take pain medication. You will have to wear compression garments on the abdomen and breasts, which will help to support the areas, as well as reduce swelling.
You will have to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. However, you will be encouraged to move around following the surgery in order to avoid problems such as blood clots. You should be able to return to your usual day-to-day routine after two months.
