A Mummy Makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures aimed at helping women restore their pre-pregnancy body shape. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can lead to physical changes such as stretched skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat deposits. The Mummy Makeover is designed to address these changes, typically combining procedures such as breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and liposuction. The goal is to rejuvenate and enhance a woman's appearance, improving both body contour and self-confidence.
This personalized approach allows women to undergo multiple surgeries at once, targeting areas most affected by pregnancy. It is a popular choice for those who have completed their families and wish to restore or enhance their body shape.
Who needs Mummy Makeover:
1. Loose Abdominal Muscles and Sagging Skin Post-Pregnancy:
After having children, women notice that their abdomen has loose, sagging skin, and her core feels weak, even after exercising. Pregnancy has caused the abdominal muscles to separate (diastasis recti), giving them belly a rounded appearance. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would tighten these muscles and remove the excess skin, helping them achieve a flatter, more toned midsection.
2. Breast Volume Loss and Sagging from Breastfeeding:
After breastfeeding, the breasts have lost volume and appear deflated. they want to restore the natural fullness and lift the breasts to a higher position. A breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer, combined with a breast lift, would restore the volume and shape of the breasts, giving them a fuller, more youthful look.
3. Stubborn Fat in Hips and Thighs:
Despite diet and exercise, there is still stubborn fat around the hips and thighs that didn’t go away after pregnancy. Liposuction can target these areas, sculpting the body to enhance the natural curves and create a more balanced silhouette, improving confidence in fitted clothing.
4. Desire for a Curvier, Proportional Figure:
After pregnancy, the body has lost its curves and shape. Women want to add volume to their hips and buttocks to achieve a more balanced hourglass figure. A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), where fat from liposuction is transferred to the buttocks, can help achieve a fuller, more lifted look.
5. Combination of Stretch Marks and Loose Skin:
Following pregnancy, they are left with stretch marks and excess skin on the lower abdomen. In mummy makeover, a tummy tuck would remove much of the stretched skin (along with some stretch marks), and skin treatments like laser therapy could further reduce the appearance of remaining stretch marks.
6. Neck and Jawline Changes from Weight Gain:
During pregnancy, gaining weight can cause excess fat around jawline and neck. Liposuction in these areas can restore a more defined profile.
7. Back and Shoulder Pain Due to Larger Breasts:
After pregnancy, some women suffer from large, heavy breasts, causing back and shoulder pain. A breast reduction would reduce the breast size, relieve the discomfort, and make it easier to be active and enjoy their daily life.
How a Mummy Makeover Works:
The Mummy Makeover is a combination of several procedures, and the exact approach depends on the individual’s needs and goals. Common procedures included in a Mummy Makeover are:
- Breast Augmentation or Lift:
- Breast Augmentation: Involves the insertion of implants to increase breast size and volume.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts to restore a youthful appearance.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):
- The surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles, especially after pregnancy when abdominal muscles may have stretched or separated.
- Liposuction:
- Fat is removed from specific areas of the body using a thin tube (cannula) and a vacuum. It is often used on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and hips to contour and shape the body.
The procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia, and depending on the extent of the surgery, the operation can take several hours. A Mummy Makeover is usually done in one surgery session, which is efficient for recovery time, but it may require a longer recovery than single procedures.
Recovery After a Mummy Makeover:
● Immediate Recovery: Patients are usually able to go home the same day or the day after surgery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common and can be managed with pain medication.
● Post-Surgical Care: Patients will be advised to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support the healing process, especially after liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.
● Activity Restrictions: Most patients can return to light activities in 2-3 weeks, but strenuous activities, lifting, and exercising should be avoided for 6-8 weeks to allow full healing.
● Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing progress and manage any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Mummy Makeover:
Ideal candidates are women who are in good overall health, have completed their families, and want to restore their bodies after pregnancy. It is important to be at or near a stable weight before undergoing the procedure.
Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the procedures performed. Most patients can return to work in 2-3 weeks but should avoid strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks. Full recovery takes about 6-8 weeks.
Yes, scarring is inevitable but is typically placed in discreet areas. For a tummy tuck, the scar is usually low on the abdomen, often hidden under underwear or swimwear. Scars from breast surgery will be around the areola or in the breast fold, and liposuction incisions are small and hidden in natural skin folds.
The results of a Mummy Makeover are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight. However, factors such as future pregnancies, aging, or weight gain can affect the outcome. A healthy lifestyle will help maintain the results.