If you are wondering about a mummy makeover, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can learn about the procedure, what to expect during the surgery, the recovery time and the cost.
Good Candidate
Pregnancy, giving birth and breast feeding can bring major changes to a woman’s body. It may result in stretch marks, torn abdominal muscles, excess skin and/or droopy breasts. In this case, the best body contouring procedure to correct a post pregnancy body is a mommy makeover.
A mummy makeover is a good option for those who have experienced massive weight loss and/or pregnancy. Mummy makeover surgery combines breast surgery along with a tummy tuck. The breast surgery is tailored to you – it may be a reduction, lift or augmentation. It also usually includes liposuction to further contour the body and the optional extra of a labiaplasty.
This procedure is ideal for women who have finished having children. If you are planning to have more children, it is best to wait because another pregnancy can compromise the results. Your surgeon will also consider your medical history to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
The ideal candidate for a mummy makeover is a woman who is close to her ideal weight. Weight loss before surgery allows the surgeon to determine the amount of excess skin to remove and what sculpting techniques to use. Also, it is important to have an accurate idea of the type of body shape you want.
Benefits
A mummy makeover is a series of plastic surgery procedures performed by a specialist plastic surgeon. The procedure is a permanent way to rejuvenate your appearance.
Your surgeon should always take into account the presence of stretch marks, cellulite, and excess fat pockets. He or she can then adapt the procedure to suit your specific needs.
Mummy makeover can:
- lift droopy breasts
- reduce overly large breasts
- enlarge small breasts
- lift and reposition the nipples
- reduce the areola
- tighten the tummy
- correct abdominal muscle separation
- reduce fat on the flanks and tummy
- improve overall contour
During your initial consultation, you will be invited to share your goals and desired outcomes of the surgery.
Procedure
As this is a surgical procedure, scarring is inevitable. However, the scars will be hidden in natural creases and folds.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to complete, depending on which procedures are being done.
It may be a day surgery but most likely, you will need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Though the surgery is generally successful, there are some risks and side effects you should be aware of. You should also consult with a surgeon who is qualified to perform such procedures and has performed them many times before.
Recovery
Before undergoing a mummy makeover, it is important to understand the recovery time involved. Depending on the type of surgery and the extent of work done, the recovery time after a mummy makeover surgery can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks. Most women do not want to be out of action for longer than they need to be, especially if they have young children.
This is why it’s always important to maintain a healthy diet, not smoke, and avoid exercise while recovering from a mummy makeover. For the first 2 weeks, you’re required to take time off from work and have someone stay at home to help out.
Recovery Timeline
For the first few days after your surgery, it is important to rest as much as possible. You should also take painkillers and antibiotics – as supplied to you by your surgeon. It’s important to make sure to take these medications on time to avoid any complications.
For two weeks after mummy makeover surgery, you will have a limited range of movements. However, you will not be ‘bedridden’. The only restriction is that you shouldn’t do much housework for a week or two. It’s also encouraged that you walk a little to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
To make the recovery process easier, you should make sure that they have plenty of rest. Ideally, you should aim to get eight hours of sleep per day and sleep through the day as needed.
It’s also a good idea to make arrangements for someone to help you with daily tasks, such as laundry or shopping.
Cost
The cost of a mummy makeover varies depending on the number of procedures and surgical techniques. It is often cheaper to have all the procedures done at once than to have them done in stages. Some patients may need additional procedures as their body changes over time. Those who have had children or are looking to improve their body shape may want to consider a mummy makeover.
Medicare & Mummy Makeover
Medicare may provide an item number for loose skin on the abdomen. However, a medicare item number for mummy makeover is only available for medically necessary procedures. As breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, any mummy makeover that includes breast implants will not receive a Medicare benefit.
Consideration
While a mummy makeover procedure can help you to achieve a more youthful appearance, it should only be done if you are certain that you will not be having more children. While most procedures are safe, a subsequent pregnancy can undo the procedure, stretching the skin on your breasts and abdomen. Plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least three to six months after your last pregnancy before having a mummy makeover.
During the consultation, you’ll discuss how much the procedure will cost and how you can pay. The doctor should provide you with an itemised list of fees and costs so you can get a better idea of the total cost. Make sure you ask questions during this process to ensure you understand all the details of the procedure.