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Mummy makeover procedure has become popular due to it can effectively solve various problems in a surgery and give people a contoured look. Well despite its name, it is not exclusively for mothers! Any woman looking to improve various areas of her body can consider a mummy makeover. So let’s take a look at 5 things to know about this rejuvenating operation!
A Mummy Makeover is a Customized Surgery
This is not a one-size-fits-all operation as it is tailored to each person’s specific concerns and desires. After pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss there might be significant changes in your body’s contour such as stretched abdomen or saggy breasts. So, with the right timing for tackling these problematic areas, a mummy makeover can be done tailored to each body’s necessities. Common combinated procedures include:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Breast surgeries
- Liposuction
You probably already have an idea about these operations but let us briefly talk about them too. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter and firmer stomach. Breast surgeries on the other hand (breast lift, augmentation or reduction) enhances the appearance of the breasts by lifting and reshaping sagging breasts or increasing their size with implants. Liposuction means removing stubborn fat deposits from various parts of the body, improving contour and proportion. These procedures can be customized and combined as part of a mummy makeover to address the various concerns.
You May not be a Suitable Candidate for the Procedure
Although it is safe to have a baby after a mummy makeover, the pregnancy can reverse the results of the procedure. Therefore, generally it is recommended for women who do not plan to have a pregnancy after the operation. Also, although you will lose some fat with the mummy makeover, it is not a weight-loss surgery. This means that you should be close to your ideal weight to have the procedure as well as being healthy. If your BMI is equal to or greater than 40 you may first think about undergoing a weight loss (bariatric) procedure.
Patients often need some operation post-bariatric. Although a post-bariatric surgery and a mummy makeover are somehow similar, their primary goals are actually a bit different. Post-bariatric surgery focuses on removing the excess skin on thighs, arms, back or abdomen and tightening them. A mummy makeover on the other hand, primarily focuses on correcting the saggy breasts and loose abdominal skin, giving a contoured and volumed body look. Also, mommy makeover operation is designed for women, while a post-bariatric operation is designed for everyone.
Post-op Care is As Important As the Surgery itself
One of the most important parts of having a combined surgery is the dedication to aftercare. It requires an investment of time and you need to plan your mommy makeover recovery
period for ideal results. Also, it is important that you should follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions for mommy makeover. This will ensure aesthetic outcomes, minimizes the risk of complications and foster effective healing of incisions.
People often have concerns about mommy makeover scars and following the surgeon’s instructions precisely can help you minimize them. For example, you should avoid direct sun exposure for around 6 months and cover your incision areas and/or protect them with sunscreen. Because sun exposure may cause hyperpigmentation which means darkening of the incision lines and becoming visible. Also, you will probably have to wear compression garments for a period of time.
It is very important to wear them as your surgeon recommended because they ensure proper healing. Also, depending on the combination of your procedures and the nature of your work, you may need some time off from work. Before deciding to get a mummy makeover, you should be very sure that you can be dedicated to proper aftercare and have time to rest for optimal mommy makeover recovery.
You Shouldn’t Do it unless You Find a Reliable Place
Though it may be challenging, finding an experienced and skillful surgeon and reliable facility is crucial for a mummy makeover operation. Because it involves multiple surgeries and therefore you should choose a surgeon who has extensive experience with these procedures and has achieved optimal results with satisfied patients. Researching the surgeon’s educational and practical background, as well as reviewing their mummy makeover before and after photos, is vital. Also if they provide aftercare followup services or not is another important point. Because It is important to be guided through the recovery process especially for minimizing the mommy makeover scars and complication risks.
For those living in Europe or the USA, considering a mommy makeover abroad can be a cost-effective option. For instance, mummy makeover UK costs ranges from €12,000 to €22,000, while in the USA, it varies between $15,000 and $27,000. Mommy makeover in Turkey, on the other hand, is significantly lower, ranging from €5,200 to €11,400. Despite the lower costs, Turkey offers a high level of medical infrastructure and highly experienced surgeons. The affordability is due to the favorable exchange rate, lower operating costs and high competition.
If you decide to choose Turkey, there are many medical tourism companies who give all-inclusive services and works with top surgeons and facilities. However, when evaluating them please check if they accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Health (stay away from the black market!), if they have any international accreditations and awards, if they transparently share their price lists and patients’ results, if they have aftercare services and hotel nurse services and patients’ testimonials. Making an informed decision is essential when going for a life-changing mommy makeover abroad and you should be sure that you are in safe hands!
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- Toto, Vito & Scarabosio, Anna & Alessandri Bonetti, Mario & Albanese, Roberta & Persichetti, Paolo. (2023). Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2018, April 27). What is included in a mommy makeover?
- Stony Brook Medicine. (n.d.). FAQs about "Mommy Makeover" surgery — What women need to know. Stony Brook University.
