What is a Mummy Makeover?

A mummy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can significantly impact a woman’s body, leading to changes such as sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin, and stubborn fat deposits. The mummy makeover typically includes procedures like breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and liposuction. The aim is to address these changes comprehensively, providing a more youthful and toned appearance.

What to Do Before a Mummy Makeover

 Consultation and Planning

1. Consultation:Mr Nassab will provide a thorough consultation which will help you understand the procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Discuss your expectations with Mr Nassab and he will provide you with advice as to whether these are realistic. Understanding what is achievable will help set realistic goals and increase satisfaction with the results.

3. Medical Evaluation: A complete medical history and physical examination are essential to determine your suitability for surgery. This includes checking your overall health, pre-existing conditions, and any medications you are taking.

4. Quit Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. It’s recommended to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after the surgery.

5. Maintain a Stable Weight: Aim to be at or near your ideal weight before surgery. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results.

6. Prepare Your Home: Arrange for help with childcare and household chores during your recovery period. Prepare a comfortable recovery space at home although we encourage early mobilization following mummy makeover surgery. 

 Pre-Surgery Instructions

1. Medications: Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding. Mr Nassab will provide instructions regarding any medications you need to stop or start before surgery.  You will also have a preop appointment with a nurse who will also ask about your medical history and medications. 

2. Fasting: You will be instructed to fast for a certain period before the surgery, typically starting the night before. You can usually drink clear fluids up to 2 hours before surgery and eat a light meal 6 hours before the mommy makeover operation. 

3. Arrange Transportation: Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

The Recovery After a Mummy Makeover

 Immediate Post-Surgery Period

1. Hospital Stay: Depending on the extent of the surgery, you might stay in the hospital for a day or be discharged the same day.  

2. Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are common after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medications to help manage this. Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule.  You will usually be provided with some antibiotics as a precaution following surgery. 

3. Dressings: You will have dressings on the incisions and these should be kept dry until you have your dressing change a week after surgery. .

 First Few Weeks

1. Rest and Limited Activity: Rest is crucial during the first week. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Short walks are encouraged to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

2. Follow-Up Visits: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These visits are essential for monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns.  You will have a dressing clinic appointment at 1 week and subsequent dressing changes may be required. 

3. Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments as instructed helps reduce swelling and supports the healing tissues.  You will have a Velcro binder which goes on top of the pressure garment.  This binder is usually worn for 2 weeks and the support garment for 6 weeks. 

4. Managing Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common and will gradually subside over several weeks. Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling.

 Long-Term Recovery

1. Gradual Return to Normal Activities: You can gradually resume normal activities after the first few weeks, but avoid intense physical activities for at least six weeks.

2. Scar Care: You can use of silicone sheets or gels after the dressings have been removed. creams, or laser treatments.

3. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise will help sustain the results of your mummy makeover.

Results Before and After a Mummy Makeover

 Before the Mummy Makeover

Before the mummy makeover, many women experience significant changes to their bodies due to pregnancy and childbirth. Common issues include:

1. Sagging Breasts: Breasts may lose their volume and firmness, resulting in a saggy appearance.

2. Excess Abdominal Skin: The skin and muscles of the abdomen can become stretched, leading to loose skin and weakened muscles.

3. Stubborn Fat Deposits: Pregnancy often leaves behind fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and hips that are resistant to diet and exercise.

4. Stretch Marks: The rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy can cause stretch marks, particularly on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.

 After the Mummy Makeover

The results of a mummy makeover can be transformative, leading to:

1. Lifted and Fuller Breasts: Breast augmentation or a lift can restore volume and firmness, giving a more youthful contour.

2. Tighter Abdomen: A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter and more toned abdomen.

3. Reduced Fat Deposits: Liposuction can effectively remove stubborn fat, enhancing the body’s overall contour.

4. Improved Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence after achieving their desired body shape.

Celebrity Mommy Makeover

Mr Nassab has been trusted by many celebrities and influencers to perform their procedures. He was featured on the Real Housewives of Cheshire performing the mommy makeover on Rachel Lugo. The series followed her journey as she went into hospital and then recovery. She had an amazing transformation after having 5 children.

How Long is the Recovery After a Mummy Makeover?

The recovery period after a mummy makeover varies based on the extent of the procedures performed and individual healing rates. Here is a general timeline:

 First Week

– Rest and Limited Mobility: Expect to spend most of the first week resting. Movement should be minimal, primarily limited to short, gentle walks.

– Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling will be most pronounced during this period, but can be managed with prescribed medications.

 Weeks 2-3

– Increasing Activity: You can gradually increase your activity level, but avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting.

– Follow-Up Appointments: Attend follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress.

 Weeks 4-6

– Returning to Normal Activities: You may start to resume normal activities and light exercise as advised by your surgeon.

– Wearing Compression Garments: Continue wearing compression garments as recommended to support healing and reduce swelling.

 After 6 Weeks

– Full Activity: Most patients can return to their regular exercise routine and more vigorous activities after six weeks.

– Long-Term Healing: While you will see significant improvements by this time, full healing and final results can take several months. Swelling will continue to decrease, and scars will gradually fade.

 Long-Term Care

– Scar Management: Continue caring for your scars as advised by Mr Nassab to promote optimal healing and minimise their appearance.

– Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a stable weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise will help preserve the results of your mummy makeover.

Conclusion

A mummy makeover offers a comprehensive solution for women looking to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. By combining procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction, it addresses common post-pregnancy concerns effectively. Proper preparation and following post-surgery instructions are crucial for a smooth recovery and achieving the best possible results. With realistic expectations and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, many women find a mummy makeover to be a life-changing procedure that enhances both their appearance and confidence.