The ‘Mummy Makeover’ is a term which has been widely used throughout plastic surgery circles referring to combined surgical treatments for women after having children, restoring the breasts and abdomen following pregnancy and breastfeeding. The term has been widely used in the USA for many years and the Mummy Makeover has had a lot of exposure throughout prominent Hollywood celebrities and social media influencers.
Women during the postpartum or post pregnancy period experience many hormonal and emotional changes as well as experiencing the excitement but sometimes stressful role as a mother. Some women find the changes that their body has undergone during and after the pregnancy can lead to some reflection on what they looked like before child bearing, and what they look like now after giving birth. Exercise and diet may help with some of the changes experienced, however their may be some changes that will only by addressed by plastic surgery. Some women want to proceed with a Mummy Makeover soon after giving birth and finishing breast feeding, and we also see women looking at these procedures once their children are older, moved out or less reliant on them, and the Mum feels that they have given their child the past 18 years of their life and it’s now ‘Mums turn’ for some attention, rejuvenation and feeling better about their body. Restoring the body after giving birth through a Mummy Makeover can help women feel more positive about their body after ageing and the effects on the body post pregnancy. To achieve the best results, it is preferable for patients to be close to their ideal weight, have finished having children and are maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding tend to stretch the skin of the abdomen and breast causing laxity of skin and sometimes the musculature, such as abdominal muscle separation. Breastfeeding can also result in a ‘deflated’ appearance of the breast, and in others they may experience an enlargement and saggy appearance of the breast tissue, with the nipple significantly lower and pointing downwards. Some women may also wish to add liposuction to their flanks or ‘love handles’ as part of their Mummy Makeover, and may also wish to proceed with a labiaplasty which is a reduction of the major and/or minor labia.
It is very important to consult with a plastic surgeon on what the desires and needs are for each individual, as they can tailor the Mummy Makeover to what the patients concerns are and what procedures can help address these concerns.
Mummy Makeover Treatment Options
The most common combination is either breast lift and/or breast augmentation and abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), or breast reduction and abdominoplasty and sometimes Liposuction or Labiaplasty. For some patients, or in some circumstances it may be more suitable to stage these procedures in order to achieve the desired outcome or for patient preference. Recovery from a Mummy Makeover will also be individual and dependent on what procedures are required and the extent of each procedure. For example, a ‘Tummy Tuck’ could be just some excess skin and fat removed or it could involve reconstruction of the deep muscles in the abdomen due to muscle separation. The more involved surgery may result in longer recovery time with overnight stay in hospital.
All surgery involves excisions resulting in some scarring. Please see our information on scarring and the variation of the appearance of scars relating to each individual patient.
Who is a candidate?
The Mummy Makeover is suitable for women who have finished having children, and are looking to improve the appearance of their body following pregnancy. It’s important to note that as the Mummy Makeover is a highly individualised procedure, results may differ for each patient.
What can you expect after the operation?
As the Mummy Makeover is a combination of procedures you may require a short stay in hospital. Specific pre and post operative information for the procedures involved in the Mummy Makeover can be found on each of the relevant pages listed above.
To learn more about the ‘Mummy Makeover’ please contact our Gold Coast practice in Queensland. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or schedule a consultation for you with Dr Craig Layt.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.