Mummy Makeover Surgery

Can liposuction help with my love handles?

Liposuction is exactly the same thing as liposculpture and there is a lot of marketing spin out there that can make this area a particularly tricky one to understand. It really isn’t. It usually involves the use of a special device that breaks up the fat (either with a mechanical action or with ultrasound) followed by the suction process that follows it.

There is always a small amount of liposuction that is performed as part of a tummy tuck. This is included in the price of the tummy tuck. For some people, the ‘gold standard’ for a tummy tuck might also involve some additional liposuction over the lower back, flanks and ‘muffin top’ area as this is the most effective way to accentuate the waist and works wonders when combined with a tummy tuck. It is a separate procedure however, as we have to turn you over during the procedure (whilst asleep of course) and it can take about 45 minutes to perform.

WHAT IS A MUMMY MAKEOVER?

A mummy makeover is a collection of cosmetic surgical procedures performed together as a package—as one operation or a series of operations—with the aim of removing the unwanted effects of age, pregnancy and childbirth. I personally don’t like the phrase and prefer to use the term tummy tuck, breast lift and liposuction as they are much more accurate. It is also important to appreciate that the changes associated with having children and growing older are completely normal.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU’RE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT WITH YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE AND YOU’RE STILL NOT HAPPY?

This is where a specialist plastic and cosmetic surgeon can help.
This kind of surgery can mean something different to every mother out there. Generally speaking, I view it as a treat to yourself to do whatever you want to make you feel better about you and your body image. I appreciate how much a woman’s body changes after pregnancy, not to mention how a woman’s perception of their body changes too. The most popular mummy makeovers include breast lift, breast augmentation or reduction, tummy tucks and liposuction. This is why a face to face consultation is invaluable. Together we can talk through your priorities, assess your goals and devise your bespoke plan.

WILL THIS KIND OF SURGERY WORK FOR ME?

You are a good candidate for this kind of surgery if:

– You are more than six months past your last pregnancy.
– You have tried through exercise and diet to lose pregnancy weight gain, but have not been able to regain your youthful shape.
– You are in good health and would like to enhance your post-pregnancy look.
– Your weight has stabilised. It’s a good idea to be near your ideal body weight for some time (at least 3 months) before a mummy makeover. If you want to lose weight, do it before the makeover procedures. Surgeons recommend this because weight loss before a makeover helps the surgeon determine how much excess skin should be removed and how to best sculpt your body.
– You are clear about what you expect from the makeover. It is important to be very specific about your wishes for your post-baby body and convey them clearly to your surgeon. This will help the surgeon make recommendations to achieve your goal.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROCEDURES?

Specifically, mummy makeovers can help with:

– Loose skin on the abdomen.
– Deflated or sagging breasts.
– Enlarged or stretched breasts.
– Stubborn fat deposits that cannot be lost through diet and exercise.
– Stretch marks.

The most common mummy makeover procedures include:

– Tummy tuck.
– Breast lift.
– Breast augmentation.
– Breast reduction.
– Liposuction.

You may also want to include other procedures in your own makeover. Once you have considered this at length and found out what each procedure involves, it would be good to have a consult. I am sure you are doing your homework and would advise you to do so. Please do make sure that choose a surgeon that is both qualified and experienced in the type of procedures you require. You might even want to get other opinions by visiting more than one surgeon.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

Because it is a set of procedures rather than one alone, the surgery can take between 2 1/2 to 8 hours to complete. Sometimes it may be necessary to space a series of operations weeks or months apart, rather than complete the entire range of procedures on the same day.
How many procedures are performed at once and in what order will depend on your desired surgery.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO RECOVER?

It really depends on which procedure(s) you have. There will be some pain and discomfort after any surgery. I routinely use what is called a ‘pain buster’ device which delivers a constant amount of local anaesthetic to keep you largely pain free for 2-3 days afterwards. After that our expert anaesthetist prescribes a sensible and easy to follow medication regime which will keep any pain you may have under control.

Instructions will be given about caring for surgical incisions and what you should and shouldn’t do during the recovery period.

You will have a post-operative appointment five to seven days after discharge from the hospital. During this appointment your sutures will be removed if they are non-dissolvable, your wounds will be checked and cleaned, and further instructions will be given for their care. Depending on how your wounds are healing, further appointments may be necessary.

I like to see my patients again roughly four to six weeks after any operation to assess scars and any swelling. Expect post-operative clinical photos of your progress to be taken at this time. Dates for further follow up will depend on your progress and how you feel.
It will be 2-6 months to a year before you experience the final outcome.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO TAKE OFF WORK?

Again, it depends on the procedure(s). Generally speaking, I would advise 2 to 4 weeks off work. If you have children then plan on having extra help for that period.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO THE GYM?

As you can imagine, everyone’s recovery time is going to be different. You can return to low impact cardio work after 4 to 6 weeks. I would not recommend returning to weight training for at least 12 weeks.

IS THIS KIND OF SURGERY SAFE?

As with any surgical procedure there are always risks involved. You should be fully aware of these before you elect to have you procedure(s). The best way to reduce risk is to ensure your surgeon is fully qualified with formal training in plastic surgery with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and who has performed these procedures many times.

Specific complications that may occur include:

Scarring
Scar tissue formation depends on many factors, including poor surgical technique, a genetic predisposition to scarring and the way your body responds during healing. Infections, wound breakdown or tension on the wound can also lead to scarring. These days, surgeons make limited incisions with cosmetic procedures and can conceal many incisions within the natural folds of the body. Some people are more prone to scarring than others. If you know you scar easily, talk to your surgeon beforehand. Strategies can be used to minimise your scars. If excessive scar tissue forms, your surgeon can discuss and help you further.

Uneven appearance
Uneven scarring is a rare possibility. As the scars are hidden in your underwear and in a crease it is rarely an issue once they fade away in 6-12 months. Just as you would discuss potential benefits before surgery, it is always advisable to ask your surgeon to address the potential risks as they apply to you.

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC POST-SURGERY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE ME?

Any surgeon will tell you to be good to yourself and your body by sustaining a healthy diet and embark on a healthy exercise regime once you have fully recovered.

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