It’s usually assumed that January is the time of new beginnings, but at the Karidis Clinic, we’ve become aware that September can often be a moment for making those all-important, life-changing decisions. Since the start of September we noticed a spike in demand for the mummy makeover procedure and it seems that the back to school season is the new ‘new year, new you’.
Whether it’s because you finally have a moment to yourself, you feel it’s time for a fresh start or you’ve recently returned from a summer holiday abroad and you wish to explore your body reshaping options, we’ve seen a huge increase in tummy tuck and breast lift enquiries over the last few weeks, two of the cosmetic surgery procedures that make up the mummy makeover.
What is the mummy makeover?
Every woman is unique and has different concerns and requirements, so a mummy makeover is not a ‘set’ procedure, but is actually a bespoke, individually-tailored treatment plan. Common concerns about a post-pregnancy body can include:
- Breasts that have lost firmness, shape or volume, particularly as a result of breastfeeding
- Breasts that have become too large or smaller than they were before
- Nipples that have changed shape or increased in size
- Stretched sagging skin on the abdomen
- Loss of muscle tone and even a separation of the abdominal muscles
- Accumulated pockets of fat on the abdomen, thighs, waist or other body areas
What procedures make up a mummy makeover?
During your consultation with Mr Karidis, you’ll discuss these concerns and he can advise you on which cosmetic surgery procedure or combination of procedures will best address these concerns. This can involve one or more of the following:
Breast uplift: any pregnancy-related weight gain and loss, combined with the impact that breastfeeding has on the breasts, can result in skin and tissue stretching and losing elasticity. Women often feel that their breasts have changed drastically in shape and position after they finish with childbirth and a breast uplift can restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts. Nipple reduction and areola reduction can also be used to restore balance and proportion.
Breast augmentation: even if your breasts haven’t stretched as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, many of you find that they’ve ended up smaller than they were before. Volume, particularly in the upper pole of the breast, can be lost and a breast augmentation or fat transfer can restore that volume.
Tummy tuck: also known as an abdominoplasty, this is a common mummy makeover procedure because often it’s the only way in which you can restore a flatter appearance to the stomach. This is because, as well as removing excess skin and tissue, it is also possible to tighten up the stomach muscles that separate to accommodate the growing baby.
For some women, the muscles remain separated after pregnancy, in a condition known as diastasis recti, and they are left with a bulging, protruding belly. No amount of ab workouts will address this issue and surgery is often the only option.
Liposuction: for an improved body contour, a mummy makeover is often combined with liposuction to produce the best result possible. Liposuction can eradicate stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise in problem areas of the body such as the waist, thighs, arms or back.
Making the decision to undergo a mummy makeover can be a hugely positive and life-changing one, but it is also a serious surgical operation, combining two or more different procedures. As multiple areas of the body are being operated on, the recovery time can be slightly longer but, with the kids now back in school, this can be a great time to get family and friends to help with your responsibilities while you focus on healing.
To find out if you’re suitable for the mummy makeover, call 0203 553 6319 to arrange a consultation at the Karidis Clinic.
