A mummy makeover combines a tummy tuck with breast surgery, and sometimes liposuction, in one operation, for women whose tummy and breasts have changed after pregnancy. At Lux Plastic Surgery in Bedford, Professor Sandip Hindocha (GMC number 6122218) carries out the operation himself. It is major surgery, with weeks of recovery.
Which procedures you have depends on what has changed and what you would like to change. At consultation, Professor Hindocha examines you, explains what surgery can and cannot do in your case, and goes through the risks and recovery before you decide anything. Send an enquiry or call 07740 306144.
What is a Mummy Makeover?
A mummy makeover is a set of operations done together, planned for women who have finished having children. It usually means a tummy tuck, which removes loose skin and fat from the lower tummy and tightens the tummy muscles, together with a breast lift, breast enlargement or both. Liposuction is sometimes added.
It is not a way to lose weight. The NHS says a tummy tuck is usually only recommended for people with a healthy body mass index (BMI), and it leaves a scar across the lower tummy.
Service Details
Expected Surgery Time
Confirmed at consultation
Done Under
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Hospitalisation
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Drains Required
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Return to light work
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Why combine procedures, and what are the risks?
Combining procedures means one anaesthetic and one recovery period instead of two or three. The trade-off is a longer operation and a harder first few weeks, and each procedure brings its own risks. Professor Hindocha will tell you whether he would combine them in your case or do them separately.
Risks of a tummy tuck
The NHS tummy tuck guide lists a scar across the lower tummy, numbness that can last from a few months to years, fluid collecting under the skin, wounds that fail to heal, thick or obvious scars, bleeding, infection and blood clots. Some people find the result is not what they wanted and feel they need another operation.
Risks of breast surgery
Implants carry the risks set out in the NHS breast enlargement guide, including the scar tissue around the implant hardening, the implant rupturing (it then has to be removed) and changes in nipple sensation that may not return to normal. A breast lift leaves scars on the breast. The breast lift and breast augmentation pages explain each operation in more detail.
What Does a Mummy Makeover Include?
The procedures depend on what has changed. Most mummy makeovers include some of these:
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck removes loose skin and fat from the lower tummy and tightens the tummy muscles, which can stretch apart during pregnancy. A full tummy tuck leaves a scar from hip to hip and a scar around the belly button. How much it changes your shape varies from person to person.
Breast lift or enlargement
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave the breasts lower or smaller. A breast lift raises and reshapes the breast, and breast enlargement uses implants to add volume. Some women have both.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes fat from areas such as the hips, thighs or waist. It is not a way to lose weight.
Other procedures
Some women ask about a thigh lift or fat transfer as well. Professor Hindocha will tell you which procedures he would suggest for you, which he would not, and why.
How long is recovery after a mummy makeover?
Plan for several weeks. The NHS advises taking about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise after a tummy tuck alone, and says it takes about 6 weeks to recover fully. Adding breast surgery or liposuction can lengthen that. Professor Hindocha will give you a timeline for your own operation at consultation.
The first few days
Pain, swelling and bruising are normal, and painkillers are given. When you go home, someone will need to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
The first six weeks
You will usually wear a support garment for about 6 weeks and will not be able to drive for a few weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and exercise until you are told it is safe to start again.
Scars
Scars are often raised and red at first. The NHS says they should fade over 12 to 18 months.
Who is a mummy makeover suitable for?
A mummy makeover may suit you if you:
- have finished having children, because a later pregnancy can affect the result
- are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- are in good general health
- expect an improvement in shape rather than a perfect result
Who it may not suit
It is not a treatment for being overweight: the NHS says a tummy tuck is not a procedure for someone who is overweight. It may not suit you if you are planning another pregnancy, are still losing weight, or have a health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, that makes a long operation riskier. Professor Hindocha will tell you at consultation if he does not think surgery is right for you.
Who carries out your mummy makeover in Bedford?
Professor Sandip Hindocha carries out every mummy makeover at Lux Plastic Surgery. He is a consultant plastic surgeon (GMC number 6122218) with more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as set out on the About Us page.
The NHS suggests asking a surgeon how many of their operations have had complications, what follow-up to expect if things go wrong, and their patient satisfaction rates. You can ask Professor Hindocha these questions at your consultation. Send an enquiry or call 07740 306144.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the recovery after a mummy makeover?
The NHS advises about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise after a tummy tuck, the main part of most mummy makeovers, and about 6 weeks to recover fully. Adding breast surgery can lengthen that, and scars fade over 12 to 18 months.
2. Can a mummy makeover get rid of stretch marks and excess skin?
A tummy tuck removes loose skin from the lower tummy and tightens the muscles, and breast surgery can treat sagging and lost volume. Stretch marks may be improved but not fully removed.
3. How much does a mummy makeover cost in Bedford?
It depends on which procedures are included. Professor Hindocha’s fee is quoted individually in writing after consultation, covering all associated costs. The tummy tuck cost guide gives typical UK prices for the main procedure.
4. How do I pay for a mummy makeover?
Payment options are discussed at consultation.
5. Are mummy makeover results permanent?
The results can last for many years, but weight changes and a later pregnancy can affect them. A stable weight after surgery makes the change more likely to last, though no surgical result can be guaranteed.
Considering a mummy makeover?
Your consultation is with Professor Sandip Hindocha, a GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeon. He will examine you, talk through whether this procedure is appropriate for you, and explain the risks and the likely recovery before you decide anything.
Clinics in Bedford, London, Manchester, Cheshire and Newton-le-Willows.