Body Makeover

Mummy Makeover Perth

The Body Makeover Treatment

It’s no secret that pregnancy can change your body in more ways than one, which is why the “Body Makeover” also known as a “Mummy Makeover” has become one of the most popular surgery packages recently.

​In the last month of pregnancy, your uterus can reach the size of a watermelon. Your abdominal muscles have stretched over your uterus and your skin may have developed stretch marks as a result. After the delivery, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop and you begin to produce milk to feed your newborn child, making your breasts swell.

The swelling and stretching during this period or pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave the abdomen and breasts sagging permanently, whilst also leaving you with sagging or loose skin. The extent to which your body changes from your pre-baby state depends on your genetic makeup and the quality of your breast tissue. About 6 weeks after child birth, your uterus has returned to its normal size. However, in many cases, the abdominal muscles and tissue get so stretched out and you do end up with excess fat and excess skin, that they never return to their Pre-pregnancy condition.

It may be that your body needs more recovery time. After all, it had to undergo changes for 9 months, and so you shouldn’t expect to be your ideal body immediately. Especially as the demands of a new infant may make a meaningful exercise routine impossible.

When should you consider a Body Makeover?

Dr Mark Hanikeri, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Perth, recommends waiting at least 1 year after pregnancy and childbirth of your final child before you consider any Mummy Makeover surgeries. You must also have finished breast feeding for at least 6 months before your Mummy makeover procedure. During your consultation, he will be able to determine which surgery he recommends based on his experience, your post baby body state and your personal body goals.

The surgery that may be considered includes (click on each surgery for more in-depth information):

Breast Surgery: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction and Breast Implant Revision

Body Surgery: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Labiaplasty

How long will you be hospitalised for after your Body Makeover?

You will obviously need to know how long you will be away from your family and Dr Mark Hanikeri will be able to offer specific time frames for your hospital stay based on the surgery you have elected to undergo. Most women can expect to stay one to two nights in hospital after surgery. You will also be scheduled for a minimum of 2 post-surgery check-ups to monitor your recovery. This is one of the most important reasons (aside from your general wellbeing) to opt for a Body Makeover with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon where you live. We do not advise going overseas for any type of surgery. It is extremely important to carefully follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions to ensure you have the best possible outcome.

How much is a Body Makeover in Perth?

As mentioned above, your Body Makeover will be tailored to your needs which means that the cost can vary considerably. Some procedures may have cover from Medicare and private insurance. The anticipated costs of your planned surgery will be covered in detail after your initial consultation.

The body makeover treatment – an interview with Dr Mark Hanikeri

Q. What are the more common procedures you perform as part of the Body makeover?

A. The most common procedures as part of the Body makeover Treatment are breast lift and/or augmentation and a tummy tuck. Most women after breast feeding tend to lose a bit of volume in the upper pole, so most of them want their breasts lifted.

Previously, Dr Mark Hanikeri spoke with The Plastic Surgery Hub about his Body Makeover Treatment.

Q. What are the more common procedures you perform as part of the Body makeover?

A. The most common procedures performed as part of the Body makeover Treatment are breast lift and/or augmentation and a tummy tuck. Most women after breast feeding tend to lose a bit of volume in the upper pole so most of them want their breasts lifted, to get as close to their pre-baby body as possible.

The Body Makeover often involves elevating the nipple and filling the loss of volume with a breast implant. Many women also lose tone in the abdominal wall after having children. They lack confidence because of the stretched skin and often feel out of shape, even if it is a result of their childbirth rather than lifestyle or diet and exercise choices.

The Body Makeover is a great way for women to regain confidence after having children. There have been many Mummy Makeover patients who have seen good results from the procedure. 

Q. What are the pros and cons of performing more than one procedure at a time?

The advantages of combining procedures – you have one recovery and can save money. You may also be able to put parts of the procedure on a medicare item number if you have private health insurance. Some surgeons like myself also apply a discounted rate to the second procedure, due to time being saved with the combined surgery.

Disadvantages can include an increased metabolic demand for the patient as well as an increased physical stress on the body.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges with a Tummy Tuck?

A. From a surgical point of view, I would say managing the patient’s expectations. If you are larger, it isn’t always achievable to make you slim solely from liposuction, especially if it isn’t your natural build. If you are naturally slimmer and have put on weight after children, it is more achievable. With this being said, however, weight loss is not guaranteed. 

Q. What advice do you give to women looking to undergo The Body Makeover Treatment?

A. It is very important to do your research. One of the challenges is whether or not you do it in one or two stages. It’s important to understand why a surgeon may want to do the Body Makeover Treatment in two surgical procedures.

Make sure the surgeon you choose has experience in one and two stage procedures and has the ability to let you know which is more important.

There are some plastic surgeons who perform these procedures who are not trained specialist plastic surgeons. They may try to fill up the loss of volume in the breast without a lift. Check the qualifications of your surgeon and make sure you see a ‘specialist plastic surgeon’ recognised by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. They should be aware of the techniques of nipple elevation and augmentation at the same time.

To book a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Hanikeri please call 08 9380 0311.