Most mothers will tell you that having a child grow in your belly feels almost alien, as though your body has been taken over and it will never be the same again. Some women bounce back after childbirth, especially those who are younger and already super fit, but most of us don’t, and probably won’t ever… without help. Mummy makeovers are a wonderful option for those women wanting their body, their confidence and their life back. Dr Isolde Hertess from Cairns Plastic Surgery in Far North Queensland spoke to us about what the patient can expect from a mummy makeover and how to manage the emotions that come with it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave your belly stretched with the abdominal muscles separated and causing all sorts of issues such as incontinence; your breasts enlarged but then sucked dry and left sagging and misshapen; and your emotional state exhausted, drained and overwhelmed by the changes and new responsibilities you now have. The reason why a mummy makeover can be such an emotional journey is because it’s finally putting YOU first. Dr Hertess says, “Mainstream media has placed unrealistic pressure on new mothers to bounce back quickly following birth. But think about it: it takes 9 months to create a baby. Why should it take only weeks to return to your previous body? The body is healing, and most importantly, feeding your newborn! It’s natural – and totally normal, for it to take time. However, even those who have followed a good diet and have eased their way back into exercise may be wondering, a few years down the road, what other options they have to improve the look and shape of their body. This is where you might consider a mummy makeover.”
Why get a mummy makeover?
Having a body that has been hijacked and not returned as normal as it once was can affect several aspects of a woman’s psyche including:
- Self-confidence and self-esteem;
- Clothes no longer fit/look good – sagging breasts don’t fill out your favourite LBD as they once did. Don’t even mention the word bikini or low cut swimmers, in fact, for some, don’t even mention the word swimwear… leading to depression and grief for the pre-baby body;
- Loss of libido or sexual drive (linked to the above);
- Affects relationships – if you don’t love your body, you will find it hard to allow your partner to love it too (often they care less how your body looks than you do, but this doesn’t help how you feel about yourself). Not valuing yourself or feeling less worthy because of your body can affect all your relationships, from those with your husband or partner to those with your children, friends, and everyone around you.
- Not being able to live to your full potential – feeling embarrassed or unhappy with your body, and constantly struggling to find clothes to fit and feel good about yourself takes a toll on your self-worth and motivation.
Dr Hertess says she understands that the decision to undergo plastic surgery is not a quick, nor an easy, decision. “It takes time to not only understand which procedure is right for you, but also to choose a qualified plastic surgeon with whom you’ve built a great rapport and feel confident that they’re going to give you the body you dream of. That’s why we offer a complimentary catch-up with one of our nurses as a starting point, where you can come into the clinic, meet the team, and take a look around. We’ll take this opportunity to find out about your wishes and help educate you on the procedure most suited to your desires. This chat is 100% obligation-free, and comes at no cost to you.”
If you’re considering a mummy makeover, understand that there are many others out there going through the same thing. Having a support system to help you with the emotional side of the journey can make a big difference. You might like to check out the PSH closed Facebook group where there are many other mummy makeover patients chatting about their experiences. Or, if you’d like to arrange a free chat with one of the nurses at Cairns Plastic Surgery or you’re ready to make a consultation time with Dr Isolde Hertess, you can make an appointment here.
Go on, be brave, start the new year by doing something FOR YOU!!