More and more mothers are turning to cosmetic surgery to get rid of their ?mummy tummies?, but it is all worth the expense and pain? Emma Shiggins finds out.
Celebrities are often the root of mothers? inspirations to get their pre-baby bodies back in shape – and it?s no wonder because as much as we know that they have nannies and personal trainers to help getting that pre-baby figure back in a couple of weeks, it still leaves us mere mortal mums feeling a little inadequate when six months down the line we are barely out of maternity jeans!
The price of this type of surgery can range from ?3,800-?5,200, so it can be a little more pricy than your average Slim Fast supplements, but with finance options available, a lot of women are finding ways to afford it! Many mothers opt for a tummy tuck and a Caesarean section to be carried out as one procedure, known as the ?Mommy Makeover? or ?Mummy Tuck.? But is it all as straightforward – and more importantly – safe?
A British surgery that definitely ?says NO to mummy jobs? is SurgiCare, one of the largest cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. ?As a company we strongly disagree with any new mums having surgery before their baby is at the very least six months old,? says chief executive Mark Bury . ?It is our advice to allow the body to return to normal, recover and repair itself after the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. The new generation of ?Yummy Mummies? should try and resist pressure from celebrity mums?.
However, for Kerry Barratt from Derbyshire, surgery really was the answer. Kerry has two children but it was after the birth of her second child that she felt unhappy with her postnatal stomach.?In 2003, I gave birth to my second child. Again, I lost the weight, but this time my stomach was left looking stretched and doughy. I could fit into my size 10 clothes, but looking at myself naked was horrible! My stomach was a mess?.
After surgery you will be left with visible scars, along with a recovery period, which can last for up to six months – a long time if you have a newborn baby! Lots of clinics across the UK would advise against surgery, but The Harley Medical Group believes that a tummy tuck procedure has many benefits. A spokersperson from the group says: ?Increased overall self-confidence, increased self esteem, ability to wear more fitted clothing, a more youthful appearance, no more hiding behind big tops/t-shirts.?
But vanity comes at a price, as Dr Saif Khan from The Transform Cosmetic Surgery explains: ?Women who lack confidence due to a flabby tummy will benefit from a tuck, but there are risks involved. You’ll need a general anaesthetic and a two-night stay in hospital. Scarring is kept below the belly button and will always be visible, but will gradually fade.
?Transform recommends a three-week break from work and avoiding strenuous exercise for six weeks. A post-surgery abdominal support garment is work for two weeks afterwards and your stomach will take up to six months to settle.”
Kerry Barratt shares her story
?I?gave birth?naturally to?my first child in 1998. He weighed 8lb 14oz. I put on 4 stone during pregnancy, but lost it all afterwards quite quickly. After I lost the weight I was left with a stomach full of stretch marks, but it didn’t look too bad otherwise.
?In 2003, I gave birth to my second child. She was born naturally in a birthing pool weighing 9lb 12oz. Again I lost the weight, maybe a little more slowly but it all came off. However, this time my stomach was left looking stretched and doughy. I could fit into my size 10 clothes, but looking at myself naked was horrible! My stomach was a mess.
?I came to realise that I was stuck with my jelly belly. I wore swimming costumes on the beach, as I would have never worn a bikini looking like that!?It was only when?a relative left me some money that I knew a tummy tuck was an option. I had looked into them in the past but they were too expensive. I called Transform and made an appointment with their Nottingham clinic the following week. I spoke to the surgeon and he told me all about the procedure and the risks involved. I knew immediately that I would be having this operation! I had to go home and tell my family.
?I had the surgery in Manchester at Transforms Abbey Pines hospital in July 2007.The operation lasted around three hours. The surgeon removed the excess skin and tightened up my abdominal muscles. When I woke up I felt fine. I wasn’t in any pain whatsoever.
“The staff at Abbey Pines were wonderful!?I was in hospital for two nights then I had to wear some surgical shorts for a few weeks afterwards.
?When I saw the results I was amazed! I immediately went shopping and bought lots and lots of bikinis. A few months later I went on holiday to Tenerife and took 14 bikinis for one weeks stay!
?I would advise any person who had lost weight and was left with excess skin to have this surgery. It was the only way that I was able to get my body back. It was the best decision I have ever made. Transform were wonderful and I have absolutely no regrets. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
Any surgery bears some form of risk so it?s important to do your research before you go on the surgeon?s table. Our advise would be to research thoroughly before making a decision, be careful, sensible and confident with your choice. Finally, if the answer is ?yes? to surgery, make sure you have support from family and friends to help you car for your baby.
