A nip and a tuck – cosmetic surgery 101

Has breastfeeding left you feeling somewhat deflated? Are you secretly googling best botox in Dubai? And does your tummy look like a half-baked cinnabun? Cosmetic surgery isn’t something that is honestly talked about, or accepted for that matter, so we wanted to start some chatter. But before we go any further we just want to make it very clear that Sassy Mama by no means encourages cosmetic surgery or endorses any specific clinic or doctor. What we want for the world is a multitude of merry mamas who feel comfortable in their own skin. But for those of you that are considering a procedure or are just curious about the whole thing we hope you will find this useful.

We went looking for a knowledgeable un-biased source to help our mamas make informed decisions and decided to hit up Victoria Bojsen (a mama in the making too!) from Novasans for some answers. Novasans is a company that specializes in arranging medical tourism around the world. The majority of their patients do not come to them for cosmetic surgery but for other medical requests such as dental procedures, varicose vein treatment and hip operations. Phew, so many loops, hoops and apologies-in-advance you need to get through before you can get down to talking nip and tuck, but here we go…

What should I think about before having plastic surgery?

Do your research! Don’t rely on other people’s opinions when it comes to your body! Depending on what you’re looking for, you should spend a lot of time educating yourself about the procedure, different methods and which one you think would suit you the best. Having plastic surgery can be a life-altering decision and you need to carefully consider the pros and cons of the procedure. Sometimes, it can be difficult to get the results you were looking for so keep your expectations within reason. You should also compare prices, alternative options in terms of procedures; healthcare providers and even countries where you would like to have the procedure.

What is the best way to get a good result?

Again, the most important thing is that your expectations are realistic based on your body and your body’s ability to heal. Having plastic surgery done, or any surgery for that matter, is associated with risks and if you accept that the outcome may differ from your expectations, you will have a higher chance of being happy with your result. This being said, most plastic surgery patients are generally happy with the outcome of their surgery.

Will my insurance cover it?

Probably not. In most cases, plastic surgery is viewed as an elective procedure and as such is not covered by insurance.

Which procedures are most popular amongst mamas?

After having had babies, some women struggle adjusting to their new post-baby bodies. The areas that are most affected are breasts, tummy, thighs and buttocks. Because of this, the most common plastic surgery procedures amongst mothers are breast lifts/augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction and buttock lifts. Non-invasive laser treatments for stretch marks are also very common. Many plastic surgeons today even offer special “mommy-makeover” packages that include breast surgery, tummy tuck and liposuction!

I’m thinking about a breast augmentation. How will that affect a future pregnancy?

A breast augmentation will not in any way affect your future ability to get pregnant. However, in rare cases, it might affect your ability to breastfeed after birth. When discussing the procedure with your surgeon, you should mention that you would like to be able to breastfeed in the future and then your surgeon will place the implant in a position that does not affect your ability to breastfeed.

“Go large or go home”- how do I choose the size of my new boobs?

The size, as well as the implant shape and material, should be carefully considered by yourself and ultimately decided alongside discussions with and recommendations by your plastic surgeon. All bodies are different, and it’s important to choose a size that you feel comfortable with and that suits your body.

What exactly is a tummy tuck and how is it different from a liposuction?

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen (tummy) firmer. This procedure removes both excess fat and skin from your tummy area. A liposuction only removes excessive fat. Your plastic surgeon will give you recommendations on whether you need a tummy tuck to flatten out the shape of your tummy, or if the same results can be obtained solely through liposuction.

My stomach has lost some of its former glory. I’ve tried everything but it doesn’t get better. Will a tummy tuck help?

A tummy tuck will definitely help you tone, smooth and firm your abdomen. During your consultation and evaluation, your plastic surgeon will demonstrate the results that you can expect from the procedure based on your tummy’s current features.

How long do liposuction results last?

The results from a liposuction last forever. However, a liposuction should not be viewed as a weight-loss method. If you want to tone your body and lose weight, you should change your eating habits and make sure to lead a healthy lifestyle. Through exercise and healthy eating, you make sure that the same fat deposits aren’t being built up in your body again over time.

I can’t afford to get a nip and a tuck here in Dubai but feel uncomfortable about going to another country. Will the healthcare be as good as here if I go abroad?

Yes it will be. And if not better, it’s at least just as good. Asia is famous worldwide for it’s large number of excellent plastic surgery providers and patients flock to destinations such as South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia for plastic surgery. Personally, I would highly recommend Thailand for plastic surgery. They offer some of the best, internationally known plastic surgery hospitals, with an extremely high service level and a price point that is hard to find elsewhere.

Are there specific countries that are better at certain procedures?

South Korea is famous for nose implants and double eyelid surgery, while Thailand is renowned worldwide for sex change surgery and breast augmentations, along with laser treatments and cosmetic dentistry. Although some countries might be specialized in certain procedures, the most important thing to consider is what the particular surgeon is specialized and most experienced in.

How will I know that my surgeon is qualified enough?

Research, research, research! Make sure that the surgeon is associated with a major international hospital and clinic, and before deciding, ask the surgeon for his CV as well as how many surgeries he has performed within each area. Also, try to find recommendations online through independent advisers that can assist you with finding a plastic surgeon to best suits your needs and desires.

What happens if something goes wrong?

When considering a plastic surgery procedure, one must always consider that the outcome of the procedure might not be what you expected. This is particularly important, as most plastic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance. However, many hospitals/clinics and surgeons today offer free corrective surgery. This is something that you need to discuss with the surgeon beforehand so that you know what you can expect should something go wrong.

How soon after an operation can I get back to being an active mama (picking up kids etc)?

This depends on what kind of plastic surgery procedure you are getting, and how effective and fast your body recuperates after surgery. For most procedures, you will be back on your feet after a few days, however you should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, and sometimes a few months. During your consultation your plastic surgeon will explain your recovery steps and what you can do to help get into shape after your surgery.

Would you recommend turning a trip for a little nip and tuck into a family holiday?

Actually I would! One of the main reasons for that is that it’s important to be surrounded by family during the recuperation period and having someone to look after you post surgery. But since you will most likely have a dressing up to 10 days after your surgery, you need to keep in mind that you might not be able to join the family for pool outings or beach time!

Does that sound like plastic fantastic to you mama or does it just make you want to nip (and tuck) away? Up to you mamas!

Victoria Bojsen is the Managing Director at Novasans. Novasans is a portal offering information and advice on medical procedures and healthcare abroad. As an unbiased guide they aim to provide patients with the information they need about international health and wellness providers. Novasans helps their clients make informed, safe and affordable choices. Before starting Novasans, Victoria worked as a client relationship manager at various hospitals in Bangkok helping patients prepare for their procedures.