Mummy makeover in Ireland

When to think about it

Only once you've finished having children, your weight has been stable for some months, and you've stopped breastfeeding. Start with your tummy muscles: The HSE says the gap between the tummy muscles is normal in pregnancy, can take up to six weeks after the birth to reduce and sometimes longer, and advises asking your GP for a physiotherapy referral if you're worried about it after eight weeks.

One operation or two

Combining saves one anaesthetic and one recovery, but makes the operation longer, which adds risk. Some surgeons prefer to do the two parts separately. Ask why your surgeon recommends one or the other.

Recovery with children at home

Expect about four to six weeks off work and exercise, and several weeks before you can drive. You can't lift a toddler, a car seat or a laundry basket for weeks. Plan the childcare before you book the date.

Not for you if

A tummy tuck isn't for you yet if:

• you're still breastfeeding
• your weight is still going down or up
• you plan more pregnancies: a pregnancy can undo the result
• you smoke and won't stop well before surgery (some surgeons won't operate on smokers at all)
• the problem is fat with firm skin, when liposuction may be enough

Risks

The common and the less common:

• the risks of the breast surgery as well, which your surgeon should explain separately
• a long scar across the lower tummy (and around the belly button after a full tummy tuck), red at first and fading over 12 to 18 months
• numbness of the lower tummy skin for months, sometimes years
• a pocket of fluid above the scar (a seroma), which may need draining
• a collection of blood under the skin (a haematoma)
• wounds that are slow to heal, more likely if you smoke
• thick or obvious scars, or 'dog ears' of extra skin at the ends of the scar
• a blood clot in a leg vein, which can travel to the lungs
• infection, or a reaction to the anaesthetic

Your surgeon should tell you how likely each one is for you, and what they'd do about it.

Cost

From about €17,500 for a tummy tuck with a breast lift or reduction. A tummy tuck on its own is €8,000 to €12,000.

Every doctor practising in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council, and only a doctor with specialist registration can practise independently as a specialist. For a tummy tuck, check that the surgeon is on the Specialist Division in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, using the Medical Council's online register.

Questions people ask

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