What is Postpartum Surgery?
Postpartum surgery combines several cosmetic procedures for women post-pregnancy. During and after pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes, which some women may seek to change with cosmetic surgery. For example, some women may be concerned about breast descent or ptosis, enlarged areolas, and stretched abdominal skin and muscles.
Therefore, postpartum surgery usually consistes of abdominoplasty, breast augmentation mammoplasty, mastopexy (breast lift), or breast reduction mammoplasty, depending on the severity of a patient’s concerns. Liposuction and labiaplasty can also be combined with a postpartum surgery if patients wish to target other problems such as excess fat and vaginal changes.
What can be achieved with Postpartum Surgery?
The following can be achieved with a postpartum surgery:
- Alter body contours around the abdomen and breasts
- Remove excess fat and loose, stretched skin
- Repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which can happen because of pregnancy
- Restore breast volume lost through breastfeeding or pregnancy
- Combine multiple procedures to meet the patient’s needs
The results of each procedure will vary based on the individual needs and desires of the patient, and their postpartum surgery plan.
Am I a suitable candidate?
To be eligible for postpartum surgery, we recommend that patients meet the following criteria:
- You do not plan to have any more children
- You have areas of your body with stretched excess skin
- You have fat deposits that have not decreased despite weight loss or exercise
- You have reached a stable weight and maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise
- You have realistic, attainable goals for the postpartum surgery procedure
Am I a suitable candidate?
Many women who have been through dramatic changes in weight and body shape are suitable candidates for a mummy makeover procedure. Ideal candidates generally meet most or all of the following criteria:
- You have ceased breast feeding for six months or more
- You do not plan to have any more children
- You have areas of your body with stretched excess skin
- You have stubborn fat deposits that have not decreased despite weight loss or exercise
- You have reached a stable weight and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
- You have realistic, attainable goals for the revitalisation of your appearance
Consultation with Dr Matt Starr
An initial consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr is required before proceeding with any surgery. It is a vital process where you will have the opportunity to discuss your reasons for wanting postpartum surgery, your expectations, and what you hope to achieve with such a procedure. You will need to disclose your medical history, current health and lifestyle routines, any future pregnancy plans, and any medications or previous surgeries you may have undergone. If you are still breastfeeding, please ensure you disclose this information. Photos may need to be taken of your breasts and body, which will be kept strictly confidential amongst your medical team. All information you provide will be vital in helping Dr Starr determine a procedure plan for your postpartum surgery that combats your concerns, and is aligned with your desired outcomes, lifestyle, and health.
The procedure
A postpartum procedure will require a general anaesthetic and may take up to six hours to complete. Depending on the extent of the surgery, patients may be required to stay in the hospital overnight. The particulars of the procedure will vary for every individual based on what kinds of surgeries they have chosen for their postpartum surgery, but below is generally what patients can expect from the variety of procedures offered for postpartum surgery.
Abdominoplasty
Before any incisions are made, liposuction may be conducted to remove fat deposits around the abdomen. Once complete, Dr Starr will perform either a full or mini abdominoplasty to remove excess skin. A mini abdominoplasty involves making a small incision above the pubic hairline, where the skin is pulled downwards, and the excess is trimmed. A full abdominoplasty requires an incision from hip to hip above the pubic hairline and an additional incision around the belly button. Abdominoplasty aims to remove excess skin and fat whilst strengthening weak or separated abdominal muscles.
Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
A variety of decisions will be made during a consultation with Dr Starr on what shape, size, and feel patients would like their breast implants to have. Different incision techniques can be used based on your health and lifestyle, but generally, incisions are made, and a pocket is created for implant insertion. Once the implants have been inserted, and Dr Starr is happy with their placement, sutures will be used to close the incisions. Drain tubes may also be inserted to collect any excess fluid or blood and will be removed several days after the procedure.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift or mastopexy surgery can also be combined with a breast augmentation mammoplasty for postpartum surgery. Many women experience breast ptosis and cosmetic concerns about their nipples or areolas after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Various mastopexy techniques can be performed, depending on the extent of the adjustment required, whether the nipple and areola need to be moved, and the size and shape of your new breasts.
Breast Reduction Mammoplasty
A breast reduction mammoplasty may be required if patients have excess fat, breast tissue, and skin which can cause discomfort and contribute to concerns about appearance. Multiple incision techniques can be used based on the amount of excess fat, skin, and breast tissue that may need removing and corrections.
Recovery & aftercare
You may need to spend several nights in the hospital until your recovery is stable. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, which should subside within two weeks. You will be fitted with compression garments to help reduce swelling and minimise discomfort. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage the pain for the first week post-surgery. General aftercare instructions can include:
- Take sufficient time off work – at least two weeks
- Avoid any exercise for three weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks
- Do not drive for one to two weeks until you are off the pain medication
- Take all prescribed medications and creams
- Wear your compression garments for at least six weeks
- Sleep on your back for the first couple of weeks and keep your head elevated
- Maintain hydration and a healthy diet to help optimise your healing
- Attend all post-operative appointments
To support your body’s natural healing, patients must follow their aftercare plan. Taking medications, wearing compression garments, and using creams can help scar maturation.
Risks of Postpartum Surgery
General risks and complications can include asymmetry, poor results, large scars, bleeding, infection, seroma, and anaesthesia complications. Other risks may be associated, depending on your chosen procedure. Please visit the individual procedure pages for more detailed information on the risks and complications.
