Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your health, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and while some of these changes resolve over time, others may persist despite healthy lifestyle habits. Post-pregnancy surgery involves a combination of procedures that address physical changes resulting from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What Is Post-Pregnancy Surgery?
A post-pregnancy surgery typically includes:
- An abdominoplasty
- Breast Surgery – Which include Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation (with or without a lift) or a Breast Reduction
These procedures are intended to address stretched abdominal skin, weakened or separatated rectus muscles, and changes in breast volume and shape.
Abdominal Changes After Pregnancy
Pregnancy often affects the stomach area. As the baby grows, the skin stretches and the abdominal muscles separate, a condition known as diastasis recti. After childbirth and weight stabilisation, the skin and muscles may not return to their previous state, even with targeted exercise and a healthy diet.
Abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin and repairs the muscle separation beneath. This can help to address abdominal wall weakness and laxity if present.
Breast Changes and Lift Surgery
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to changes in breast shape and size. A breast lift (mastopexy) elevates the breast tissue and nipples and removes excess skin, resulting in a rounder shape and higher position to the breast.
How is volume or size of the breasts addressed?
If your breasts have not lost significant volume after breast feeding a lift alone will address skin excess. Breast implants will address volume for an larger breast size. If your breasts have become large and are symptomatic then a reduction can address size.
Types of Scars
The type of scar will depend on the amount of lift or reduction needed. Common patterns include:
- Around the areola (periareolar)
- Around the areola with a vertical scar to the breast fold (lollipop)
- An anchor-shaped pattern including a horizontal line under the breast
Sensation and Breastfeeding Considerations
Some patients experience changes in nipple sensation, ranging from no change to increased or decreased sensitivity. While permanent changes are uncommon, they are possible.
Breastfeeding after a breast lift can still be possible. Although the surgery may affect some of the milk ducts or tissue, many individuals are able to breastfeed, with or without the need for supplementation.
Recovery and Time Off
Most patients stay in the hospital for 2 night after surgery. Light activities can usually be resumed within about 3 weeks after discharge, but full recovery may take around six weeks. During this time, you should avoid lifting anything heavy to support proper healing.
Time off work depends on your job. Those in office-based roles may return in about 3-4 weeks, while more physically active roles may require more than 4-6 weeks of leave.
Is This Surgery Appropriate for You?
Post-pregnancy surgery may be appropriate if you are experiencing ongoing physical changes after childbirth that have not improved through lifestyle measures. It is generally recommended only once your weight has stabilised and no further pregnancies are planned and you are at least 6 months after cessation of breast feeding.
A consultation will help inform you of your options specific to your anatomy, and assess whether these procedures are appropriate for you.
Dr Sophie Ricketts is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with a special interest in post-pregnancy procedures, including abdominoplasty and breast surgery.
Surgical Disclaimer
Surgical outcomes vary between individuals. A consultation is required to determine suitability, discuss risks, alternatives, and what may be achievable for your anatomy.
For further information including risks and complications of this surgery go to Dr Sophie Ricketts’ website www.drsophiericketts.com.au/procedures/
