Is Post Pregnancy Surgery for you?
Post Pregnancy Surgery (sometimes known as a Mummy makeover) is a combined procedure designed to correct the changes that happen to a woman’s body during pregnancy and breast feeding. It includes a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and surgery to the breasts, most likely a breast lift, or a breast lift plus breast implants.
Pregnancy can result in breast volume loss and sagging, as well as abdominal stretching accompanied by weakened muscles or a bulging appearance. A body makeover helps bring back the breast shape and size and flatten the tummy and redefine the waistline.
See Breast lift
See Abdominoplasty
FAQ
Is it safe to have multiple procedures at once?
Yes, it is generally safe to have multiple procedures, such as an abdominoplasty and breast surgery, performed at the same time, provided you are in good health and the surgery is carried out by a qualified specialist. Combining procedures is common in post pregnancy surgery, as it allows for a single recovery period and reduces the need for multiple anaesthetics. However, the overall safety depends on factors such as the extent of the surgery, your medical history, and your body’s ability to recover. Dr Sophie Ricketts will carefully assess these factors during your consultation to ensure the approach is appropriate for you.
Am I a good candidate for post pregnancy surgery?
You may be a good candidate for post pregnancy surgery if you meet the following criteria:
- You are in good general health – with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with healing or increase surgical risks.
- You have completed your family – it’s best to wait until you’re no longer planning future pregnancies, as pregnancy can reverse the effects of the surgery.
- Your weight is stable – ideally, your weight should have been stable for at least 6 months, and you should be within or near your ideal body weight.
- You are no longer breastfeeding – breast tissue changes and hormone levels should have normalised before considering breast surgery. Ideally around 6 months after stopping breast feeding.
- You have realistic expectations – the surgery is designed to address certain physical changes, such as loose skin or separated abdominal muscles, and changes in breast shape, but it is not intended as a replacement for weight loss or fitness.
- You have completed post-pregnancy recovery – typically, this means waiting at least 6–12 months after childbirth to allow your body to heal fully.
A personal consultation with a qualified surgeon like Dr Sophie Ricketts is essential to assess your suitability for surgery. During this appointment, your individual anatomy, objectives, and medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure the procedure aligns with your needs.
How long should I wait after childbirth before having surgery?
You should wait at least 6 to 12 months after childbirth before considering post pregnancy surgery. This gives your body time to heal, allows hormone levels to stabilise, and ensures that any breastfeeding has ceased so that breast tissue has settled. It’s also important that your weight is stable and you’ve had time to recover fully, particularly if you had a caesarean section. Dr Sophie Ricketts can assess your readiness during a consultation and guide you on the best timing based on your individual circumstances.
