Restoring the abdominal area and improving the appearance of the breasts, postpartum surgery can address the common aesthetic changes that can occur after pregnancy and giving birth.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Broadhurst performs individually tailored procedures in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.
Is postpartum surgery the right surgery for me?
Postpartum surgery, with a breast procedure and abdominal procedure, might be suitable for you , may be right for you if it addresses your specific aesthetic concerns and a suitable candidate for surgery.
- You have stretched skin or a change in breast size
If you are experiencing stretched skin, separated abdominal muscles, or a change of volume in the breasts, postpartum surgery can address these naturally occurring changes. The surgery uses two procedures at once, addressing aesthetic issues in both areas at the same time and reducing the recovery time of undergoing each procedure separately. - You are in good general health
Suitable candidates for the procedure should be in good physical health and have maintained a stable weight for three months. Since the procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat pockets that can be difficult or impossible to remove through diet and exercise efforts alone, and not as a weight loss procedure, candidates should be at or close to their goal weight. - It has been twelve months since you have given birth
New mums should wait for twelve months after giving birth to undergo postpartum surgery, and at least six months after breastfeeding. This is to allow the body to heal before making any aesthetic adjustments. - You have decided that you are finished having children
If you are planning on having more children in the future, you may wish to consider undergoing the surgery later on in your life. Your future pregnancies can cause the skin and muscles to change again, which can affect the initial results of your procedure and may result in the need for another procedure. - You are in a position to take time away from work or usual daily activities to recover
Before you undergo your procedure, it is important to decide if it is the right time. The initial recovery from the procedure can take about four to six weeks, after which you may then be able to return to your normal daily routine. Recovery can involve swelling, tenderness and discomfort, and can make it difficult to perform certain daily tasks. Your recovery will also involve following some important instructions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure. When you have decided to undergo postpartum surgery, you should make sure that you will be able to take some time off work and that you will have the necessary resources to recover sufficiently. - You can arrange for someone to help you at home with your usual daily tasks during recovery
Since some tasks may become more difficult to perform while you are recovering from surgery, you may wish to have someone stay with you to help. Before scheduling your surgery, you may want to make arrangements in advance, ensuring that you will have the support that you will need.
Most importantly, your suitability for postpartum surgery can depend on your health and lifestyle factors. During your initial consultation, Dr Broadhurst will discuss these personal factors with you, and determine if you are suitable for the procedure. - You understand the risks involved
No matter which surgery you wish to undergo, it’s important to have full awareness of the risks and potential complications. Every surgical procedure carries some amount of risk, and Dr Broadhurst can explain the risks of your chosen procedure in more detail at your consultation. They may include bleeding, anaesthesia complications, slow healing, unwanted scars, infection, and the need for further surgery.
Although the risks are uncommon, it’s still a good idea to do your research and make sure you’re aware and fully informed.
What does postpartum surgery involve?
To address the two commonly affected areas of the body after pregnancy and giving birth, the abdominal area and the breasts, postpartum surgery involves two separate surgeries.
- A breast procedure
A breast procedure may involve either augmentation mammoplasty (implants), reduction mammoplasty, or mastopexy (breast lift). The type of breast procedure that can be selected as part of your postpartum surgery will depend on the changes that have occurred in your breasts. If you want to restore lost volume, you may opt for augmentation mammoplasty. If you are concerned about large breasts, a reduction mammoplasty could be a suitable option. If your breasts have stretched or appear to have laxity, then you may choose mastopexy surgery. - Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck
To address excess skin and fat, and lax muscles in the abdominal area, a abdominoplasty can be performed to address these issues.
Although it is commonly performed as part of postpartum surgery for mothers, the procedure can actually be undergone by anyone who needs or desires the procedure – not just women.
If you want to learn more about the procedure in depth, and what to expect during the procedure, head over to our postpartum surgery page on our website. There, you will find out more about the consultation process, procedure steps, and recovery information.
What are the benefits of postpartum surgery?
The postpartum surgery was designed to address the common bodily changes that occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding within the one procedure, reducing recovery time and achieving multiple aesthetic goals at once.
The steps of postpartum surgery are tailored to the unique needs of every individual. This means that the benefits will depend on each patient’s goals for undergoing the procedure.
Brisbane Plastic Surgeon: Dr Andrew Broadhurst
Performing plastic surgery procedures in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Broadhurst applies his over 18 years of experience to provide a supportive, patient-centred surgical journey.
With in-depth, welcoming and empathetic consultations, Dr Broadhurst is passionate about planning personalised procedures and supportive recoveries.
Our team is here to support you along your journey, answering any questions you may have about our services. Contact us today to learn more about the procedures that we offer.
