It is normal for women’s bodies to change after pregnancy. Abdominal muscles can loosen, skin can stretch, and breasts can lose volume. Fat pockets in certain areas, particularly the abdomen, can also become hard to target by simply following a good exercise routine and diet alone.
To address these common changes, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Broadhurst can perform post-pregnancy surgery in his Brisbane and Sunshine Coast locations, combining a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with a breast surgery for your particular concerns.
Post-pregnancy surgery, also called postpartum surgery,, is not a one size fits all type of procedure. Instead, it offers a variety of options to tailor the procedure to the needs of each patient. If this sounds like a procedure you would be interested in, read on to learn more about what a plan for a body contouring procedure after pregnancy might look like for you.
Overview: What is a post-pregnancy surgery procedure?
Surgery after pregnancy is designed to correct the common changes that can occur after childbirth. The abdomen and breasts typically have the most noticeable changes, so instead of having a breast surgery and abdominoplasty separately, the postpartum surgery procedure combines these procedures into one, addressing the aesthetic concerns at the same time.
Breast procedure types
One of the components of postpartum surgery is a type of breast procedure that will focus on the particular concerns of the patient. Since everybody is different, some women may find that their breasts have lost volume, while others may find that fat pockets are present that they would like to remove. Commonly, the breasts can become lax after pregnancy, due to stretching skin and breastfeeding.
Breast augmentation mammoplasty:
A breast augmentation mammoplasty can involve breast implants, to restore the volume and shape of the breast. When it comes to implants, there are a range of options, including implant type, finish, shape, size and placement. It can be overwhelming to decide which type of implant is right for you with so many options, so your procedure plan can be discussed during your consultation with Dr Broadhurst
Implant options:
Breast implants are available in silicone (cohesive, elastic gel) or saline (sterilised saltwater contained in an outer layer of silicone) form. The choice for you will depend on the elasticity and thickness of your skin, the size you would like your breasts to be, your body type and your breast anatomy.
Historically, breast implants have been either textured or smooth in finish, with smooth-surfaced implants becoming more popular among surgeons over the years.
Implants can be textured or smooth in finish. Textured implants are designed to firmly stay in place, reducing the risk of implant migration (the change in position of the implants, sometimes requiring revision surgery to correct) while smooth implants feel softer and can be suitable for smaller breasts.
In terms of implant shape, you may have heard about the “round vs teardrop” predicament. Round implants display a balanced firmness with a full and round upper breast. As for teardrop, it’s becoming less and less common for a surgeon to actually use an implant that is this shape. Instead, we are seeing the rise of “soft gel” implants, which are also round in shape but hold a softer gel. These are designed to mimic the look, feel, and movement of natural breast tissue.
In terms of shape, round breast implants are the most common, but teardrop implants can also be suitable for some patients. Round implants are commonly preferred for postpartum surgeries, as the shape at the top of the breast can help to correct breast laxity.
Placement options can seem a little daunting, so keep in mind that Dr Broadhurst can outline what your placement type will involve when you meet for your consultation. Implants can be placed over the pectoralis muscles, underneath the breast tissue (sub-glandular), underneath both the breast tissue and pectoralis muscles (sub-muscular), or in a way that combines both over and under the pectoralis muscles (dual plane). If you want to read about implant options in more detail, head over to our breast augmentation mammoplasty page.
If you had breast implants before pregnancy and need another breast surgery to correct aesthetic changes, you may choose to have an implant revision procedure. This typically involves removing and replacing the implants.
Breast lift(mastopexy):
A breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, is designed to lift the breasts by removing excess or stretched breast skin. The surgery often involves reshaping breast tissue, as well as repositioning the nipples.
The options for a breast lift (mastopexy) include different incision types – a single incision, halfway along the top of the areola (crescent), two circular incisions around the areola (peri-areolar), a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision towards the breast crease (lollipop or vertical), or a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision towards the breast crease and a horizontal incision along the breast crease (anchor). The lollipop or vertical incision type tends to be the most popular. The crescent incision is generally more suitable for breasts with only small amounts of breast laxity, while the anchor technique, requiring the most incisions, can be suitable for breasts with a larger amount of excess skin and breast tissue.
Again, there are many options, so remember that Dr Broadhurst will assess your individual features and procedure goals to decide on a suitable incision type for you.
Breast reduction mammoplasty:
If you find that the volume of your breasts increased throughout pregnancy and haven’t seemed to return to their original size after pregnancy, you may choose to have a breast reduction mammoplasty. The surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, elevating and repositioning the breast tissue, as well as repositioning the nipple. The procedure can be performed with the lollipop or vertical incision type, or the anchor incision type, like in the mastopexy procedure.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure: Your personal options
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure removes excess skin and fat pockets, and addresses separated abdominal muscles.
Depending on your needs, you may undergo a standard abdominoplasty or a partial abdominoplasty. A standard abdominoplasty targets both above and below the belly button, while a partial abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen, below the belly button only.
The appropriate procedure type for you comes down to your aesthetic goals and the amount and distribution of fat or excess skin and tissue you have in the area. Dr Broadhurst can explain the procedure types in further detail and recommend an option that will be more likely to achieve the results that you want.
Brisbane Plastic Surgeon: Dr Broadhurst
As a highly experienced, empathetic and supportive Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Broadhurst performs post-pregnancy procedures in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re thinking about having a postpartum surgery procedure, contact us today to book a consultation in your preferred location and have an in-depth discussion about your surgical options.
