MED0001176356 This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+.

Changes to AHPRA regulations from 1st July 2023. Call 07 3252 8884 for more information. All surgery contains risks, read more here

Post Pregnancy Surgery – Combination Breast Augmentation Mastopexy with Abdominoplasty Brisbane

Pregnancy can lead to significant changes in a woman’s body, including changes in breast volume due to milk production, which can cause the skin to stretch. Often, a woman’s body may not return to its pre-pregnancy state naturally, prompting some to seek surgical options. In Brisbane, a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Andrew Broadhurst, offers combined procedures such as abdominoplasty and breast surgery (post-pregnancy surgery) to address these concerns.

Breast surgery options include breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty), and breast implant revision. Performing these procedures together during a single operation addresses multiple issues simultaneously. Dr Broadhurst recommends waiting at least six months after the birth of your last child before considering plastic surgery. Additionally, it is important to have finished breastfeeding for at least six months prior to surgery.

What are the outcomes?

After pregnancy, women may notice changes in their bodies. While these changes are a natural part of childbearing, some women opt for surgery to address cosmetic concerns and correct muscle separation. A common procedure to address these issues is post-pregnancy surgery, which combines breast augmentation mastopexy with abdominoplasty.

The outcomes of this surgery include:

  • Reduced excess skin and fat on the lower torso
  • Repaired abdominal muscles
  • Correction of structural issues in the abdomen
  • Adjusted breast volume, either reducing or increasing it

Each patient will experience slightly different outcomes based on their unique body and surgical goals. It is important to note that body contouring surgery is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. This surgery is suitable for women who want to address excess skin and fat tissue that cannot be eliminated by natural means. Suitable candidates are non-smokers who have maintained a stable weight for at least three months and do not plan to have more children.

Post Pregnancy Surgery with Dr Broadhurst

“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients. From your first consultation, I will work one-on-one with you to tailor a treatment plan to suit your body.”

Meet Dr Broadhurst

Consultation

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, you will discuss your surgical goals. Dr Broadhurst will enquire about your medical history and evaluate your body to determine the specific areas of skin and fat that need to be addressed. You will have the opportunity to express any concerns you may have about your body and discuss the outcomes of breast and abdominal procedures.

It’s important to inform us about any previous health issues, current medications, and past surgeries. This information will enable us to tailor a treatment plan to meet your requirements. We will also provide you with an overview of what to expect post-surgery and during the recovery period.

Your Second Consultation

Your second consultation will be face-to-face at one of our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, or Bundaberg locations. During this appointment, we will discuss the surgery in detail to ensure you are fully informed and confirm any final details. We will outline what needs to be done before and after the surgery so that you know what to expect.

Dr Broadhurst will answer any questions you may have. He will provide you with all the essential details about the surgery.

Procedure

What to expect during the procedure?

Post-pregnancy surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic in a hospital. The surgery will take between three and five hours, depending on which breast surgery option you choose. The most common breast surgery options are breast reduction and breast augmentation. Women who have had a caesarean birth may also choose to undergo a scar revision.

Breast Treatments

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

This removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue while raising the nipples and breasts. It tightens the breast skin to reduce laxity.

Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty

This surgical procedure increases the size of the breasts using implants. Dr Andrew Broadhurst will recommend breast implant style and size depending on your body shape.

Breast Reduction

This reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess fat and tissue. It can also reduce back and shoulder pain caused by increased breast weight.

Breast Implant Revision

The surgery replaces old breast implants with new ones. Although patients need this for health reasons, some may choose to replace their implants due to wanting a different shape or size.

Body Treatments

Abdominoplasty

This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. It also tightens the abdominal muscles to address separated muscles after pregnancy.

Body contouring after pregnancy is different for every patient. As a result, the exact surgical methods will depend on your needs and goals.

How Much Does Post-Pregnancy Surgery Cost in Brisbane?

The cost of post-pregnancy body surgery can vary depending on the specifics of the procedure. We take a number of factors into account when calculating costs. This includes hospital and surgeon fees, and anaesthetist fees. Patients who are having breast augmentation or implant replacement will also need to pay for their implants. Since every patient has different needs, the costs can vary widely.

Most patients have post-pregnancy surgery for aesthetic reasons. In such cases, they will not be able to receive a Medicare rebate. However, if surgery is needed due to mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts), tuberous breasts, or breast deformities and if the patient meets the specific criteria, Medicare may cover part of the cost. This will depend on your personal circumstances. We can answer any questions you may have about costs during your initial appointment.

Recovery

Post Pregnancy Surgery Recovery

After the procedure, the surgeon will bandage the incisions and place tubes under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. Depending on their progress, patients may stay in the hospital for one or two days. After their hospital stay, patients should arrange for someone to take them home.

Surgery after pregnancy requires incisions in multiple areas. This means it is vital to take proper care of your body afterwards. The surgeon will give you tailored instructions on how to care for your incisions during recovery to prevent infection. It is important to follow these instructions, as this will help you through your recovery. The recovery time after post-pregnancy surgery is around four to six weeks. During this time, you may find it difficult to use your abdominal muscles, even for simple tasks. We advise getting someone to help manage lifting and other tasks around the home, as well as caring for small children. It is a good idea to prepare your bed with extra pillows to make sure your body gets adequate support.

We can prescribe pain medication to help you manage any swelling and discomfort. You should avoid putting strain on your body, particularly in the first couple of weeks after post-pregnancy surgery. Swelling and tenderness should settle after about two weeks. You will then be able to get back to work, provided your job does not involve strenuous movements. After six weeks, you should be able to return to all of your previous physical activities and resume your normal routines.

Procedure Risks & Complications

You should ensure you are knowledgeable about the risks involved before seeking post- pregnancy surgery. Mild side effects are a common consequence of surgery and should be expected. For example, you may have some pain, swelling, and bruising around your incision areas. Your stomach and breasts may appear larger due to swelling but this should only be temporary.

More severe side effects are less common but can sometimes occur. These rare complications can include:

Abdominoplasty

  • Bleeding and infection
  • Haematoma
  • Seroma
  • Necrosis
  • Slow healing
  • Wound breakdown
  • Persistent pain and discomfort
  • Muscle soreness
  • DVT/PE (blood clots)
  • Reactions to anaesthetic
  • Numbness in the area
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Heart or lung problems
  • Persisting stretch marks
  • Prominent scars
  • Changes in skin sensation
  • Skin irregularities
  • Malposition of the umbilicus (belly button)
  • Fat necrosis
  • Suture irritation/reaction
  • Pubic hair may be elevated higher than before surgery
  • Increases risk in some groups (e.g. diabetic or those with chronic disease)
  • Swelling/bruising
  • Death

Breast Surgery

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Seroma
  • Poor wound healing
  • Suture reaction
  • DVT/PE (blood clots)
  • Unfavourable scarring
  • Reactions to anaesthesia
  • Implant rupture
  • Capsular contracture
  • Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
  • Asymmetry in areola size
  • Nipple/areola necrosis
  • Asymmetry in nipple position
  • Skin/fat necrosis
  • Altered nipple sensation
  • Altered nipple shape (teardrop/projection)
  • Altered breastfeeding ability
  • Axillary tail fullness
  • Asymmetrical, poor, or prominent scarring
  • Breast cancer
  • Reduced skin sensation
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Persistent pain
  • Unwanted result
  • Death
  • Further surgery to correct complications

To avoid complications, patients are advised not to plan for future pregnancies. Subsequent pregnancies after post-pregnancy surgery can stretch the skin and potentially affect the results or cause complications. Additionally, refraining from smoking and maintaining a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to the surgery can support proper healing. Adhering to aftercare instructions post-surgery is also crucial in aiding the healing process and preventing any issues from arising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the suitable candidates for post-pregnancy surgery?

Patients choose to undergo body contouring after pregnancy to address changes in their bodies. Suitable candidates are generally women who are physically healthy and have maintained a stable weight for at least three months. It is important to note that postpartum surgery is not a weight loss procedure; it is designed to reduce excess skin and fat that naturally occurs after pregnancy.

Suitable candidates should have completed their family planning before undergoing this surgery. Further pregnancies can stretch the skin around the abdomen and breasts, potentially affecting the results and leading to the need for additional skin tightening surgeries, which increases costs and risks over time. Revision surgeries also come with a higher risk of complications.

How soon after childbirth can I have post-pregnancy surgery?

Patients should generally wait at least six months after childbirth to undergo this procedure. If the birth involved a caesarean section or other surgeries, a longer waiting period may be necessary to allow the body to heal fully. Additionally, it is advisable to wait at least three months after finishing breastfeeding before considering the surgery.

Is post-pregnancy surgery just for mothers?

No. It can also be suitable for patients seeking to address changes in the breast and abdomen areas after extensive weight loss.

Which procedures are included in post-pregnancy surgery?

Post-pregnancy surgery typically involves more than one procedure. It usually includes an abdominoplasty and a breast procedure. Breast surgery options include mastopexy (lift), augmentation, reduction mammoplasty, or revision. During your initial appointment, we will discuss which procedures are suitable for your specific needs.

How long is the hospital stay?

Most patients will need to stay in the hospital overnight. Depending on how well your body responds to the surgery, you may be able to go home after one or two days.

What results can I expect?

Depending on the specific procedures performed, some results may be visible immediately. However, it will take several weeks for swelling and bruising to subside, allowing you to see the full results of post-pregnancy surgery. Additionally, scars can take longer to lighten. Scars undergo a maturation process which can take up to a year. After that, their appearance and texture changes, making them less noticeable.