Postpartum Surgery (Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty or Lift Mastopexy)

Additionally, milk production causes the breasts to gain and lose volume, stretch, and change shape. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, women may seek surgery to target their cosmetic concerns about changes in their bodies.

Post-partum surgery generally involves abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty or lift mastopexy. This combines abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast procedures to help women address concerns in their desired areas. Generally, the surgery is only advised for mothers who have finished having children and waited at least 12 months after ceasing nursing. Dr Jeremy Richardson will consider your goals to develop a treatment plan that suits you.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Before postpartum surgery (abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty or lift mastopexy), you will need to consult with Dr Richardson to outline the suitable treatment plan for your body. During this meeting, we will discuss your medical history and current health. In general, suitable candidates for the procedure are typically non-smokers, as smoking can increase healing risks. They should also be in good overall health and have not been pregnant or nursing for at least 12 months.

Dr Richardson will examine your body to assess the exact areas of excess fat and skin to be removed. We can then plan the surgery to produce results tailored to your particular needs. Be sure to ask any questions about the surgery so that you are fully informed and can make a decision.

The Procedure

This procedure will be performed with general anaesthesia, which means patients are asleep for the entire duration of surgery. It can take anywhere from two to six hours. Postpartum surgery usually involves both abdominoplasty surgery and breast surgery, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. The procedures included are the following:

Breast procedures:

• Breast lift (mastopexy) – A breast lift mastopexy can be an option for women who want to reduce the appearance of laxity, which is when the stretched skin causes the breasts to sit low on the chest. The procedure involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue to raise the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. Additionally, the nipples and areolae can be repositioned or resized.
• Augmentation mammoplasty (implants) – Breast implant procedures are performed to increase the size and shape of the breast. Patients can choose the size of their implants and whether they want a round or teardrop shape. Dr Richardson will help you decide which type of implants will suit your body and desired outcomes.
• Breast reduction mammoplasty – Breast reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of large breasts, which can contribute to physical discomforts such as back pain, shoulder pain, and issues during physical activity. Women with large breasts might also experience skin irritation and chafing under the breast fold. The surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, which aims to alleviate these discomforts by reducing the weight and volume of the breasts

Abdominoplasty Procedure:

Abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat around the mid- to lower torso. Dr Richardson makes incisions across the lower abdomen at the bikini line. He then tightens the muscles and removes excess fat and skin.

Cost of postpartum surgery

Given that every patient has different needs, fees can vary widely. The cost of postpartum surgery will depend on the exact procedures and techniques and the extent of the surgery. The overall fee also includes the anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and other aftercare costs, such as medication. Patients who are having breast implant (augmentation mammoplasty) surgery will have the implantsincluded in their surgical fee.

Since most postpartum surgeries are performed for aesthetic reasons, patients will have to pay the total fee. We can address further questions about fees during a private meeting

Aftercare

After postpartum (abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty or lift mastopexy) surgery, you will have some pain and swelling. However, we will monitor your condition and help you manage any discomfort with pain relief. Patients will have bandages on their incision sites and may have drainage tubes under the skin to clear any excess fluid. You can expect to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.

Recovery times are different for everyone, depending on the patient’s health and the extent of their postpartum surgery. You should follow the advice given by Dr Richardson to help your body recover and avoid healing issues, such as wearing support garments and staying hydrated. Other home-care advice may include sleeping on your back, reducing movement, and refraining from smoking and alcohol. Additionally, you will need to have someone help you with cooking, driving, caring for children, and other daily tasks. As your body heals, you can resume your daily tasks. Patients typically can:

• Return to light duties after one week
• Return to work after at least two to three weeks
• Begin light exercise after about three weeks, being careful not to strain your body
• Resume your normal tasks and exercise routines after six to eight weeks
• Achieve a full recovery in about six months

Risks and Complications

There are always risks that come along with any surgery. If you are thinking about having a postpartum procedure, you will have to weigh the risks and benefits. Before the procedure, we will review the risks to ensure you are aware. These can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fluid-build up
• Anaesthesia reactions
• Slow or poor healing
• Ongoing pain
• Loss of sensation
• Inability to breastfeed
• Further surgery

If the surgery involves the insertion of implants, additional risks can include:

• Capsular hardening
• Implant leak
• Poor implant position
• Implant rupture