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

Additionally, milk production leads 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 due to pregnancy.

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 take your goals into account to develop a treatment plan that best suits you.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Prior to postpartum (abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty or lift mastopexy) surgery, you will need to consult with Dr Richardson to outline the best treatment plan for your body. During this meeting, you will need to discuss your health, including medical history and current health. These details will help us determine whether you are a suitable patient for surgery. Ideal patients are typically non-smokers, as smoking can increase healing risks. They are also in good overall health and have not been pregnant or nursing for at least 12 months. If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate, this meeting will help clarify your options.

Dr Richardson will examine your body in order to assess the exact areas of excess fat and skin to be removed. We will then be able to plan your 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 confident decision about your body.

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 types of procedures available include:

Breast procedures:

• Breast lift (mastopexy) – A breast lift mastopexy can be an ideal option for women who wish to reduce the appearance of laxity, which is when the stretched skin causes the breasts to sit low on the chest. The procedure removes the excess skin to create a more desired shape for the patient.
• Augmentation mammoplasty (implants) – Breast implant procedures are performed to enhance 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 best suit your body and desired outcomes.
• Breast reduction mammoplasty – A reduction can be ideal for women with overly large breasts that are causing day to day discomfort. Women with very large breasts may have back pain, shoulder pain, and discomfort when exercising. In some cases, they may also have skin irritation and chafing. Breast reduction mammoplasty removes the excess tissue in order to relieve these issues.

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure:

Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in order to remove the excess skin and fat around the mid to lower torso. Dr Richardson will make incisions across the lower abdomen, at the bikini line. He will then tighten the muscles, as well as remove excess fat and loose skin.

Cost of postpartum surgery

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

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

Aftercare

After your 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 your 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 will be able to 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 in order to decide if it is right for you. Before your procedure, we will go over 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 your surgery involves the insertion of implants, additional risks can include:

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