Pregnancy and breastfeeding can result in changes in a woman’s body. The weight fluctuations during pregnancy can cause loose skin, stretch marks, and increased fat in the abdomen. It can also stretch the muscle layer which often does not return to normal afterwards, contributing to back pain and other problems. Breastfeeding can also result in enlarged nipples, loose skin, and the loss of breast volume.
Dr Cope will walk you through the options available for combined breast and abdominal surgery (postpartum surgery) to target your concerns after pregnancy. He will also tailor a combination of surgeries to suit your specific needs
Some of these might include:
- Breast lift (mastopexy) with liposculpture (liposuction)
- Breast lift (mastopexy) with abdominoplasty
- Breast augmentation mammoplasty with abdominoplasty
- Breast augmentation mammoplasty with liposculpture (liposuction)
- Abdominoplasty with liposculpture (liposuction)
If you are having Liposculpture (liposuction) and have some loose skin on your buttocks, then the fat can be injected back into your buttocks. This procedure is known as Buttock Lift using Fat Transfer.
Whatever your concerns, here in Sydney Dr Cope will work with you to create a plan suited to your needs and desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your body type and goals may be different from other patients. Therefore, the total costs associated with the procedure may also vary. This will depend on the following factors:
- Cost of breast implants
- Cost of compression garments
- Cost of medical tests
- Length of stay in the hospital
- Operating time
- The complexity of your procedure
- The number of procedures needed to achieve your desired results
- The type of your procedure
- Your anaesthetist’s fee
- Your surgeon’s fee
Most insurance companies will not cover the costs of this surgery since it is a cosmetic procedure. This means that it is performed to improve the appearance of a certain body part.
During your consultation, we will give you a detailed and personalised breakdown of the total costs of your postpartum surgery.
During your postpartum surgery consultation, we will assess your general health to determine if you are a good candidate. In general, we recommend the procedure for women with:
- Stable weight
- Realistic expectations and a positive outlook
- Body changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Good physical and mental health
Postpartum surgery can also be appropriate for women who are not planning to have any further children in the future. If you get pregnant again after your surgery, it can affect the results of the procedure.
The procedure can address changes in different body parts such as:
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Buttocks
- Genitalia
- Waist
The recovery time will depend on the type and number of procedures you had. In general, you should wait at least 10 days (four to six weeks for abdominoplasty) before resuming your normal activities, and possibly longer than this for resuming more physically exertive activities*.
Scarring is an expected outcome of any surgery. However, scars will lighten over time, although this can take many months or even years*. Our Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Cope endeavours to hide the incisions in areas covered by clothing, but scars may still be visible.
We recommend that you should wait at least three to six months, but ideally one year after breastfeeding. This gives the breasts and abdomen enough time to finish changing.
To reduce the risks and complications associated with combined breast and abdominal surgery, we recommend that you should adhere to the following instructions:
- Arrange for someone who will help you with your house chores and daily activities.
- Avoid taking supplements or medications that can increase your risk of bleeding or bruising.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Inform your surgeon of any medication you are taking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Stop smoking at least six weeks before your procedure.
- Try to achieve a stable weight.
To aid your recovery after your surgery, you should:
- Apply ice packs on the operated site.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Perform regular wound care.
- Wear a support bra or compression garments regularly.
- Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous exercises.
- Consult with your surgeon immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
In some cases, it is combined with other surgical procedures to achieve more closely the patient’s desired results. During your consultation, Dr Cope will recommend which procedures may suit your body type and goals
*Note results vary from person to person