Everything you need to know about postpartum surgery in Brisbane, Australia.

There’s no denying it – pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and raising children take a huge toll on the physical and emotional relationship we have with our bodies. The changes that occur during this time can be significant. Hormonal changes can affect breast size and shape, and of course the changes to our stomach and abdominal muscles are an inevitable part of the journey. Often when a woman is finished breast feeding, the breasts can reduce in size and result in the appearance of laxity. Abdominal muscles can separate, and loose skin or excess fat in the abdomen from pregnancy may not see improvements – even with exercise and a good diet.

While physical appearance is truly the least of our concerns during such a beautiful and important stage of life, at some point many women become conscious of changes in their body and seek options to feel and look their best. Postpartum procedures have become increasingly popular in the past decade. While restoring a healthy relationship with your body goes far beyond appearance, a woman’s attitude toward her physical appearance plays a role in this complex relationship. The choice to undergo cosmetic surgery is unique to each individual and means something totally different to everyone.

Postpartum Surgery Brisbane, Australia

In this special blog,  Dr. Phil Richardson—Brisbane Plastic Surgeon—provides us with some valuable insights into what postpartum surgery is, who is suitable, and what is involved in surgery and recovery. Dr. Richardson is knowledgeable in postpartum surgery in Brisbane, with over 19 years experience. For those who are thinking of postpartum surgery, keep reading to find out all about this versatile procedure!

What is Postpartum Surgery?

Postpartum surgery refers to any cosmetic surgical procedure that involves both the breasts and stomach. Postpartum surgeries can include the following:

• Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty & Abdominoplasty, Breast Reduction Mammoplasty & Abdominoplasty, Breast Lift Mastopexy & Augmentation Mammoplasty with Abdominoplasty

Most postpartum surgery procedures only require one surgery. In some cases however, two separate stages may be appropriate. The term “postpartum surgery” is simply a catchy tag for combined breast and abdominal procedures. Any woman from any walk of life can be a suitable candidate for this type of surgery. Women who have experienced significant weight loss often undergo surgery to restore breast volume and remove excess skin. Even the natural effects of ageing can impact both the breasts and tummy and can be rectified through a postpartum surgery procedure (regardless of whether the patient has children).

Who is a suitable candidate for postpartum surgery in Brisbane, Australia?

Postpartum surgery procedures are often suitable for patients who are…

• Wanting to improve the appearance of breasts and stomach
• At a healthy BMI and do not have plans to gain or lose any significant amount of weight
• No longer breastfeeding or producing milk
• Preferably finished having children
• Aware of realistic expectations

This is not an exhaustive list of criteria to determine who is a suitable candidate. This list does however provide a good guideline for most patients considering surgery. Patients should reach a healthy BMI for surgery for safety reasons. Moreover, patients should ensure they are at a stable weight as fluctuations may significantly impact results. Patients who gain and lose weight may see sagging and other aesthetic issues related to weight fluctuations after surgery.

Patients should wait until they are no longer breast feeding to have a consultation. They should then wait an additional 3 months before having surgery. This approach is to ensure hormones have regulated and breasts are less likely to change post-operatively. Patients undergoing postpartum surgery should wait until they have completed their family before surgery. This is because patients will likely desire a revision if they have more children down the track. Ultimately, consultation with a plastic surgeon is the only way to know whether you are a suitable candidate.

What does postpartum surgery involve?

The specifics of postpartum surgery will depend on the exact breast procedure being performed. The vast majority of these surgeries are day procedures where patients are able to go home the afternoon of their surgery. For example, abdominoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty are almost always performed as a day procedure. Overnight stays are more common in medical procedures such as breast reduction mammoplasty, however this is at the discretion of the surgeon.

During the procedure, a fully-qualified anaesthetist will place the patient under a general anaesthetic. Ensure you do your research and find out how long your surgeon has been working alongside this anaesthetist. This information will play a huge role in your safety throughout the operation. The operation generally takes between 2 – 3 hours in total, and involves a full team including your plastic surgeon, their assistants, the scrub nurses, and the anaesthetic team. These healthcare professionals are there to ensure your safety throughout the operation and provide you with the care you need.

The Surgery

During the operation, your plastic surgeon in Brisbane will make a few key incisions. If you are having a standard breast augmentation mammoplasty, an incision will be made in the fold of each breast and a pocket is created in the breast for the implant. For breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction mammoplasty, the incisions are a little different. The most common incision is the anchor incision, which (as the name suggests) takes on the appearance of an anchor. The incision is made around the whole nipple, meeting at the bottom of the nipple and running vertically down the centre of the breast to the breast fold. The incision then runs along the breast fold to complete the anchor. This incision is created to remove excess skin and breast tissue and subsequently lift the breast.

The abdominoplasty component of postpartum surgery will involve an incision made along the bikini line to excise excess skin and tissue. An incision around the belly button is made to reshape this area. This is an incredibly simplified version of the procedure, but you can see actual procedures performed on the @brisbaneplasticsurgery Instagram page via our story highlights.

What is postpartum surgery recovery like?

Recovery after postpartum surgery in Brisbane, Australia is a little more challenging than any standalone procedure. Firstly, patients need to take some extra care and precautions to ensure they aren’t jeopardising their safety or results. The most important aspect of recovery is rest. Resting is one of the best things you can do for healing! Patients should be taking at least one week off driving and office jobs. For more physically intensive occupations, patients should take two to three weeks off work. Patients can go back to all normal activities at the six week mark.

Pain after postpartum surgery is generally very manageable. That is, as long as patients take medications correctly and discontinue these medications according to their surgeon’s advice. It’s imperative that patients follow their post-op instructions carefully and take their medications correctly to avoid complications.

How will life change after this surgery?

Postpartum surgery is a big decision. Some people may be wondering – will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the 6-week recovery? If you have breast implants, you should have routine breast implant checks and ultrasounds every one to two years. Luckily there are services like the BRAS Clinic that provide these services entirely bulk-billed! If you don’t have implants, you should simply maintain a stable weight and support your breasts as much as possible. Support post-operatively is essential to prevent shape changes!

How to get started?

If you’re thinking of having postpartum surgery in Brisbane, Australia, you should start by researching experienced plastic surgeons in your area. Remember to ensure they are a plastic surgeon (not a cosmetic surgeon – there’s a big difference!). Check that they have an appropriate level of experience in breast and abdominal procedures. You can start with just a consultation and discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Don’t hesitate to seek a second, or even a third opinion. This is a big investment and you deserve to be totally comfortable with your surgeon.

Conclusion

Postpartum surgeries aren’t for everyone, and every woman is different. For those seeking surgical approaches to restoring and enhancing the body, this surgery could be a suitable option for you. Make sure you are fully aware of all the risks and limitations of surgery. Always seek the opinions of professionals and specialists in the field. Good luck!