Post-Pregnancy Surgery FAQs

Post-Pregnancy surgery can help remove loose stretched skin and repair tummy muscles after pregnancy. Here are common questions Dr Carmen gets asked about Breast and Tummy surgery after childbirth – the Post-Pregnancy FAQs.

 

 

Questions About Post Pregnancy Surgery

How do I know if I need Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• If you are unsatisfied with how your body looks after pregnancy or breast feeding. You can discuss options with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon if you have concerns about your body after pregnancy.

How can I tighten my tummy with Post Pregnancy surgery

• A post pregnancy surgery can include tummy tuck – abdominoplasty and tummy muscle repair as a part of the procedure. It involves removing excess skin and fat from the tummy area, with the goal of creating a firmer abdominal contour, depending on your individual anatomy and healing response.

What are the options for alternatives to Post Pregnancy surgery?

• Post pregnancy surgery involves breast surgeries, tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty and body contouring techniques to improve your entire body. Non-surgical options may provide different benefits, but they generally do not address significant skin laxity the way surgery might. Liposuction just does not help much with removal of excess stretched skin.

Should I get a Post pregnancy surgery or Lipo?

• Post pregnancy surgery targets your breasts, tummy and includes body contouring techniques such as lipo. While liposuction can help reduce fat in specific areas, it is not intended for the tummy or breasts

How soon can you fly after a post pregnancy surgery?

• It is recommended to wait for a period of four to six weeks before jumping on a plane after a post pregnancy surgery. 

How much weight do you lose with a Post pregnancy surgery ?

• Some individuals may experience a reduction in skin and fat volume as part of their procedure. Results vary by patient.

Does Medicare and insurance cover Post pregnancy surgery?

• A Post pregnancy surgery can be partly cosmetic and partly functional.Some procedures may be eligible for partial Medicare or private insurance rebates under specific item numbers. A consultation is required to determine eligibility. Check out the medicare page or call the clinic to find out if you are eligible.

How common are Post pregnancy surgeries?

• Post-pregnancy procedures are one of several surgical options some people consider after childbirth. Suitability depends on individual circumstances.

Can you get a Post pregnancy surgery twice?

• Yes, most patients can get post pregnancy surgery done twice – especially after multiple pregnancies. However, in certain cases, surgeons avoid doing so based on the client’s health, overall wellbeing, and skin elasticity. 

Questions About Types of Post pregnancy surgery

What’s included in a Post pregnancy surgery?

• A combination of procedures may be considered depending on your needs. Common options may include breast surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck– abdominoplasty, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation, and maybe circumferential abdominoplasty. 

What is a full Post pregnancy surgery?

• Post pregnancy surgery typically includes breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction and tummy tuck-abdominoplasty. 

What are the surgeries in a Post pregnancy surgery?

• Following are the 5 types of procedures:
  • Breast surgeries (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift)
  • Liposuction 
  • Abdominoplasty 
  • Facial rejuvenation
  • Vaginal rejuvenation

Post Pregnancy FAQs about being a Suitable Candidate

What are the available alternatives to Post Pregnancy surgery?

• There is no standard age or the right time to get post pregnancy surgery. However, it is recommended to wait till you are finished having ALL your children, are not lactating and have lost pregnancy weight.  If you want to access the medicare item number for a breast lift surgery your youngest child must be over 1 and under 7.

Who is a good candidate for a post pregnancy surgery?

• You can go for surgery if you do not plan to have children in the future, are in generally good health, and have realistic expectations from the surgery. However, you need to discuss everything in detail with your surgeon before making any decision.

Post Pregnancy Surgery FAQs about Preparing for Surgery

How do I prepare for a Post pregnancy surgery?

• These tips will help you prepare:
  • Get any lab tests and medical evaluation done 
  • Take certain medications or alter your medications as per your surgeon’s recommendation 
  • Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for several weeks prior to surgery to support healing.
  • Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Prepare your resting and recovery space at home 

Should I lose weight before a post pregnancy surgery?

• Yes, it is advised to lose post-pregnancy weight or be as close to your ideal weight as possible before getting the surgery. 

Questions About the Post Pregnancy Surgery

What type of anaesthesia is used for Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia under the care of a qualified anaesthetist in an accredited hospital. Avoid having local anaesthesia in a Day Surgery centre for this complex surgery.

Where are Post Pregnancy Surgery scars located?

• Scars are generally placed in less visible areas, though their appearance can vary based on individual healing and skin type. They are generally seen in the contours of your body; the bikini area, under the breast fold, etc. 

How many hours does a Post Pregnancy Surgery take?

• The surgery takes anywhere from four to six hours depending on the procedures you are having. 

Post Pregnancy FAQs about Recovery

Read the Recovery after Post Pregnancy Blog

How long does it take to recover from a Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• Post pregnancy surgery is a highly individual procedure. Therefore, the recovery time will vary from person to person. Generally speaking, it can take you four to eight weeks to recover fully from a Post Pregnancy Surgery. 

How do you sleep after the surgery?

• Sleep with your back in a semi-elevated position to relieve any strain on your abdominal incision if have had Abdominoplasty. Sleeping on your back is also recommended if you have had any type of Breast Surgery. Make sure you wear the supportive garments as recommended by Dr Carmen. 

What is the fastest way to recover from the surgery?

• Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely may support a smoother recovery. Also, take appropriate rest and don’t smoke and avoid passive smoke.

How can I speed up my recovery?

• You have to take your time with your recovery and allow your body to heal at its own pace. Follow all the pre and post-surgical instructions religiously and rest as much as possible. 

How long does the tightness last?

• It can take about six to eight weeks for the tightness to go away after the surgery. 

How long before my body looks natural?

• It can take up to six months for the results to look natural after a post pregnancy surgery. 

How long after the surgery can I sleep on my side?

• You can sleep on your side eight to twelve weeks after the surgery. 

How do you reduce swelling after a post pregnancy surgery?

• Here are a few tips to reduce swelling after a post pregnancy surgery:
  • Wear a compression garment to minimise swelling. 
  • Sleep in a semi-elevated position.
  • Walk slowly to prevent blood clots. 
  • Visit surgeon for follow up appointments. 
  • Eat healthy foods which are low in sodium. 

How painful is recovery from Post pregnancy surgery?

•  You won’t feel any pain during the surgery as it is performed under general anaesthesia. After the surgery, you will be given pain killers to reduce discomfort so it will be more comfortable. 

How long should you wear compression garments after a Post pregnancy surgery?

• • It is advised to wear a compression garments for four to six weeks. 

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after post pregnancy surgery?

• • If you don’t wear a compression garment, swelling can get worse before it gets better. It can lead to fluid build-up which will cause your post-op swelling to linger longer.  You may get suboptimal wound healing results and skin laxity too. Please wear your garments!

How do you clean Post Pregnancy surgery stitches?

• • First things first, wash and sterilise your hands. Take the bandage off, wash the incision site with warm soapy water, pat dry and put the dressing on top.  At Dr Carmen’s clinic, nursing staff can do this for you.

How do you wash your hair after a Post pregnancy surgery?

• • Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours after the surgery. You can wash your hair as normal. Just try keeping your arms close to your body. 

What can you eat after a post pregnancy surgery?

• • Aim at eating healthy whole foods. Include lots of proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and yogurt in your diet. Avoid processed meals and keep sodium levels low. 

What should I eat after a post pregnancy surgery?

• • Eat healthy, home-cooked meals which are low in sodium. 

Can you walk after a post pregnancy surgery?

• • It is advised to start walking lightly around the house on a regular basis for up to five to ten minutes during the first-week post-surgery to prevent blood clotting. 

Post Pregnancy Surgery FAQs about Results

How long do the effects of a Post pregnancy surgery last?

• • Surgical results can be long-lasting, but outcomes may change over time due to factors like ageing or lifestyle.

How can you tell if someone had post pregnancy surgery?

• • The only way to tell that someone has had surgery is by looking for the scars which are usually well hidden or faded in the natural contours of the body. 

Post pregnancy surgery FAQs about Risks

Do Post pregnancy procedures ever look natural?

• • Many people notice more settled results around three months post-surgery, but healing timelines and outcomes vary.

What are the risks?

• • Every surgery comes with a certain degree of risk. Some of the possible complications include; infection, poor healing of incisions, haematoma, bleeding, loss of nipple, seroma, scarring, recurring looseness, and capsular contracture. These risks can be managed by  surgeons like Dr Carmen.

Further Information about a Post Pregnancy Surgery

• • Download and read the Post Pregnancy Surgery Guide, Tummy and Breast Surgery Guides

• • Visit Dr Carmen’s Post Pregnancy Surgery page

• • Look at Dr Carmen’s Tummy Surgery and Breast Surgery Before and After Photos

• • Read Dr Carmen’s Recovery after Post-pregnancy surgery Blog
  • Read Dr Carmen’s How Can I Tell If I Have Muscle Separation Post Pregnancy Blog