Post pregnancy surgery: what is included and when to do it

“Post pregnancy surgery” is the name many people search for when they want an abdominoplasty and breast surgery after pregnancy. It is not a medical term or a single operation. It describes two or more operations planned together, sometimes on the same day.

This guide sets out what is usually combined, who it may suit, the safety limits on combining, what recovery looks like with young children, and when Dr Reema Hadi, a specialist plastic surgeon, may suggest doing it in stages instead.

The short answer

An abdominoplasty and breast surgery can sometimes be done in one operation. Doing so means one anaesthetic and one recovery period, but a longer operation and a higher risk of complications. Whether it is sensible for you depends on your health, your weight, the operations planned and the time they would take together.

Bodies change with pregnancy, breastfeeding and age. That is normal, not a flaw, and surgery is a personal choice.

What is usually included

There is no fixed package. The plan is built around your concerns and your examination. It may include:

• An abdominoplasty: removes loose skin and tissue from the lower tummy and can repair separated tummy muscles. See our abdominoplasty page or the partial abdominoplasty.
• A breast lift (mastopexy): raises the breasts by removing skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
• A breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy): combines a lift with implants in one operation.
• Breast augmentation: increases breast size using implants.
• Breast reduction: removes breast tissue, skin and fat to reduce size and weight.
• Sometimes other areas: liposuction of the flanks and back, or a mons lift, can be done with an abdominoplasty.

Who it may suit

• You have finished having children, or are confident you have.
• You have stopped breastfeeding, and your breasts and weight have settled.
• Your weight is stable. Surgeons usually want a stable weight before an abdominoplasty.
• You are in good general health and don't smoke. Swan asks you not to smoke for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery.
• You have people who can help at home with children, meals and lifting for the first weeks.
• You are 18 or older and have a referral from your GP.

The safety limits on combining

Combining operations adds risk. Large studies agree on this.

• Having more than two major procedures, a BMI of 32 or more.
• Blood clots are a serious risk of major surgery. We advise TED stockings for two weeks to reduce that risk

Dr Hadi weighs the total operating time and your own risk factors before recommending one operation or two.

When to stage it instead

Doing the breast and abdominal operations on separate days, some months apart, is a reasonable choice. It may be suggested when:

• the combined operation would be long;
• you have health conditions, a higher BMI, or other risk factors;
• you are not yet sure about one part, such as implants;
• you would struggle to recover from both at once with young children at home;

Staging means two anaesthetics and two recoveries, but each one is shorter and simpler.

Recovery when both are done together

Swan's breast augmentation page notes that combining procedures typically extends recovery time. You recover from both areas at once.

• Hospital choice: The number of nights is confirmed in your plan
• Garments: an abdominal binder after a full tummy tuck, typically up to 6 weeks full time and 6 weeks part time, plus a supportive bra for the breasts.
• Activity: avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and upper body exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Children: plan for someone else to lift and carry young children for some weeks.
• Work and driving: Swan's pages give 1 to 2 weeks for each after a tummy tuck, depending on your job and comfort. Combined surgery may take longer.

See our abdominoplasty recovery guide for a week-by-week view.

Medicare and cost

Surgery done only for appearance is not covered by Medicare. The tummy tuck part may attract a Medicare benefit under item 30175 if you meet every criterion, including muscle separation of at least 3 cm, symptoms, physiotherapy that has not helped and no pregnancy in the last 12 months. See our guide to Medicare and abdominoplasties.

A combined operation has one anaesthetic and one hospital admission, but more surgical time. Dr Hadi gives you a written, itemised quote after your consultation. See abdominoplasty costs in Sydney.

Results and risks

Both operations carry their own risks, and combining them adds to the total. Results vary from person to person. Read our guide to abdominoplasty risks and our guide to abdominoplasty after pregnancy.

You have two consultations with Dr Hadi and at least 7 days after consent before surgery can be booked. To book, call 02 9526 6885 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What is a post pregnancy procedure?

It is a popular name for combining an abdominoplasty with breast surgery, such as a mastopexy, implants or a reduction, after pregnancy. It is not a single operation.

Is it safe to have an abdominoplasty and breast surgery at the same time?

It can be for some people, but it carries more risk than either operation alone. Dr Hadi considers your health, weight and the total operating time before advising.

Should I have it all at once or in stages?

Staging means two shorter operations and two recoveries. It may be safer if the combined operation would be long or you have risk factors.

How long after having a baby can I have a post pregnancy procedure?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons both suggest delaying a tummy tuck if you plan another pregnancy. A stable weight matters too. Dr Hadi advises how long to wait after birth and breastfeeding.

Can I look after my children during recovery?

You will need help. Heavy lifting is avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, which usually includes lifting young children.

What if I get pregnant after a post pregnancy surgery?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons says the result of an abdominoplasty may be lost with a later pregnancy. That is why delaying surgery until your family is complete is usually suggested. Mastopexy may also result in further changes with pregnancy and breast feeding.

Does Medicare cover post pregnancy surgery?

Not for appearance.

The abdominoplasty may qualify, under item 30175, if every criterion is met including muscle separation more than 3cm.

The mastopexy may qualify if the nipple areolae complex sits at the lowermost point of the breast 45558.