In short: Post-pregnancy surgery (mummy makeover) combines an abdominoplasty, usually with repair of separated abdominal muscles, and breast surgery such as a lift, with or without implants. It is usually done as one operation with three nights in hospital, once you have finished having children and your weight is stable.
- Surgical Procedures Sometimes…
- Am I a Good Candidate for Surgery…
- Surgical Options That May Be Discussed
- Risks and complications
- Combined or separate operations?
- Costs and Medicare Considerations…
- Recovery After Surgery Following…
- Guide to Abdomen and Breast Surgery…
- Questions
Surgical Procedures Sometimes Considered After Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can lead to physical changes in the abdomen, breasts, and other areas of the body. Some women explore surgical options to help manage symptoms or concerns that develop after these stages.
Dr Kumar provides a personalised approach to care, discussing your goals, medical history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Surgical planning typically focuses on the abdomen and breasts, depending on your needs, and aims to address concerns such as abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) or changes in breast position or volume.
Procedures that may be considered include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or reshaping techniques, along with abdominoplasty. In some cases, liposuction may be used as an adjunct technique. Each procedure has its own risks, benefits, and limitations, which are discussed during a consultation.
For some patients, post-pregnancy surgery is completed in a single operative stage, while others may require a staged approach. Additional procedures, such as labiaplasty, may be discussed when pregnancy-related changes affect this area.
Your surgical plan is tailored to your individual circumstances, with a focus on balanced, evidence-based decision-making and realistic expectations.
Am I a Good Candidate for Surgery After Pregnancy?
Suitability for post-pregnancy surgery varies from person to person and is assessed during a consultation with Dr Kumar. There are, however, general guidelines that may help determine whether it is an appropriate time to consider surgery.
Common considerations include:
- Having a stable weight for at least three months
- Having stopped breastfeeding for a minimum of three months
- Not smoking or using nicotine products for at least 12 weeks before and after surgery
Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to discuss surgery if you are experiencing changes following pregnancy or breastfeeding that affect the abdomen, breasts, or surrounding areas. Your individual medical history, symptoms, and goals are reviewed during your consultation to determine whether surgery may be suitable for you.
Surgical Options That May Be Discussed
Different procedures may be considered depending on the physical changes you are experiencing after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The options below outline common areas of concern and may help guide your discussion during a consultation with Dr Kumar.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift), With or Without Implants
You may wish to discuss a breast lift procedure if you are experiencing one or more of the following:
- Reduced fullness in the upper area of the breasts
- Nipples sitting below the breast crease or pointing downward (breast ptosis)
- Changes in breast shape, including elongation or flattening
- Stretching of breast tissue or the areolae
- Breasts sitting at different levels (breast asymmetry), which may occur after breastfeeding
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An abdominoplasty may be considered if you have:
- Loose or excess abdominal skin
- Changes to abdominal contour that have not improved with diet or exercise
- Abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) following pregnancy
- Symptoms such as abdominal weakness or discomfort associated with these changes
Liposuction
Liposuction may be discussed when:
- You are at a healthy and stable weight
- Certain areas of fat remain despite regular exercise and a healthy diet
- You have localised areas you would like to address, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs
- You prefer a targeted approach rather than changes to overall body size
Labiaplasty
You may wish to discuss labiaplasty if you are experiencing:
- Elongation or enlargement of the labial tissues
- Discomfort, irritation, or chafing during physical activity or when wearing certain clothing
- Discomfort during intimacy
- Dryness or irritation in the area
Risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Possible risks and complications of post-pregnancy body contouring may include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation
- Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
- Scarring, including raised or widened scars
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness or altered feeling
- Swelling, bruising and discomfort during recovery
- Contour asymmetry or irregularities
- Risks related to anaesthesia
- Rare but serious events such as blood clots
Factors such as existing health conditions, smoking status, weight stability and the extent of surgery can influence risk. Your surgeon will review your individual risk profile and discuss expected recovery, limitations and potential complications during the informed consent process.
Combined or separate operations?
| Abdominoplasty alone | Breast surgery alone | Combined post-pregnancy surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treats | Loose skin and separated muscles | Breast volume, shape and position | Both, at one operation |
| Hospital stay | 3 nights | Day case | 3 nights |
| Recoveries | One | One | One, rather than two |
More detail: abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast lift.
Costs and Medicare Considerations for Post-Pregnancy Surgery
After your consultation with Dr Kumar, you will receive a detailed, itemised quotation outlining the fees relevant to the procedures being considered. This typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, surgical assistant’s fee, and hospital costs. Fees vary depending on the type and complexity of surgery and your individual circumstances.
Private Health Insurance and Medicare
Eligibility for Medicare item numbers and private health insurance rebates depends on specific clinical criteria. These criteria are set by Medicare and health funds and may change over time. Your suitability for any item number is assessed by your GP and/or Dr Kumar based on documented medical need.
Patients Who Have Experienced Significant Weight Loss
Some individuals who have undergone significant weight loss may meet the criteria for Medicare item 30177, which relates to excess skin and tissue following weight loss. This item number does not apply to weight gained during pregnancy.
Medicare may require documentation demonstrating:
- A weight loss of 5 BMI points or more (unrelated to pregnancy), maintained for at least six months
- Excess skin causing functional symptoms that impact daily activities
- Unsuccessful non-surgical management of skin irritation associated with excess skin
- Imaging-confirmed hernias, if present
Women Without Significant Weight Loss
Some breast procedures may attract Medicare item numbers when specific medical criteria are met. For example, item numbers such as:
- 45523 (breast reduction)
- 45558 (mastopexy in certain documented circumstances)
These item numbers may apply where clinical need can be demonstrated through measurements, imaging, or photographs. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Post-Pregnancy Abdominal Muscle Separation
The Australian Federal Government has introduced Medicare support for eligible patients experiencing persistent rectus diastasis (abdominal muscle separation) following pregnancy. To be considered for this item number, patients generally need to meet criteria such as:
- Being at least 12 months post-partum
- Having a diastasis of at least 3 cm, confirmed through diagnostic imaging
- Experiencing symptoms such as localised abdominal discomfort during functional use, low back pain, or urinary symptoms, potentially related to diastasis
- Having tried non-surgical management, including physiotherapy, without sufficient improvement
Your GP can help determine whether these criteria apply to your circumstances and provide documentation if needed.
Recovery After Surgery Following Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the types of procedures performed. When breast and abdominal procedures are combined, recovery is often influenced by the abdominoplasty component. Your anaesthetist and surgical team will discuss what to expect based on your individual plan.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Three nights at Westmead Private Hospital. You will be walking from the first day, with compression stockings and measures to reduce the risk of clots. Compression garments are fitted. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Time off work. Tightness across the abdomen and soreness of the chest. Short walks several times a day, sleeping with the upper body raised; plan help with lifting children. Drains, where used, are removed by Dr Kumar’s nurses once the drainage has settled. First review with Dr Kumar and his nurses at about one week. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Most patients return to work from about two weeks, then gradually resume most everyday activities over the next four weeks, depending on how physical the activity is. No heavy lifting or straining, and drive only once you can do so comfortably and safely. The Prineo and Micropore dressings come off at six weeks, and the compression garment is worn for six weeks. |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | After your six-week review, exercise and more physical work are built up progressively. Most patients are cleared for full activity at the 12-week review. |
| 3 to 12 months | Swelling settles and the scars mature. Reviews at 6 months and 12 months. |
These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. Some patients may remain in the hospital for several days while early recovery is monitored. Discomfort can vary and is managed with medications prescribed by your anaesthetist. Pain relief may transition from intravenous to oral medication as you progress.
Following an abdominoplasty, patients are commonly positioned in a slightly flexed posture to reduce tension on the abdominal area. Straightening up occurs gradually over the following days. Surgical drains may be used in the abdomen or breasts and are generally removed once they are no longer required.
For procedures involving the labial area, healing times vary. Dissolvable stitches are commonly used, and some discomfort may occur in the initial days as tissues settle.
Your individual post-operative instructions will be provided before discharge. As a general guide, many patients are advised to consider the following:
- Time away from work or usual activities, depending on the extent of surgery
- Avoiding driving for a period recommended by your surgeon
- Avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks
- Arranging support at home, particularly if caring for young children
- Wearing a compression garment for a period recommended by your surgeon to support the treated areas
Guide to Abdomen and Breast Surgery After Pregnancy
This guide provides an overview of information commonly discussed with patients considering post-pregnancy breast and abdominal procedures. It includes:
- What surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding involves
- The range of procedures that may be considered
- Factors that influence suitability
- Planning and preparation
- Recovery and postoperative care
- Medicare and private health insurance considerations
- Responses to frequently asked questions
Info Packs Form
Results
Surgical photographs are restricted to viewers aged 18 and over. The outcomes shown in any photograph are relevant only to the patient pictured, and individual results will vary. You can view the post-pregnancy gallery.
Where Dr Kumar operates
Consultations are held at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. If you live a long way from Sydney, you can send photos to Dr Kumar’s team before your first appointment.
Post-pregnancy surgery is performed at Westmead Private Hospital, an accredited Ramsay Health Care hospital, with a three-night stay.
Dr Kumar’s nurses also work on the wards at Westmead Private Hospital. The nurses who prepare you for surgery are the same ones who look after you at every post-operative review.
Common questions
Will I need to stay in hospital after my surgery?
Some patients stay in hospital for several days so that early recovery can be monitored and pain management can be optimised. The duration of your stay depends on the procedures performed and your postoperative progress.
Will I have scars after surgery?
All surgical procedures involve incisions, which result in scars. The location and appearance of scars depend on the specific procedure and your unique healing characteristics. Dr Kumar will explain the incision patterns and what to expect during your consultation.
Can Medicare or private health insurance contribute to costs?
Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply in certain circumstances where medical criteria are met. Eligibility is assessed based on specific clinical requirements, which are documented by your GP and/or Dr Kumar. Your suitability will be reviewed during consultation.
When is the right time to consider surgery after pregnancy?
Many patients are advised to wait until breastfeeding has ceased for a minimum period and until weight has been stable for several months. Suitability also depends on your general health, symptoms, and readiness for postoperative care. Dr Kumar will determine the appropriate timing for your situation.
Are there risks associated with these procedures?
All surgical procedures carry risks. These may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, changes in sensation, or complications related to anaesthesia. Dr Kumar will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of each procedure during your consultation.
How do I prepare for my consultation?
It may be helpful to bring details of your medical history, previous surgeries, medications, and any imaging or referrals from your GP. Dr Kumar will review this information to help determine what options may be appropriate for your needs.
How long will I need off work?
Most people take about two weeks off work, then gradually return to most activities over the following four weeks. Lifting and exercise are built up after the six-week review, and most patients are cleared for full activity at 12 weeks.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar, and it is also needed for the Medicare rebate on your consultation.
Download our Post-Pregnancy Surgery Guide
Talk it through with Dr Kumar
If pregnancy has left changes to your abdomen and breasts that exercise has not improved, a consultation will establish which combination fits. Dr Kumar consults in Westmead, Penrith and Orange, and a GP referral is required. You can also download a procedure guide first.
This page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. All surgery carries risk, and individual results will vary. Surgical photographs on this website are intended for viewers aged 18 and over. Read more about the risks of surgery here.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
