Post Pregnancy Surgery

Following childbirth a similar process of stretching occurs in the breast and in the abdomen. Diet and exercise will improve these areas to some extent, but many of the changes from pregnancy are structural and can only be improved with surgery. A wide array of surgical options is available to these women. Many of them undergo both a breast and an abdominal procedure at the same time, while others have the procedures done at different times.

In the abdomen the skin stretches during the course of pregnancy, but sometimes does not contract back all the way, leaving it loose and often with stretch marks after childbirth. The extra stomach skin and perhaps the presence of a Caesarean section scar cause the skin to drape loosely over the abdomen which changes the appearance from a flat to a flaccid stomach. On the inside the muscles of the abdominal wall get stretched and are splayed apart which means they lose their tone and also the shape of the waistline. The presence of stretched skin and loose muscles can be improved with a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty). This operation aims to remove the loose skin from the lower abdomen and also tighten the internal muscles in order to improve the tone of your stomach and enhance the waistline.

It is not uncommon for a woman’s weight to alter following childbirth. Despite dieting and exercise it may be difficult to lose this fat as the body’s metabolism often changes after having children making these areas resistant to weight loss. Once the weight has stabilised and despite a good diet, fat may be deposited around the hips and waist which is difficult to shift. These areas can be improved surgically by liposuction. Many women having liposuction may also have a tummy tuck if there has been fat deposited around the waist as well as loose skin and loss of muscle tone at the front of the abdomen. It is important to remember however that liposuction is not a procedure for losing weight but really for changing body shape, hence the name “body contouring”. Haluk Duman, MD. does not advise having any of these procedures until 6-9 months after childbirth as it takes a while for the body to readjust and the results of surgery are certainly better at that stage.

On the outside of the breasts, the skin stretches but sometimes does not contract back all the way, leaving it loose and often with stretch marks. On the inside, volume can be permanently lost in the breasts not only causing them to shrink but also droop referred to medically as breast ptosis. The breasts therefore hang and lose their shape which emphasizes the appearance of shrinkage. In order to restore breast volume and shape an augmentation, a lift, or a combination of the two can be performed. Generally, patients that describe their breasts as “deflated” or “collapsed ” could be candidates for augmentation. Women that complain more that the breasts are “droopy” or “hanging” are typically candidates for a breast uplift (mastopexy). If the need is for more volume as well as an uplift then these procedures can also be combined. Again, Haluk Duman, MD. does not advise having any of these procedures until 6-9 months after childbirth as it takes a while for the body to readjust and the results of surgery are certainly better at that stage.