Post Pregnancy Surgery

POST PREGNANCY SURGERY

The process of pregnancy and childbirth can be wonderful for some women but it can have a large impact on their bodies too. Breasts may lose volume and can result in excess, loose skin (breast ptosis). It can also lead to overextended abdominal muscles and skin can resulting in a lower abdominal skin fold. Many women find that even with their best attempts at diet and exercise that these areas may be impossible to alter and feel their figures will never be the same again.

Post pregnancy surgery is designed for women who have finished having children and are ready to take charge and change their post-pregnancy bodies. For most women a post pregnancy surgery incorporates both an Abdominoplasty with associated liposuction, and a Breast Lift.

Abdominoplasties are used to remove excess skin and fat and tighten abdominal muscles. Whereas a Breast lift helps to reduce breast ptosis, by lifting the breasts higher on the chest wall, increase balance and symmetry. Some women may also desire a Breast Augmentation to increase lost volume.

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Ultimate Guide To Post Pregnancy

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WHAT IS POST-PREGNANCY SURGERY?

Post-pregnancy surgery is an umbrella term for the cosmetic procedures designed to alter the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can bring significant changes to a woman’s body, and despite a healthy lifestyle, some changes might not revert after the fact. Post-pregnancy surgery aims to address these physical changes, with a focus on areas most affected by pregnancy, such as the breasts, abdomen, waist and even genitalia.

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PROCEDURES INCLUDED IN POST-PREGNANCY SURGERY

Post-pregnancy surgery is highly individualised and can include one or more of the following procedures, tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals:

1. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This procedure addresses excess skin, fat, and laxity of the abdominal muscles. It can dramatically alter the shape and tone of the abdomen.
2. Breast Surgery: This can include a Breast Lift (mastopexy), Breast Augmentation, or Breast Reduction. These procedures aim to change the breast’s shape, size, and position, which can be significantly altered after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Liposuction: Used to contour and remove stubborn fat deposits from various parts of the body, such as the hips, thighs, and abdomen that often remain resistant to diet and exercise post-pregnancy.

Dr. Guy Watts consults closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate procedure/s to achieve their desired outcomes, making sure that the plan aligns with their individual body shape, condition, and aesthetic goals.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE SURGERY?

Good candidates for post-pregnancy surgery are typically women who have experienced physical changes due to pregnancy and childbirth that cannot be altered through diet and exercise alone. Criteria for suitable candidates include:

• Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health, without any major medical conditions that can impair healing or increase surgical risks
• Stable Weight: Women considering post-pregnancy surgery should be at or near their ideal weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery
• Completed Childbearing and breastfeeding: It’s recommended that surgery be postponed until after a woman has finished having children, as future pregnancies can alter the results of the procedures
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of surgery is important
• Non-smokers: Smoking can affect the healing process, so non-smokers or those who can cease smoking well in advance of the surgery and throughout the recovery period are good candidates

Dr. Watts conducts a consultation to assess each patient’s individual circumstances, health status, and aesthetic goals to determine their suitability for post-pregnancy surgery.

WHAT CAN POST-PREGNANCY SURGERY DO FOR ME?

Post-pregnancy surgery offers potential benefits including:

• Increased Comfort: Correcting issues like abdominal muscle separation can increase physical comfort and posture, and breast surgery can alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts
• Customised Treatment Plan: Since each woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy and childbirth, Dr. Watts offers a personalised approach, tailoring the surgery to meet each patient’s specific needs and goals
• Long-Lasting Results: While no procedure can stop the ageing process, the results of post-pregnancy surgery can be long-lasting, particularly when accompanied by a healthy lifestyle

It’s important to note that post-pregnancy surgery is a highly individualised procedure and should be done for personal reasons.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

The specific techniques and steps in post-pregnancy surgery vary depending on the procedure or procedures selected by Dr. Watts and the patient. Generally, the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and the approach is as follows:

• Abdominoplasty: Involves an incision along the lower abdomen to remove excess skin and fat and to tighten the abdominal muscles. The incision length and shape depend on the amount of excess skin.
• Breast Surgery: Depending on whether a lift, augmentation, or reduction is performed, incisions may vary. Breast lifts involve removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. Augmentation involves implants or fat grafting, and reduction involves removing breast tissue and skin.
• Liposuction: Small incisions are made in the targeted areas, and a cannula is used to break up and suction out excess fat.

Dr. Watts carefully plans the surgery, sometimes performs more than one procedure in one session or stages them over multiple sessions, depending on the patient’s overall health, the extent of the procedures, and recovery considerations.

RECOVERY AFTER POST-PREGNANCY SURGERY

Recovery from post-pregnancy surgery depends on the types and extent of procedures performed. What to keep in mind:

• Initial Recovery: Patients experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Compression garments may be required for areas treated.
• Downtime: The recovery period can range from one to several weeks, depending on the procedure. Most patients require help at home in the initial postoperative period, especially if they have young children.
• Pain Management: Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Follow-up Appointments: Post-operative visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process, remove any sutures, and address any concerns.
• Final Results: While initial changes are noticeable almost immediately, the final results can take several months to fully materialise as the swelling subsides and the body heals.

Dr. Watts provides detailed post-operative care instructions and is available to address any concerns during the recovery period.

RISKS OF POST-PREGNANCY SURGERY

As with any surgical procedure, post-pregnancy surgery involves certain risks and potential complications. Dr. Guy Watts discusses these risks in detail with each patient, so they are fully informed before proceeding. Common risks associated with post-pregnancy surgery include:

• Anaesthesia Risks: Complications related to anaesthesia, though rare, can include allergic reactions, blood clots, and respiratory issues
• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after surgery, which might require additional surgical intervention
• Infection: Post-operative infections are a risk with any surgery. If an infection occurs, it may require treatment with antibiotics or additional surgery in severe cases
• Scarring: All surgical procedures will result in some scarring. The extent and visibility of scars depend on the specific procedures and the individual’s healing process
• Poor Wound Healing: Some patients may experience delayed healing or complications in wound healing, which can affect the final results and may require further treatment
• Changes in Sensation: Numbness or changes in skin sensation may occur and, while they usually resolve over time, they can be permanent in some cases
• Asymmetry: There can be asymmetry in the results, which may require revision surgery for correction
• Blood Clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): There is a risk of developing blood clots, particularly in the legs. In rare cases, these clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a serious condition
• Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Fluid can accumulate under the skin in the areas treated, which may need to be drained
• Unsatisfactory Results: There is always a risk that the results may not meet the patient’s expectations, which could necessitate additional procedures

Dr. Watts takes every precaution to reduce risks. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns or questions they have about these risks during their consultation.

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PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.