Post-pregnancy body contouring is a procedure that combines several different surgeries to address changes in the abdomen, breasts and other areas. It can offer benefits for the right patient, but this collection of surgeries is not right for everyone. Dr Ellis Choy carefully evaluates each patient for candidacy based on factors like health and timing while providing each patient with all of the information they need to make an informed choice for their body. Dr Choy is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who serves Sydney and the surrounding areas.
Basics to Keep in Mind About Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
The procedures offered with post-pregnancy body contouring involve surgical intervention and recovery time, along with risks that should be carefully considered. Here are more things to keep in mind as you learn about this surgery:
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Involves More Than One Surgery
Each surgery that we perform on the post-pregnancy body is customized to the individual. Some patients may desire abdominal surgery to correct muscle separation and flatten a bulging tummy. Others may want to focus on the breasts by lifting and augmenting them. These procedures, along with liposuction and labiaplasty, can also be combined if there are concerns about different areas.
Every Patient’s Experience Is Different
Surgical planning, operative time, recovery and potential complications all vary between individuals. These factors can change based on age, medical history, previous surgery, smoking status, body mass index and tissue characteristics. It is important to remember that your results will not look exactly like the results of other patients because of these differences.
Being Suitable for One Type of Procedure Does Not Guarantee Suitability For All of Them
A patient who is medically suitable for one procedure may not automatically be suitable for all of them. We will talk to you about the length of the surgery and how long you will be under anesthesia, and any other risk factors that may impact which procedures are included.
Considerations for Eligibility
Timing After Pregnancy
The body continues to recover for months after childbirth. During this time, the abdominal muscles gradually tighten, hormones shift, and breast volume and skin quality can continue to change. Surgery is considered once a patient’s weight has stabilised and their body has fully healed. We also discuss future pregnancy plans since additional pregnancies can alter the results of this surgery.
Health Requirements
Medical conditions like diabetes and heart or lung disease need to be carefully assessed before moving forward with major surgery. It is also required to stop smoking before and after surgery since nicotine affects the blood supply and wound healing. Other factors that Dr Choy will look at during the assessment are body mass index and weight stability.
Cosmetic Concerns
Post-pregnancy body contouring can treat excess abdominal skin, localised fat deposits, excess labial tissue and the separation of the abdominal muscles. It is also suitable for breast changes that often occur after pregnancy. Sagging breasts can be treated with a breast lift, while implants can be inserted into the breasts to restore their volume. Some women may have overly large breasts and ask about breast reduction. However, these surgeries cannot prevent future changes from occurring and scarring is an expected outcome of the procedure.
Medicare and Insurance Eligibility
How Coverage Works
In Australia, most post-pregnancy body contouring procedures are considered cosmetic and are not eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates. However, some components can qualify if they meet strict Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) criteria for a medical need. To get access to these benefits, you will need a valid MBS item number, a referral from a medical practitioner, documented evidence of functional symptoms and insurer pre-approval. Rebates will likely not cover all of the costs.
Abdominal Wall Repair and Abdominoplasty
Repair of diastasis recti may qualify under certain item numbers, such as 30175, which requires at least 3cm of separation along with other symptoms like pain and urinary symptoms, particularly if it has been more than 12 months since the last pregnancy and other conservative methods have already been tried.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is another surgery that may qualify for partial coverage. Item 45523, for example, provides some coverage for breast reduction in the case of patients with macromastia who are experiencing pain in the neck or shoulder because of overly large and heavy breasts. Reduction coverage is also often provided for those with breast cancer or an abnormal growth under item number 45520.
Expectations and Readiness for Surgery
Post-pregnancy body contouring takes an average of four to six hours in the operating room and is performed under general anaesthesia. It requires several weeks of structured recovery and time off from work. As you recover from the surgery, you will need someone to help you with tasks around the house and childcare since you will not be able to do any heavy lifting or exercise during this period.
All surgery carries some risk of bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing and anaesthetic-related complications. Scarring is an expected part of all post-pregnancy body contouring, though we can give you advice on how to fade scars as much as possible. We will discuss these risks in more detail during your consultation, and you can visit our Risks & Complications page.
Find Out More About Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
A detailed consultation is the next step when considering post-pregnancy body contouring. Dr Ellis Choy is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in plastic surgery, with training in general, reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. He completed advanced surgical training in Australia, including subspecialty experience in breast and reconstructive surgery, and holds memberships with national and international plastic surgery societies.
With post pregnancy body contouring, it is important to get a careful evaluation and consider all of the factors that you can, including timing after childbirth and your overall health. If you would like to discuss your circumstances and find out whether this surgery is appropriate for you, you can contact the practice of Dr Ellis Choy on +61 2 8962 9388 or through the website.
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