post-pregnancy body contouring with sydney plastic surgeon dr ellis choy
Mothers go through many physical changes both during and after pregnancy. Some develop stretch marks, excess abdominal skin and fat accumulation on the thighs, hips and arms. Most notice a degree of visible difference in breast size and appearance. With the availability of post-pregnancy body contouring surgery, mothers can now target these areas of the body. Through a personalised combination of body contouring, liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), mothers can focus on their specific areas of concerns after pregnancy and childbirth.
With post-pregnancy body contouring, you choose a combination of plastic surgery procedures to address the issues that bother you the most. Diet and exercise play a vital role in bringing your body back to shape. They do not, however, tighten your skin, eliminate stretch marks or increase your skin’s elasticity. A specialist plastic surgeon can address these factors.
What Is Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring?
Post-pregnancy body contouring is a customised collection of surgeries that address anatomical changes affecting areas such as the abdomen, breasts, thighs and arms after childbirth. These procedures are selected and combined based on each person’s physical presentation and surgical goals.
Changing Names, Changing Times
We are proud to offer a wide range of procedures to address the diverse needs of our patients, and we want to emphasise the significance of each surgery and the careful consideration it deserves. As part of this commitment, and to comply with regulations set forth by AHPRA, we would like to inform our valued patients that the term “mummy makeover” will no longer be used on our website or social media channels.
The terminology we use as aesthetic medical practitioners should be professional, inclusive, accurate and transparent. Our goal is always to help our patients make informed decisions based on their own personal desires, and our language should reflect that. The nickname of this procedure came about because mothers often showed interest in it, but it could be seen as suggesting that the physical changes accompanying pregnancy and childbirth are undesirable.
This is not acceptable. The human body comes in many shapes and sizes and is beautiful in all of them. Neither mothers nor anyone else should feel they need to alter the natural changes of life in order to meet arbitrary standards of beauty. Plastic surgery is an extremely personal choice, and we wish to empower all of our patients to make choices that reflect their personal desires and values.
From now on, “post-pregnancy body contouring” (formally ‘mummy makeover) is our term of choice. We will continue to use medically accurate terminology as we provide responsible and experienced cosmetic care.
What Procedures Are Included in Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Surgeries?
Breast Lift/Enhancement
Whether you have sinking or large and disproportionate breasts, Dr Ellis Choy can recommend a procedure for altering the appearance and size of your bust. Patients can choose to use either silicone or saline implants to lift breasts and increase volume and shape. They can also opt for a breast reduction procedure to reduce the size and shape of their breasts and achieve a more balanced, firm and proportionately shaped bust.
Abdominoplasty
Pregnancy often pulls apart the abdominal muscles which in turn results in loose skin. An abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) reverses these conditions and creates a firmer, flatter and more toned-looking abdomen. The procedure reduces excess fat and tightens abdominal muscles. Dr Ellis Choy can also help you minimise the appearance of loose skin on your tummy as well as stretch marks below the navel.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat deposits on the arms, thighs, and waist. Some of the latest fat removal procedures include ultrasound guided liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction. They leave you with a firmer body with reshaped contours in certain areas.
Labiaplasty
The dimensions of the labia may change following childbirth. Labiaplasty can address this by decreasing the size of the inner labia and altering the shape of the lips. The procedure ensures that the labia minora sit behind the frame of the labia majora.
What Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Can Do
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but it also changes the body. Dr Ellis Choy’s post-pregnancy body contouring offers a range of procedures and treatment options.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of post-pregnancy body contouring and what these procedures can do.
Assist with Fat Reduction
We have already mentioned the tummy tuck procedure. During this procedure, we will reduce fat on the waist and other areas, which may have accumulated during pregnancy, delivering a more toned figure. Click here to learn more about the tummy tuck and to see before and after images of this cosmetic surgery procedure.
Of course, it is important to remember that the procedure will only assist with fat reduction in the short-term. The fat you lose as part of the procedure will return unless you support the procedure with exercise and a healthy diet.
Removal of Excess Skin After Weight Loss
A by-product of weight loss is excess skin. This is because, while exercise burns fat, it has no effect on the skin which once covered this fat. As the fat reduces, the skin is left behind.
While the skin may return to its former shape and size after pregnancy, repeated pregnancies may result in excess skin, as the body finds it increasingly difficult to regenerate tissue in the dermal layer.
This excess skin is no longer taut and tight against the flesh beneath. Instead, it hangs loosely, creating bulges and droopy areas. Over time, this tends to grow worse because ageing skin loses its elasticity.
As part of a post-pregnancy body contouring procedure, we address this by reducing the excess skin and creating a more toned body contour.
Reversal of the Effects of Breast feeding
Breast feeding your child is one of the most natural and beautiful processes for a mother and baby. However, it can also significantly alter your breasts, particularly your nipples.
Nipples can become stretched, areolas can become distorted and disproportioned, and the breasts themselves can become heavy, drooping and asymmetrical.
As part of post-pregnancy body contouring, our team works to reverse these issues, reconstructing the breasts and producing a firmer, shapelier and more symmetrical bust.
There are several ways we can achieve this, including breast reduction, breast lift and breast augmentation.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Recovery & Results
Like any surgical procedure, post-pregnancy body contouring comes with its own set of risks. Some of the potential risks and complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, unfavourable scarring and asymmetrical results. The specific risks can vary depending on the combination of procedures performed. Dr Choy will review the risks of surgery during your consultation.
Recovery time can also vary depending on the extent of the procedures performed. However, side effects such as discomfort, swelling and bruising are always to be expected in treated areas. Patients are advised to take time off from work and other daily activities and rest during the initial healing process. Dr Choy will provide post-operative instructions and prescribe medication to help manage pain.
In some cases, surgical drains may be used. Compression garments are also an important part of recovery from body contouring procedures. These garments help reduce swelling, support healing tissues and help the body conform to its new shape. Patients typically wear compression garments for six to eight weeks after abdominal or body contouring procedures.
How Long Does Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Last?
The results of post-pregnancy body contouring may last for years with a healthy lifestyle. Please note that no surgery is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. You must be prepared to maintain your results with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Will I Have Scars After Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring?
Some amount of scarring will also be present, though Dr Choy will minimise visibility by placing incisions in discreet locations. Incision lines should fade over time and become less noticeable.
What to Expect From Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Aftercare
After a post-pregnancy surgery, we will give you instructions for supporting surgical healing and managing expected effects such as swelling, bruising and temporary physical limitations. You will need to wear your compression garments continuously during the first stage of your recovery to minimise swelling and support healing tissues. It is also important to follow incision care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.
Short walks can begin early in recovery and are encouraged to promote circulation. However, you will be instructed to avoid heavy lifting or workouts for six weeks, or until Dr Choy clears you.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Before and After
Click here to view our post-pregnancy body contouring before and after photos
Sydney-area patients may contact Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy when considering a post-pregnancy body contouring procedure. He spends a substantial amount of time with each patient during their consultation to map out each woman’s unique goals carefully, so he can great a surgical plan based on their specific details.
Want to get started? Have any questions for Dr Ellis Choy and his team? Get in touch with us today.
*The information about post-pregnancy body contouring was reviewed by Dr Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For post-pregnancy body contouring surgery, these include:
- Breast surgery risks and complications, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and breastfeeding challenges
- Liposuction risks and complications, such as contour irregularities, skin laxity, skin numbness, and internal organ damage
- Abdominoplasty risks and complications, such as temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, navel malposition or deformity, and unfavourable scarring
- Extended anaesthetic exposure due to multiple procedures being performed simultaneously
- Longer recovery time and significant postoperative restrictions
Next Steps
Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
Am I a suitable candidate for post-pregnancy body contouring?
You may be considered for post-pregnancy body contouring if you are in stable health, have completed breastfeeding and childbearing, and are not planning further pregnancies. A stable weight is also important, since weight changes can impact both your suitability for surgery and the long-term outcome. We will talk to you to make sure you have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what can and cannot be addressed through surgery.
Can I fix post-pregnancy changes with diet and exercise?
Diet and exercise support general health and are encouraged after childbirth, but they cannot repair separated abdominal muscles, tighten excess skin or adjust breast position. These concerns typically require surgical intervention. Non-surgical options may also be considered in some cases, but their effects are limited compared to surgery.
How long after pregnancy can I have this surgery?
You may be able to consider surgery at least six months after childbirth, once your weight has stabilised and you are done breastfeeding. Ongoing physical changes can affect surgical planning and also your results. If you are unsure whether the timing is right, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.
Can I breastfeed after post-pregnancy body contouring?
Many women can. However, some procedures included in post-pregnancy surgery, such as breast augmentation or breast lift, may affect your ability to breastfeed. The impact depends on the techniques used and the extent of the surgery. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, it’s important to discuss this during your consultation so it can be considered in the surgical planning.
Can post-pregnancy body contouring help me lose weight?
Post-pregnancy body contouring is not a weight loss procedure. The surgery is intended to adjust the shape of your body, and while some fat may be removed, the volume is limited. We recommend that you are at a healthy and stable weight before considering surgery, both for your safety and for your results.
What is the difference between liposuction and abdominoplasty?
Liposuction removes isolated fat deposits through small incisions but does not tighten skin or repair separated muscles. Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. In post-pregnancy cases, both procedures may be considered together or used separately.
Will I have scars after post-pregnancy body contouring?
Scarring is an expected outcome of any surgery that involves incisions. The location and length of scars will depend on the procedures performed, but Dr Choy places them where they can be concealed under clothing or in natural folds of skin. While scars from these surgeries will not fully fade, they can become less noticeable over time, especially with the right scar care protocol and additional cosmetic treatments.
Why did AHPRA ban the term “mummy makeover”?
The term “mummy makeover” is no longer permitted under AHPRA’s advertising guidelines due to concerns that it trivialises the nature of surgery and appeals to emotional or social motivations that fall outside of acceptable medical advertising standards in Australia. The term may imply that natural post-pregnancy bodily changes are abnormal, undesirable or need “fixing”. This is far from the truth, and women should only consider cosmetic surgery postpartum if they want it for personal, healthy reasons.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to post-pregnancy body contouring?
Non-surgical options such as ultrasound or radiofrequency-based treatments can address mild skin laxity and make the tissue firm and lifted. These treatments may be suitable for those who are not ready for surgery or who wish to complement previous procedures. However, they do not remove excess skin or repair separated muscles, and the extent of improvement is typically more limited.
What is diastasis recti, and why does pregnancy cause it?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscle, which can occur when the connective tissue in the abdominal wall stretches. During pregnancy, the growing uterus places pressure on this tissue, and many women find that they have a large gap between the abdominal muscles that does not heal on its own, even with stomach exercises. This separation can cause weakness in the core and bulging in the abdomen.
Does combining multiple surgeries increase risk?
Combining procedures during post-pregnancy body contouring may increase operative time and recovery demands, which influences the overall risk profile. However, it also reduces the need for multiple separate surgeries and anaesthetic sessions. All potential risks and benefits will be discussed during your consultation.
How much does post-pregnancy body contouring cost in Sydney?
The cost of post-pregnancy body contouring in Sydney depends on the number and type of procedures performed, surgical duration, hospital fees, anaesthetic fees and post-operative care requirements. Because every surgery is different, a detailed quote can only be provided after an in-person consultation. Some procedures may involve a Medicare item number if they meet specific eligibility criteria, which may affect the total cost. On average, post-pregnancy body contouring with breast and body surgeries costs between $30,000 and $40,000.
How long will the results from post-pregnancy body contouring last?
The results of post-pregnancy body contouring may be long-lasting if supported by a stable weight and no further pregnancies. However, the body continues to change with age, and future lifestyle factors or medical conditions can affect the surgical outcome. While revision surgery is not commonly required, it may be considered if further changes occur.
Learn More With a Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Consultation in Sydney
Dr Ellis Choy is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with dual qualifications in both General and Plastic Surgery and a particular interest in body contouring procedures. He is known for his thorough approach to surgical planning and his focus on delivering treatment options that align with individual anatomy. Dr Choy is based in Sydney and performs surgery in accredited hospital settings.
To request a consultation or learn more about post-pregnancy surgery, please contact us through our website or call us on (02) 8962 9388.