Post-Pregnancy SurgeryBody Restoration After Pregnancy
Surgical procedures to address physical changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding — including abdominal skin laxity, muscle separation, and changes in breast shape — from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
Post-pregnancy body restoration
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can bring significant physical changes to the body — including abdominal skin laxity, muscle separation (diastasis recti), changes in breast volume and shape, and other concerns that may not fully resolve with diet and exercise alone.
Post-pregnancy body restoration — sometimes referred to as a mummy makeover — combines surgical procedures tailored to address the specific changes each patient has experienced. There is no single standard procedure; your surgical plan is designed around your individual concerns and priorities.
At Coastal Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will take time at consultation to understand your concerns, assess your anatomy, and work with you to develop a staged or combined surgical plan that prioritises your safety and your goals.
Important timing consideration
It is generally recommended to wait at least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy and after you have finished breastfeeding before considering surgery. Your weight should also be stable. Surgery is recommended only once you have completed your family, as future pregnancies may affect surgical outcomes.
Common concerns addressed
What may be addressed
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Addresses excess abdominal skin and repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) — a structural change that cannot be corrected through exercise alone. Often the most significant procedure in a post-pregnancy restoration plan.
- Removes excess abdominal skin
- Repairs muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- Medicare rebate may apply in some cases
Breast lift (Mastopexy)
Addresses changes in breast shape and position that can follow pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reshapes and repositions the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex without adding or removing volume.
- Addresses ptosis (drooping) of the breast
- Repositions nipple-areola complex
- Can be combined with augmentation or reduction
Breast augmentation or reduction
Where significant volume has been lost after breastfeeding, augmentation with implants or fat transfer may be considered. Where breasts remain enlarged, reduction may be appropriate. Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable option.
- Augmentation to restore volume
- Reduction if breasts remain large
- Combined with lift where required
Liposuction
Where localised areas of fat have persisted following pregnancy, liposuction may be considered as part of a combined procedure to address body contour alongside abdominal and breast surgery.
- Addresses localised fat deposits
- Commonly combined with abdominoplasty
- Flanks, hips, and thighs
Planning your surgery
How we plan your care
- 1
Comprehensive consultation
Your surgeon takes a thorough history, assesses all areas of concern, and listens carefully to your priorities. A personalised surgical plan — including which procedures, staging, and timing — is developed with you.
- 2
Timing and eligibility
Waiting until breastfeeding has ceased, weight is stable, and your family is complete is important for safety and long-term outcomes. Medicare eligibility for applicable procedures (e.g. diastasis recti repair, breast reduction) is assessed.
- 3
Combined or staged procedures
Some procedures can be safely combined in a single operation. Others are better staged separately for safety and recovery. Your surgeon will advise on the safest and most effective approach for your situation.
- 4
Recovery planning
Practical planning for recovery is essential — particularly arranging childcare and help at home. Your surgeon will provide a clear timeline for each procedure so you can plan ahead.
- 5
Follow-up care
The Coastal Plastic Surgery team supports you throughout recovery with scheduled reviews, wound care guidance, and ongoing availability to address any concerns.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Recovery timelines depend on the specific procedures performed. As a general guide for combined abdominoplasty and breast surgery:
Days 1 – 3
Hospital and rest at home
1–2 nights in hospital. Arrange practical help at home — you will not be able to lift children or carry heavy items. Rest with the upper body slightly elevated.
Weeks 1 – 2
Wound review
Drains and dressings reviewed. Most patients can manage light personal tasks. Childcare support is still needed. Return to light desk work is possible for some patients.
Weeks 3 – 6
Gradual return to activity
Most daily activities resume. Lifting restrictions remain for 6 weeks. Light exercise is gradually introduced as cleared by your surgeon.
3 – 6 months
Intended result becoming apparent
Swelling has resolved and the intended surgical outcomes are generally apparent. Scars are maturing and softening with ongoing scar care.
Fees
Costs and Medicare
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Abdominoplasty | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Breast procedure | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Combining procedures
Combining procedures increases total anaesthesia time and surgical complexity. Your surgeon carefully assesses what is safely achievable in a single operation for your specific health status.
Future pregnancies
Future pregnancies can significantly affect surgical outcomes, particularly abdominal muscle repair and breast shape. Surgery is generally recommended only once your family is complete.
Wound healing
Adequate rest and help at home — especially with infant care — is essential for healing. Returning to full activity too soon increases wound healing risks.
Breastfeeding
It is recommended to wait until breastfeeding has completely ceased before breast surgery, as hormone-related breast changes can affect outcomes.
Weight stability
Significant weight changes after surgery can affect outcomes, particularly abdominal contouring results. Reaching and maintaining a stable weight before surgery is important.
Individual procedure risks
Each procedure within the plan carries its own individual risks, which are discussed fully at your consultation. Please refer to the individual procedure pages for detailed information.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionIt is generally recommended to wait at least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy, until breastfeeding has fully ceased, and until your weight has been stable for several months. Surgery is also generally recommended only once you have completed your family, as future pregnancies can affect outcomes.
In suitable patients, abdominoplasty and breast surgery can be safely combined in a single operation. Your surgeon will assess your overall health, planned extent of surgery, and anaesthesia time to determine whether combined or staged procedures are more appropriate for your situation.
Some components of post-pregnancy surgery may attract a Medicare rebate. Diastasis recti (muscle separation) repair as part of abdominoplasty and medically necessary breast reduction are examples where rebates may apply. Each case is assessed individually at consultation.
Recovery depends on the procedures performed. For combined abdominoplasty and breast surgery, most patients need 2–3 weeks before returning to light desk work, with full activity restricted for 6 weeks. Practical help at home — particularly with infant and child care — is essential for the first 2–4 weeks.
Surgery performed after you have finished breastfeeding does not typically affect breastfeeding in a future pregnancy, though this cannot be guaranteed. If you are considering future pregnancies, discuss this with your surgeon so the most appropriate techniques are planned.
Costs vary significantly depending on the number and type of procedures. Each is quoted individually and transparently at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Where Medicare eligibility applies, rebates can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Post-pregnancy body restoration at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in post-pregnancy body restoration procedures, working with patients to develop safe and carefully considered surgical plans.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in combined post-pregnancy procedures, providing thorough consultations to understand each patient's individual concerns.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a supportive and patient-centred approach to post-pregnancy surgery, taking time to understand each patient's priorities and health circumstances.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.