Abdominoplasty after pregnancy
Abdominoplasty after pregnancy: what to know about muscle repair and excess skin?
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Abdominal muscle repair and excess skin
What happens to the abdominal wall after pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch apart to make space for your baby. For some women, those muscles don’t return to the midline on their own; a condition called rectus diastasis. This can leave your core feeling weak, unsupported or disconnected, even long after giving birth.
Loose or overhanging skin is also common, especially after multiple pregnancies or large babies. This skin may rub, fold, feel heavy or affect how clothes sit on your body.
Abdominoplasty after pregnancy is a surgical procedure that addresses both muscle separation and excess skin. It may help improve abdominal wall support and function after pregnancy.
During your consultation, we’ll talk through your symptoms, your goals and whether abdominoplasty is suitable for you. There’s no pressure, just clear, personalised advice based on what’s safest for your body.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
What is abdominoplasty after childbirth?
This procedure involves repairing the abdominal muscles (called plication), and removing any loose or stretched skin from the lower abdomen.
It may include:
- Muscle tightening to bring the rectus abdominis muscles back together
- Removal of overhanging skin and soft tissue
- Repositioning of the belly button if required
- Closure of incisions using dissolvable sutures and application of dressings
Abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a medical procedure performed to address functional abdominal concerns.
Further medical information on abdominal separation is available from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Is this surgery right for me?
You may be suitable for abdominoplasty after pregnancy if:
- You’ve completed your family and your weight is stable
- You have abdominal separation (rectus diastasis) or weakness
- You have loose skin that’s causing irritation or difficulty with movement
- You’re healthy and have realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes
In some cases, abdominoplasty after pregnancy may meet the clinical criteria for a Medicare item number. This can apply when the procedure is being done to treat abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) with related symptoms such as back pain, core instability or urinary issues. A full assessment is needed to determine eligibility, and we’ll talk through this during your consultation.
Plastic surgery after childbirth
What does the abdominoplasty procedure involve?
Every body is different, but here’s what the process usually involves:
Step 1: Anaesthetic
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. You’ll meet your anaesthetist on the day, and may stay overnight depending on the procedure.
Step 2: Muscle repair and skin removal
Separated muscles are brought back together and reinforced. Excess skin and tissue are removed through an incision placed low on the abdomen. The belly button may be repositioned if needed.
Step 3: Closure and garments
Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, dressings are applied, and you’ll wear a surgical garment to support healing and reduce swelling.
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Recovery after surgery
Week 1
You may stay in the hospital for 1–2 nights. You’ll be resting, walking gently, and wearing your compression garment. As your plastic surgeon, I’ll check in with you closely during this time.
Week 2-3
You’ll attend your first follow-up appointment. Swelling and bruising are normal, and most people begin to feel more mobile. You are typically advised to avoid lifting or straining during early recovery.
Week 4-6
Most people may return to light duties and feel more comfortable moving around, depending on their recovery
When can I...?
- Return to work? Usually after 3–4 weeks, depending on your role
- Have a shower? Usually after 48 hours unless advised otherwise
- Drive? After 2–3 weeks, once you're comfortable and off strong pain relief
- Exercise? Gentle walking is encouraged; wait 6 weeks for anything high-impact
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks to be aware of. These may include:
- Infection or bleeding
- Wound healing complications
- Scarring (we’ll talk through scar care)
- Changes in sensation (temporary or long-term)
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Asymmetry or need for revision
Comprehensive written information about risks will be provided, and discussed in consultation to support informed consent.
Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
Plastic surgeon Gold Coast and Brisbane | Dr Hadj
Let’s talk about next steps
Abdominoplasty after pregnancy is focused on addressing physical concerns related to abdominal wall support and skin excess. It’s about restoring function, comfort and confidence in how your body moves and feels.
As a specialist plastic surgeon practising in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, I take the time to understand your symptoms, your goals, and the safest way forward. The consultation will provide individualised, evidence-based clinical advice on whether surgery is suitable for your case.
