Surgery For Mums - Combined Abdominoplasty & Breast Augmentation

Personalised abdominal and breast surgery after pregnancy in Sydney, performed by specialist plastic surgeon Dr Frank Hsieh.
Tailored combinations of body contouring procedures, designed around you.

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What Is a Mummy Makeover?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are transformative experiences, but they can leave lasting physical changes that diet and exercise alone may not address. A mummy makeover is a customised combination of surgical procedures such as Breast Augmentation and Abdominoplasty.

At his Sydney practice, Dr Frank Hsieh tailors each surgery for mums to the individual.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr Frank Hsieh takes time to understand your specific concerns, your anatomy, and your goals, then develops a surgical plan that addresses them comprehensively.

Common Concerns We Address

  • Excess or lax abdominal skin following pregnancy.
  • Repair of abdominal muscle separation (Diastasis Recti).
  • Changes to breast volume or position (Breast Ptosis).
  • Localised fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise.
  • Changes to body proportions and contour following childbirth.
  • Combined Surgical Approach

Dr Frank Hsieh provides tailored surgical plans that may involve multiple procedures performed during a single operation. This approach is determined by a patient’s specific clinical needs and physical health. A combined procedure involves one period of general anaesthesia and a single, albeit more complex, recovery phase. Dr Frank will discuss the risks associated with longer operative times and the comprehensive aftercare required for multiple surgical sites.

Procedures That May be Included

Every surgery is uniquely planned. Depending on your goals, Dr Frank Hsieh may recommend one or more of the following procedures, performed together in a single session:

Abdominoplasty

Removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall muscles to change the abdominal area.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Lifts and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness and position after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The nipple and areola can be repositioned, altering the contour and appearance.

Breast Augmentation

Restores volume to deflated or asymmetric breasts using implants or fat grafting. Can be combined with a breast lift for a more comprehensive result.

Breast Reduction

For women whose breasts have increased significantly in size post-pregnancy, reduction can relieve physical discomfort and improve proportion and balance.

Liposuction

Removes stubborn fat deposits from the abdomen, flanks, hips, or thighs that have not responded to diet and exercise. Often combined with an abdominoplasty for optimal body contouring.

Body Contouring Surgeries

Body contouring surgery includes a range of procedures performed to address excess skin and reshape certain areas of the body following pregnancy.

Am I A Good Candidate?

What to Consider Before Proceeding

You may be considered a suitable candidate for post birth combined surgical procedures in Sydney if:

  • You have completed your family and do not plan further pregnancies
  • You are at or close to your stable, healthy weight
  • You have excess abdominal skin, muscle separation, or changes to breast shape that have not responded to diet and exercise
  • You are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking well before surgery
  • You are in good general health with no significant uncontrolled medical conditions
  • You have realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot achieve

A mummy makeover is not a weight loss procedure. It is best suited to women who are close to their ideal weight and looking to address skin, muscle, and contour changes specifically related to pregnancy.

Dr Frank Hsieh will assess your suitability during a thorough consultation and will only recommend surgery when he believes it is safe and appropriate for you.

The Combined Body Contouring Process with Dr Frank

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Step 1: Initial Consultation

Once you have your required GP referral, you will meet with Dr Frank Hsieh to discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history. Dr Frank Hsieh will examine the areas of concern and talk you through which procedures may be appropriate for you. There is no pressure, this is an information-gathering conversation.

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Step 2: Personalised Surgical Plan

If you decide to proceed, Dr Frank Hsieh will prepare a tailored surgical plan outlining the recommended procedures, the sequence of surgery, expected outcomes, and all associated risks. A detailed written quote will be provided.

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Step 3: Pre-Surgery Preparation

You will be given pre-operative instructions covering lifestyle adjustments (including ceasing smoking), medications to avoid, and what to organise at home for your recovery. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before surgery.

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Step 4: Surgery Day

Your surgery is performed under general anaesthetic at an accredited private hospital in Sydney. Dr Frank Hsieh performs all surgeries himself. Hospital stay is typically 1–2 nights, depending on the combination of procedures.

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Step 5: Recovery & Follow-Up

Dr Frank Hsieh’s team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions. Follow-up appointments are included to monitor your healing and address any questions throughout your recovery.

Dr Frank operating

Risks & Considerations

Like all surgical procedures, a mummy makeover carries inherent risks. Dr Frank Hsieh believes strongly in informed consent, he will discuss all risks with you thoroughly during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.

Potential risks and complications may include:

  • Bleeding or haematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
  • Infection requiring antibiotic treatment
  • Poor wound healing or wound breakdown, particularly in smokers
  • Asymmetry or changes in sensation
  • Scarring – all incisions will leave scars, which typically fade over time
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – risk is minimised through careful surgical planning and early mobilisation
  • Risks associated with general anaesthesia – your anaesthetist will discuss these separately prior to surgery
  • The need for revision surgery in some cases

Your Individual Risk Assessment

Dr Frank Hsieh will assess your individual risk factors, including your medical history, BMI, smoking status, and the specific combination of procedures planned. Your safety is the first priority in all treatment decisions.

Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Sydney FAQs

The cost of a mummy makeover varies significantly depending on the combination of procedures, the complexity of surgery, and the hospital and anaesthetist fees. Dr Frank Hsieh will provide a detailed written quote following your consultation, covering all associated costs.

Medicare and private health insurance may contribute to certain components where reconstructive criteria are met, for example, if muscle repair for diastasis recti or breast reduction is indicated.

Surgery typically takes between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the number and type of procedures being performed. Dr Frank Hsieh will give you a more specific estimate during your consultation, once a personalised surgical plan has been developed.

Most patients require 2-4 weeks off work for desk-based roles. If your job involves physical labour or lifting, you may need 6 weeks or more before returning. Dr Frank Hsieh will provide guidance specific to your procedures and your employment requirements.

Yes. All surgical procedures leave scars. Dr Frank Hsieh places incisions as discreetly as possible, typically within the bikini line and breast fold. Scars are usually pink and raised initially, then gradually fade to a pale, flat line over 12-18 months. Dr Frank Hsieh’s team will provide guidance on scar care after surgery.

Breastfeeding may be affected depending on the breast procedures included in your makeover. Breast augmentation and lift procedures can sometimes affect the ability to breastfeed. This is an important topic to discuss with Dr Frank Hsieh during your consultation, especially if you are considering future pregnancies.

Most of the swelling resolves within 6-12 weeks. However, final results, including scar maturation and full contour changes, typically take 6-12 months to become fully visible. Scars continue to improve for up to 2 years.

While there is no medical reason why you cannot fall pregnant after a mummy makeover, it is generally recommended to complete your family before having surgery. A subsequent pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles again and may alter the results of the procedures.

Dr Frank Hsieh will discuss this with you during your consultation.

Some components of a mummy makeover may attract a Medicare rebate where there is a clinical need, for example, repair of diastasis recti (muscle separation), or breast reduction for macromastia. Other components, such as breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons, are not covered by Medicare. Dr Frank Hsieh’s team can assist you in understanding what may or may not be claimable following your consultation.

Why Choose Dr Frank Hsieh?

Choosing the right surgeon for a mummy makeover is one of the most important decisions you will make. Dr Frank Hsieh is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Sydney, with accreditation from the Australasian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS).

  • Specialist training: As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Frank Hsieh has undergone rigorous, accredited surgical training. This specialist qualification distinguishes his expertise in performing complex aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
  • Personalised approach: Every mummy makeover plan is developed specifically for you. Dr Frank Hsieh does not use a standardised package – he assesses your anatomy, discusses your goals, and recommends only what is clinically appropriate.
  • Hospital-based surgery: All procedures are performed at an accredited private hospital in Sydney under the care of a specialist anaesthetist – never in a day spa or non-accredited facility.
  • Continuity of care: Dr Frank Hsieh personally performs all surgeries and is available to his patients throughout the recovery process.
  • Honest advice: If surgery is not in your best interest, Dr Frank Hsieh will tell you.
  • He does not recommend procedures unless he believes they will genuinely benefit you.

Request Your Surgical Consultation in Sydney

Take the first step. Contact Dr Frank Hsieh’s Sydney practice to book a confidential consultation. There is no obligation to proceed.

Dr Frank Hsieh will answer your questions and help you understand all your options.

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