Post-Pregnancy Body Changes & Surgical Options to Address Them

Mon 6th Jul 2026

Your body goes through monumental changes during pregnancy, which is a lot to keep up with. Then, after your baby is born, there will be more emotional and physical changes that will come your way. Some of these changes, especially during the initial postpartum period, are temporary, while others take months or are permanent.

This article looks at the longer-lasting changes your body undergoes. It’s important to remember, though, that postpartum changes are a natural part of life, and many women are not negatively affected by them. However, if, after pregnancy, you have areas of your body that you would like to have surgically addressed, there may be options available.

Pelvic Floor

Your pelvic floor is like a muscular hammock that sits between your pubic bone and the front of your tailbone. When contracted, it lifts the internal organs and tightens the opening of the urethra, vagina and anus. After the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles can weaken and cause a range of problems, from incontinence, urge frequency, pain or even prolapse. This is very normal, affecting approximately one in three postpartum women.

Fortunately, treating postpartum pelvic floor issues can be highly effective if done correctly. If you have significant issues, it’s recommended that you see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. They can provide personalised evaluations, hands-on manual therapy and biofeedback to help assess your muscles and gently guide you back to full function.

Abdominal Wall Separation (Diastasis Recti)

Diastasis recti (aka rectus diastasis) occurs when there is stretching and separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the central midline. Your rectus muscles are the two large parallel muscles in your stomach that run from your pubic bone up to the lower ribs. You may know them as your ‘6-pack’. They are covered with a thick sheet of fascia and divided into two by central connective tissue called the linea alba.

As your baby grows inside your womb, it forces the linea alba to stretch apart. This can leave a noticeable gap between the two bands.

If you have diastasis recti, you may have noticed the following:

• a (two or more fingers) gap between your rectus muscles
• a protruding tummy below the navel
• when contracting your abdominals, your belly domes outwards
• poor posture or lower back pain
• weakness in your abdominals, difficulty lifting objects or exercising, or problems with your pelvic floor

Sometimes, after a few months following pregnancy, the diastasis recti can repair on its own. Often, though, some physical rehabilitation is required, such as physiotherapy and/or a guided exercise program to help close the gap.

For some women, though, the diastasis remains, even after the best rehabilitation efforts, and surgery is often recommended. This can be performed on its own or during an Abdominoplasty.

An Abdominoplasty can be advantageous for some postpartum women who have also been left with loose, excess skin and stretch marks, and possibly some stubborn pockets of fat in their abdominal region, as it addresses these issues.

During the procedure, excess skin and tissue in the abdominal region are removed, the abdominal wall is tightened, and any hernias present are repaired.

There are various types of Abdominoplasties, created to meet the varying needs of individuals. You can read more about Abdominoplasty surgery here >

Skin Changes

Sudden drops in oestrogen and progesterone often drive skin changes after pregnancy. This can create dryness, hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation (melasma).

Nine months of skin stretching can commonly lead to both stretch marks and skin laxity in various areas of the body. Often, stretch marks appear on the tummy, hips and breasts. Most stretch marks will fade over time, typically turning from a darker (red or purple) colour to white or silver and slowly reducing in size.

Breast Changes

Your breasts will go through multiple changes during this time. At first, during pregnancy, they will enlarge as your natural breast tissue and skin expand and stretch. After childbirth, if you breastfeed, they will fluctuate in size with every feed. Once you have finished breastfeeding, your breasts will slowly contract. And, as they have been subjected to both expansion and contraction, your breast tissue will weaken. This can cause them to sag.

It’s important to note that postpartum breast sagging is a result of the physical changes of pregnancy and not breastfeeding. Studies indicate that, despite popular belief, breastfeeding does not damage breast tissues or ligaments. It’s important to understand this and not let the issue of breast sagging influence your decision to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding does cause temporary changes, though, as we’ve highlighted above. Further, when you stop breastfeeding, the milk-producing tissue is slowly replaced by fatty tissue, a process that can take up to 6 months. During this transitory time, your breasts may feel empty.

After the six-month mark, your breasts will have recovered from the pregnancy and will arrive at their ‘new normal’. Depending on various factors such as your age, genetics, weight fluctuations, number of pregnancies and skin quality, your breasts may have sagged a little or a lot.

If you’re not happy with the appearance of your breasts and would like to consider surgery, there are options. For example, if you’re not so concerned with a small amount of droop (ptosis) but would like more volume, a Breast Augmentation may be an option to consider.

If you have mild-to-moderate droop (ptosis) and would also like more volume, Dr Dona may suggest a BIO Lift™. This is a technique that provides a moderate lift to the breasts while providing volume with an implant. Unlike other breast lifting procedures, there are no scars, other than a small (approx 5 cm) inframammary scar, that lies in the breast fold.

If, after completing a family, you have found that your breasts have considerably dropped or sagged, and you would like this issue addressed, a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) may be suggested. This is a surgical procedure created to address breast drooping or sagging (ptosis). It aims to alter the shape of and elevate the breast by repositioning the nipple, removing excess skin and tightening loose tissue in the lower breast. Unlike a Breast Augmentation (with implants), a Mastopexy does not add volume. Instead, the procedure can produce a firmer, more elevated breast.

Finally, if you want to address a significant breast droop and add volume, a combined Breast Lift and Augmentation (aka Mastopexy Augmentation) may be suggested. This procedure is best suited for individuals with minimal breast tissue, and there are limitations as to the size of the implant used. Patients should keep in mind that approximately 20% may benefit from further surgery to fine-tune the results.

Weight Changes

It’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy to support your baby. After childbirth, it can take several months to return to your pre-pregnancy weight. Weight loss usually occurs gradually after birth, but healthy eating and gentle exercise, such as walking, can help shed the extra kilos. Breastfeeding can help, too.

It’s important you don’t rush your weight loss, though. If you plan to return to your prepregnancy weight, you can expect it to take several months, or even longer.

Body Contour Changes

Post-pregnancy changes can affect numerous parts of the body. Due to a combination of hormonal shifts and weight fluctuations, you may notice skin laxity in the abdominal region, breasts, arms, buttocks and thighs.

This excess skin has lost its elasticity and won’t ‘shrink’ back to its former size. In some cases, when an individual has lost significant weight, it can feel like they’re wearing oversized clothing that no longer fits.

Redundant skin can also cause health and functional issues. You may experience rashes or skin infections, or have trouble fitting into certain clothing or even exercising. Body Contouring surgery is designed to address these issues.

Body Contouring surgery encompasses a range of surgical reconstructive procedures that are tailored to you to address the functional and aesthetic issues that arise following significant weight loss and/or pregnancy.

Some individuals may require only one procedure, such as an Abdominoplasty, while others may require multiple procedures, such as a Breast Lift (Mastopexy), Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), or Thigh Lift (Thighplasty). Sometimes procedures can be combined into a single surgery, while in other cases a staged surgical plan may be advised. It all depends on the individual’s body and requirements.

You can read more about Body Contouring procedures here >

Potential Risks and Complications

All surgery carries risks. Before proceeding, you must be fully aware of these risks.

BREAST LIFT: Along with general surgical risks related to any surgery, potential risks and complications associated with a Breast Lift include scarring, breast asymmetry, changes in nipple or areolar sensation, loss of nipple and areolar tissue, inability to breastfeed, breast lumps, breast ptosis, upper pole emptiness, inadequate cleavage and revision surgery.

BREAST AUGMENTATION & BIO LIFT™: In addition to the general surgical risks associated with any surgery, potential risks and complications of a Breast Augmentation or BIO Lift™ include implant rupture, capsular contracture, rippling or visible folds of the implant, double bubble (a contour irregularity along the lower breast), and symmastia (implants positioned too close together).

For a full breakdown of all risks and complications associated with each procedure mentioned in this article, please see the individual procedure pages.

Book A Consultation With Dr Eddy Dona

If you’d like to address post-pregnancy changes with your body, the first step is to book an appointment with Dr Eddy Dona in his Sydney-based rooms.

During the appointment, you can discuss your concerns, have Dr Dona thoroughly examine you and review your medical history.

If he determines that surgery may be considered, he will explain the surgical approach, outline the expected recovery and discuss potential risks and complications. He will also take the time to answer any of your questions, so you feel fully informed before making any decisions.

References:

Raising Children Network: Your body after baby: what to expect

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Bladder weakness (incontinence) after birth