Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
(Abdominoplasty) Tummy Tuck Sydney
In today’s culture, most people aim to maintain a balanced lifestyle, mental well-being and to stay fit.
Despite disciplined efforts, having and maintaining a toned abdomen becomes a more difficult task as we age.
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that is designed to impact the appearance of the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal region.
In this operation, the excess skin and fat (love handles) are removed, and your central core muscles are reconstituted to the midline with surgical repair. The underlying abdominal muscles are also tightened and repositioned to create a flatter and more toned appearance. This may help to alleviate back pain and improve core strength.
It is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that is commonly sought after by individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have undergone multiple pregnancies, resulting in a sagging or protruding abdomen.
This issue is often the result of the stretch from childbirth and the rectus sheath (around the 6-pack muscle) stretches further apart, often resulting in back pain and a wide girth. This procedure is usually done with liposculpturing around the waist and the mid-upper abdomen with the aim of placing the scar along your lower abdomen, usually below the waistline.
Abdominoplasty Consultations
If you are looking to undergo a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, it is very important to have a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Johnny Kwei. Your chosen surgeon will work with you to determine your overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine if abdominoplasty is a suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are generally quite fit and only looking to remove some loose skin on the lower part of your abdomen, you may even be suitable for a mini abdominoplasty as opposed to a full abdominoplasty or extended abdominoplasty.
It’s important to note that while abdominoplasty can be an effective way to improve the appearance of the abdomen, it is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, nor is it a form of weight loss surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle incorporating a healthy diet and exercise regimen is important to maintaining the results of the surgery over time.
It is most suited for patients who have already lost that unwanted weight and have been weight stable for 6 months or more. This surgery can take between 2-4 hours and it is advisable to take at least 2-4 weeks off from work and refrain from doing any strenuous exercises for at least 6 weeks.
The recovery time for abdominoplasty can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but patients can typically expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the weeks following the procedure. However, most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery. Dr Kwei will assess your progress and advise accordingly.
Every care will be taken to deliver the best results, with patients wearing a compression garment for 4 – 6 weeks and starting silicone scar therapy around week 2.
It’s also important to understand the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. These complications include but are not limited to the risks of anaesthesia, bleeding, blood clots that may cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke or heart attack, risk of wound infection, scarring complications, asymmetry results and changes in sensation in the abdominal area.
During the consultation phase, Dr Johnny Kwei will discuss these risks in greater detail and provide information on how to minimise them in the lead up to surgery, and during the recovery process.
In addition to the removal of excess skin and fat, abdominoplasty often includes liposuction around the waist and mid-upper abdomen. Combining liposuction with abdominoplasty can help to create a more comprehensive improvement in the appearance of the abdominal area.
In some cases, Medicare will cover abdominoplasty surgery under Medicare item number 30175.
This item number benefits the subset of patients who have a diastasis (abdominal muscle separation) of at least 3 centimetres post-pregnancy (as determined through diagnostic imaging) and are experiencing moderate severity of pain or discomfort at the site. Other women experiencing symptoms that may include back pain or urinary symptoms may also be eligible to claim this item number.
In any instance, the level of cover you will receive from Medicare will be determined by your unique circumstances, and it is best to check with your surgeon before making any assumptions. Additionally, the overall cost of the procedure is determined by your circumstances and will be determined during the consultation phase. To find out more, please contact us.
There are various types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures out there. These include the radical abdominoplasty and the fleur de lis abdominoplasty in addition to mini abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty and extended abdominoplasty.
Additionally, there are several versions of each abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure performed by surgeons depending on your needs: Mini tummy tucks, full tummy tucks, and extended tummy tucks.
Ultimately, the right type abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for you will be determined in conjunction with your surgeon during the consultation phase, based on your circumstances and the body contouring results you desire.
The benefits of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery can include improved posture, better fitting clothes, and a reduced risk of certain health problems. However, it is a major surgical procedure that carries some risks and should only be considered after consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
It is likely that you will have visible scars after a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery, but your surgeon will make every effort to minimise them and make the incisions in areas that can be easily hidden by clothing. They may also provide instructions for scar care to help reduce their appearance over time.
You may see some improvement in your abdominal contour immediately after a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery, but it can take several weeks or months for the final results to fully develop as the tissues heal and swelling subsides. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results.
At Johnny Kwei Plastic Surgery, your well-being and satisfaction are our top priorities. Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that can help you achieve a flatter and more toned abdomen. While modern surgery is generally regarded as secure, it does have the potential for risks and complications to occur and it is important you are aware of them. The risks and potential complications associated with abdominoplasty surgery include but are not limited to:
- Risks and complications of anaesthesia.
- Allergic reactions to materials used: e.g. suture materials, dressings, tapes, or topical preparations.
- Asymmetry results between right and left sides of abdomen.
- The navel may have unusual shape as the skin around it is removed and tightened.
- Bruising and swelling.
- Wound Infection.
- Pain and Discomfort.
- Haematoma: an accumulation of blood (haematoma) may occur around the surgical site. If this happens, it may require drainage to promote proper healing.
- Visible and Prominent Scars: Following abdominoplasty, visible and prominent scars including keloid or hypertrophic scars may develop.
- Skin discolouration.
- Numbness: Temporary numbness around the operated sites is common after abdominoplasty. Sensation usually improves gradually over several months as the nerves regenerate.
- Slow or Delayed Healing.
- Restricted Movement: Tightened skin and underlying tissues may initially limit your ability to bend forward or perform certain movements.
- Seroma: Excess fluid accumulation (seroma) under the skin around the operated site is a possible complication.
- Blood Loss and Transfusion: In the event of significant blood loss during surgery, it may become necessary to administer a blood transfusion.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a leg or the chest (deep venous thrombosis) that will require further treatment. It is rare that a clot can move to the lungs and become life-threatening.
- Nausea, typically caused by anaesthesia, may occur after surgery. This transient symptom usually settles down quickly during the recovery period.
- Unfulfilled expectations and unfavourable cosmetic results.
- The need for revision or follow up surgery.
During your comprehensive consultation, Dr Kwei will discuss these potential risks and complications in detail with you. He will address any questions or concerns you have.
After your abdominoplasty surgery, your surgeon may apply dressings or bandages to your incisions. To minimize swelling and provide support to your abdomen during the healing process, you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or provided with a compression garment. Additionally, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate.
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on post-operative care. These instructions may include:
- How to properly care for the surgical site and drains.
- Instructions on how to apply medications or take medications orally to aid in healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Specific concerns to look out for at the surgical site or in your overall health.
- When to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon for evaluation and monitoring of your recovery progress.
It is essential to refrain from smoking during your recovery period. Smoking can significantly contribute to wound breakdown, delayed healing, and other health complications. Therefore, it is strongly advised to abstain from smoking to support optimal healing and minimize potential risks.
Remember to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions closely. By adhering to these guidelines, caring for your surgical site, and giving yourself ample time to heal, you can expect to achieve the best possible results from your abdominoplasty surgery.