Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, or commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. It is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, which can lead to loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. The procedure can help improve the appearance and contour of the abdomen, enhancing both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
A good candidate for a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is someone who is in good overall health who has excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that does not respond to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing, resulting in loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. While abdominoplasty can be a cosmetic procedure, it is also reconstructive in that it is necessary to:
- Correct abdominal abnormalities caused by extensive weight loss
- Improve the function of abdominal muscles and pelvic floor
- Remove a large and distressing apron of fat or “pannus”
When is abdominoplasty medically necessary?
In some cases, Medicare rebates may be accessed for Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty surgery. It may be that the redundant skin and fat interferes with the activities of daily living or perhaps you’re experiencing rectus diastasis post-pregnancy.
– Read more about muscle repair/rectus diastasis
– Read more about medicare rebates for significant weight loss
If you have private health insurance, it is important to contact your provider directly to discuss your eligibility and/or the waiting periods which may apply.
How is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) performed?
Anaesthesia: The patient is administered general anaesthesia.
Incision: The surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, extending between the hip bones. The length and shape of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed.
Muscle Repair: The surgeon tightens and sutures the weakened or separated abdominal muscles, creating a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline.
Excess Skin Removal: The surgeon removes excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then pulled down and sutured together.
Navel Repositioning: If necessary, a new opening is created for the navel, which is brought out through the skin and sutured into position.
Closure: The incisions are closed with three layers of absorbable sutures. Drains are placed under the skin to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Initial Recovery: The patient is monitored in a recovery area and then typically will stay in hospital for between 2 and 4 nights depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. The patient will be placed in a post-operative garment which is to be worn for at least 6 weeks. The results of a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are visible immediately after surgery. It’s important to keep in mind that you will have significant swelling, bruising and tightness in the skin. Often patient’s experience a slight hunch after a tummy tuck until the swelling subsides and the incision has had time to heal.
Pain Management: Post-operative pain is managed with prescribed medications to ensure comfort during recovery.
Follow-up Appointments: You will have an initial review with our nurse during the first post-operative week, and at each week until your incisions are healed and your pain has resolved. Drains are typically removed by the end of the first week. Occasionally the drains may be required to stay in for longer. 6 weeks post-operatively you will have a review with Dr Cronin. Regular follow -ups with Dr Cronin at 3months, 6 months and 12months are also essential to monitor your surgical outcome.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to limit physical activities and avoid strenuous exercises for several weeks post-surgery. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but heavy lifting and intense activities should be avoided until cleared by the surgeon. Generally you can return to driving a car around 2weeks.
- Scar Care: Proper scar care is essential for optimal healing. Patients are advised on proper scar care techniques to minimise scarring. We offer a scar optimisation treatment plan for all of our surgical patients. Keeping the incision site clean and protected from sun exposure is crucial.
- Final Results: Final results of an abdominoplasty can be seen after several months, once swelling has completely subsided and tissues have settled. Patients can expect a flatter, firmer abdominal contour, with continued improvement over the first year post-surgery.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
The benefits of a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, include:
- Improved Abdominal Contour: Removes excess skin and fat, resulting in a flatter, firmer, and more toned abdomen.
- Tightened Abdominal Muscles: Repairs and tightens separated or weakened abdominal muscles, enhancing core stability and strength.
- Enhanced Posture: Strengthened abdominal muscles can lead to better posture and may reduce lower back pain.
- Reduction of Stretch Marks: Particularly those located below the navel, as this area of skin is often removed during the procedure.
- Long-Lasting Results: With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of a tummy tuck can be maintained for many years.
Before and After Gallery
Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors including genetics, age, diet, exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. Be sure you do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
For comprehensive information on the potential risks and post-surgery recovery process, please see risks associated with surgery section towards the bottom of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
If we haven’t addressed your inquiries yet, here are some frequently asked questions that may provide the information you’re looking for. However, if you still have any remaining questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic at 07 5683 0820 or via email at admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au. Our team is ready to assist you.
Yes, it is possible to combine abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) with liposuction. In fact, it is a common practice for plastic surgeons to perform both procedures together.
Abdominoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles, it can also involve the removal of some stretch marks in the lower abdominal area should that skin be removed during your procedure.
However, it’s important to note that stretch marks located above the belly button or on the upper abdomen typically cannot be directly addressed during an abdominoplasty because the focus is primarily on the lower abdomen.
The results of a Tummy Tuck are visible immediately after surgery.
The results of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can be long-lasting if the patient adheres to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancies post-surgery can affect the results.
Depending on the type of work you perform, Dr Cronin generally recommends taking 2-6weeks off work. Patients are typically able to drive 2-3weeks after their procedure. Dr Cronin will discuss this with you in detail during your consultation.
As part of your surgical plan, Dr Cronin will provide you with post-operative care instructions. It’s important to rest and follow your care plan to avoid complications or extend the time needed to recover.
An abdominoplasty performed as a stand alone surgery typically takes 2.5 hours.
Diet
A healthy diet can assist in the recovery process. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to support your body’s healing capabilities and always stay hydrated.
Smoking
If you smoke, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Support in the home
During the initial phase of recovery, you may require assistance with daily activities, particularly if you have small children or dependents. Arrange for a responsible adult to help you with household chores, childcare, or transportation during the early days after surgery.
Stay active
Regular exercise can help improve your overall fitness and assist in the recovery process.
Yes you will require a doctor’s referral to book a consultation with Dr Cronin.
If your surgery is medical in nature, a Medicare rebate for part of your consultation fee is applicable with a referral from your family doctor.
Risks associated with surgery
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.
General Operative and Anaesthetic risks
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
Specific Procedure Risks:
- Seroma
- Haematoma
- Prologned drain duration or reinsertion
- Puckering at wound edges
- Parasthesia (may be nubness or tingling)
- Change in the appearence of the umbilicus
- Prominent Scars