BODY PROCEDURES
Adominoplasty (tummy tuck)
The aim of an abdominoplasty is to reshape the abdominal wall by addressing the shape of the muscles and removing sagging skin and excess fat from all areas of the abdomen. The best results are obtained in cases where patients have managed to lose excess weight via diet and exercise or following bariatric procedures (such as lap bands or gastric sleeves), as it results in a flatter and firmer abdomen.
I do not use pressure garments and drainage tubes after abdominoplasty procedures. In 2022 I wrote an article for the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal based on a study of 232 of my patients over 15 years who underwent an identical surgical procedure, except for the use of drains and garments in comparison to progressive tensions sutures. The outcome of this study resulted in me no longer using pressure garments and drainage tubes after abdominoplasty procedures. If you’d like to read the abstract, you’ll find it in the Publications & Media section with a link to the full article on pubmed.
Effective 1 July 2022, the Australian Government introduced a Medicare item # (30175) for abdominoplasty applicable to post-pregnancy patients who have a 3cm+ diastasis recti (split abdominal muscles). You will require an ultrasound to demonstrate the extent of the split. We can assist with this process.
If you are eligible and meet this medical criteria, you may also be eligible for a rebate from your private health insurer.
WHY WOULD I consider AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
- To correct abdominal abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, extensive weight loss, trauma, tumours or other disease
- To relieve structural defects of the abdomen such as a ‘muscle split’ after pregnancy
- To improve the function of the abdominal muscles
- To remove an apron of fat that may cause chronic conditions such as dermatitis or hygiene issues
Types of abdominoplasty surgery
This involves the removal of the loose skin beneath the belly button and the muscles in this area are tightened too. This can achieve tightness in the skin and muscles. You will have a scar that runs across the bikini line (which is not generally visible when wearing underwear or bikinis) and a scar around the belly button. The belly button will require repositioning as part of the operation.
Also known as vertical abdominoplasty, this is a more extensive excess skin reduction surgery than a traditional abdominal procedure.
It has a horizontal incision (similar to a traditional abdominoplasty) and an incision vertically up the stomach too. A traditional abdominoplasty aims to remove excess skin from the lower abdomen, whereas the aim of an FDL is to achieve a tighter appearance over the whole abdominal area.
It is particularly suitable for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have loose, stretched skin. It results in a vertical scar in addition to the horizontal scar of a full abdominoplasty. I undertake a lot of FDLs because I have a lot of post weight loss patients.
This procedure removes the excess skin below the belly button to tighten the skin, but the underlying muscle tissue is not tightened.
When appropriate, these procedures can be combined with liposuction, depending on the amount of fat the patient has in the abdominal region.
During a consultation, I will examine you and determine whether an abdominoplasty procedure is suitable for you and which one is most appropriate.
I recommend that an abdominoplasty procedure should only be considered after dieting and exercise have failed to achieve your desired look and outcome.
GENERAL Risks and complications associated with this procedure include
- All invasive surgical procedures have a degree of post-operative pain or discomfort
- Infection in the wound with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge
- Rarely, suture lines may come apart requiring prolonged dressings and secondary surgery
- Possible bleeding in the wound with swelling or bruising and possible blood stained discharge
- Very rarely a blood transfusion is required and a return to the operating room to evacuate the clot
- Delayed wound healing above the expected time can require prolonged dressings and convalescence
- Secretions may accumulate in the lungs causing a chest infection
- Clotting may occur in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis, and rarely the clot may break off and go to the lungs (embolism)
- Circulation problems to the heart or brain may occur and may result in a heart attack or stroke
- Some of these complications may necessitate a prolonged hospital stay and return to the operating theatre for corrective surgery either immediately or some time after surgery
- Death is possible during or after an operation due to severe complication
Specific risks
- Swelling and scar formation is unlikely to be fully resolved for 18 months following surgery
- Swelling above the scar can be persistent and may require revision surgery
- During an FDL, because the redundant tissue is taken out vertically, there is a small tendency for the pubic hair to be pulled out approximately 2cm
- Sensory changes will occur. The area of skin above and below the umbilicus will be numb for up to one year. Sometimes this loss of sensation is permanent and may extend well down onto the thigh
- Seroma formation (a collection of fluid under the skin) can occur above the horizontal scar and may require drainage. If it occurs, it takes a few weeks to absorb. To avoid a seroma, it is necessary for patients to limit movement of the abdominal wall in the first 4 post-operative weeks
- Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results which include scar deformities, asymmetry of the abdomen and positioning of the umbilicus
- Cosmetic concerns may also lead to medical complications
- Weight fluctuations will further alter the shape of the abdomen
- Risks and complications specific to the individual patient’s circumstances (age, health, lifestyle, etc), may apply
BOOK A CONSULTATION
My vision is to provide my patients with the best outcomes possible and excellent patient care.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
