Weight loss, weight gain or simply getting older can all affect the contour of the abdomen. Excess loose skin, fatty deposits or lax abdominal muscles can give you a "pot belly", and may restrict the type of clothes you feel comfortable wearing, or the type of activities you participate in.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, flattens the abdomen, tightens the muscles and removes excess skin. Liposuction can be performed at the same time to reduce and even out any excess fat deposits. The aim of the procedure is to allow you to feel more confident about your body.
When considering abdominoplasty there are a number of different surgical procedures and one will suit your needs more than the other.
Liposuction will address excess fat deposits. It is used when there is not an excess of loose skin and the rectus muscles( the pair of muscles at the front of the tummy that are used to do sit-ups) have not been separated which often happens after pregnancy. Liposuction will allow some skin tightening but is not the operation of choice if there is excess skin, particularly in the area below the tummy button.
Mini-abdominoplasty involves tightening the skin below the tummy button by removing the excess and results in a scar below the underwear line. This procedure can be used when the excess skin is mainly below the belly button.
Radical abdominoplasty this procedure involves moving the tummy button by placing an incision around it. This allows tightening of excess skin over the entire abdomen and allows access to tighten the separated tummy muscles. The tummy button is then brought out through the skin in its new position and the scar below the underpants line is usually longer than for a mini tummy tuck.
There are some common questions that many people who are considering abdominoplasty ask, such as:
Is it for me?
Abdominoplasty is very much an individualised procedure, and the outcome will be different for everyone. That is why before you make any decisions you must have a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your needs and goals for the surgery.
During your first consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your general health; explain the available surgical techniques including the risks, potential complications and your recovery time. The surgeon will use a different surgical technique according to your specific needs. These techniques might include endoscopic abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty and high lateral tension full-abdominoplasty.
Photographs will be taken for your medical record and to allow a surgeon to fully plan your surgery. The surgery will then prepare a quote for you, which will include the surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees.
When can I go home?
You will probably stay in hospital for at least one night following surgery. Once you are comfortable and able to get to and from a bathroom you will go home.
When you go home you should limit your movements to around the house for two to three days. When you are discharged you will be given a prescription for pain medication, which will minimise your discomfort.
You should only take the pain medication prescribed by your doctor, making sure to eat before you take the medicine or it might upset your stomach. Eat lightly for three to four days after surgery and then resume you normal diet. Make sure you get plenty of fluids.
Will I have to return for post-operative care?
You should return to see your surgeon several times over the few weeks following your surgery. Your surgeon might normally see you weekly for the first month and then will extend time between visits as you progress.
How long will I be off work?
You should plan on taking at least three weeks off work.
When can I resume my normal activities?
For the first 10 days after surgery you will be stooped and will have to walk carefully. As the skin stretches and gets used to its new position you will slowly straighten up.
You will be taught how to care for the drain sites and incisions before you leave hospital. Once the drains are removed you may shower.
Compression garments must be worn continuously for two weeks, and then during the day for a further two weeks. It will take at least three weeks before you fully recover.
When will I see the end result?
The benefits of abdominoplasty are immediate, although the full benefits may take up to two months or more to be fully appreciated.
You will have a scar. The standard abdominoplasty incision extends at least from hip to hip, right over your pubis area. This leaves a long scar that usually heals very well but is always present. If you have a mini abdominoplasty your scar can be limited to the width of your pubic hair.
vIt will take at least a year for the scar to mature and fade from pink/red to pale. It is usually not visible when wearing swimsuit or underwear.
Take the next step
If you are considering surgery, the first step is the opinion of an experienced surgeon, and this can be found by contacting the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons in your state and they will direct you to a surgeon in your area.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a renowned plastic surgeon, appearing on shows such as Nine's Body Work. Having trained in Australia and the United States, he has been continually exposed to the latest advances in plastic surgery
www.drjeremyhunt.com
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