Considering a Tummy Tuck? Talk to the team at Cosmos Clinic for a caring and understanding approach...

A Tummy Tuck (technically known as Abdominoplasty) is an operation that is designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen whilst at the same time, tightening the abdominal muscles. It is indicated in cases where there is laxity of the abdomen resulting in bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin.

Unlike Liposuction Surgery, which just removes fat, this operation involves removal of skin and fat, with tightening of the abdominal muscles. For this reason, it is more extensive than Liposuction. The actual extent of surgery will depend on the amount of excess skin and the laxity of the abdominal muscles.

Prior to Tummy Tuck surgery, the amount of skin that is to be removed is carefully marked. The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. An incision is made in the bikini line and the excess skin is pulled down and inward, and is removed along with underlying fatty tissue. The muscles are tightened as required, the skin is carefully redraped and the incision closed with several layers of suture.

If You Are Considering A Tummy Tuck...

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "Tummy Tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering Abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don't understand.

The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for Abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

All Surgery Carries A Small Amount Of Risk

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Planning Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial Abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-Tummy Tuck. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete Abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

In any case, your surgeon should work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.

During the consultation, your surgeon should also explain the anaesthesia he or she will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Preparing For Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Type Of Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia, so you'll sleep through the entire Tummy Tuck operation.

The Surgery

Complete Abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial Abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, ,just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial Abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In partial Abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

After Your Surgery

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

Getting Back To Normal

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from Tummy Tuck surgery will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in colour. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

Your New Look

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, Abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasy Costs & Prices

Tummy Tuck costs and prices vary widely depending on your overall situation and expectations and your initial consultation is $150 . As a guide, procedures range from $6,000 to $10,000.

Tummy Tuck Locations

Your initial Tummy Tuck procedures consultation can be undertaken our Double Bay clinic in Sydney or our office in Canberra

In Summary...

Tummy Tuck Surgery can provide some excellent benefits in terms of your physical health and self-worth as well as your emotional wellbeing. You should ensure that you fully understand the procedure and ask lots of questions whilst you are deciding whether this is the right solution for you. It is a significant medical procedure performed by expert Plastic Surgeons under general anaesthetic in a surgical environment. Recovery can take some time and you should plan for this. There are some risks to consider and you should also understand that results can very from patient to patient based on a range of factors. Finally, the decision should be yours and yours only however, having made the right decision for you, you will be on the path to joining the hundreds of women who undergo Tummy Tuck Surgery every year and who are delighted with the results.

Cosmos Clinic provides leading edge surgical and non-surgical Sydney plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic surgery Sydney-wide. Our experienced plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons deliver the latest techniques for liposuction, breast augmentation, breast enlargement, breast reduction, a tummy tuck and more - all with proven results.

So if you are looking for caring advice about acne treatments, stretch marks, breast implants, “man boobs”, excessive sweating, cellulite treatment or any other cosmetic procedures, check out our Before and After Photos and then contact us today for a friendly and confidential chat.