‘Tummy Tuck’ (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty more commonly known 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 best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who 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.
If fat deposits and loose skin are limited to the area below the naval, you may require a less complex procedure called partial abdominoplasty, also known as a ‘mini-tuck’. For a better body contour, partial or complete abdominoplasty can be performed in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips or upper abdomen. Liposuction alone is the procedure of choice if the fat deposits are only moderate and the skin elasticity is good. This is a far less invasive procedure than abdominoplasty and will produce excellent results in the right candidate. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure to achieve your desired body contour.
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic and will involve a stay of 1 - 2 days in hospital. (Minor procedures such as liposuction or a ‘mini-tuck’ can be performed as day surgery.) The operation usually takes between 2 - 3 hours. Most commonly the surgeon makes a long incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area. With minor abdominoplasty the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved. A wedge of skin and fat is removed and the underlying abdominal muscles are tightened and stitched into their new position. A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
After surgery, your abdomen will be swollen and you will feel some pain and discomfort but this can be controlled by regular analgesic medication. Stitches will be removed from 7 - 10 days and generally a support garment is worn. It may take weeks before you feel yourself again and expect to be off work 3 - 4 weeks.
If you are planning to lose a lot of weight or to have future pregnancies, then surgery should be postponed until goal weight is achieved or your family is complete.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. Many abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results achieved can be very pleasing. Many patients are delighted in the improvement in their appearance and self confidence.
Abdominoplasty surgery should only be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Dr Peter Wickham MBBS FRACS is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons who has had many years of experience in cosmetic surgery and is highly regarded as one of the experts in his field.
