Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is a common cosmetic procedure to remove excess sagging skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. The underlying abdominal muscle walls can be tightened at the same time to improve the appearance of a firmer, flatter and more shapely abdomen. Frequently liposculpture / liposuction to the abdomen and other adjacent areas (flanks, hips, back and thighs) are done at the same time to improve the appearance. Patients frequently also request tummy tuck and breast reduction or breast lift to be performed at the same time.
Abdominoplasty can be an option for the following conditions
1. Sagging skin, fat and muscles not improve by exercise and dieting
2. Stretched abdomen due to pregnancy, weight gain or aging.
3. Large apron of fat (apron or pannus) below the umbilicus that may cause skin irritations, infections, difficulty in walking and maintenance of hygiene.
4. Large abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion with the rest of the body.
5. Weakened and separated abdominal muscles
Types of abdominoplasty
1. Radical abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck)
the excess skin and fat from the umbilicus to the bikini line are removed and the umbilicus is repositioned. The underlying muscles are tightened. The bikini incision is from hip to hip, just above the pubis.
2. Partial abdominoplasty / Lipectomy (Mini Tummy Tuck)
only a segment of skin and fat bellow the umbilicus are removed. The bikini incision is shorter. This is a less complex procedure with a faster recovery time.
The simplest procedure and often the best may be liposculpture / liposuction. This is most suitable for patients whose muscle tone is excellent and those who do not have redundant skin. Liposculpture of the abdomen can have impressive results and there is a rapid return to normal activity.
MAKING A DECISION TO PROCEED WITH SURGERY
You should be informed as much as possible before making a decision to proceed with abdominal surgery. Abdominoplasty is an elective procedure, which means that it is a personal choice and not necessary for maintenance of good health.
You and Dr Pham must weigh the benefits, risks, scars, recovery time and tightening aspects of the various different procedures. Dr Pham will discuss with you the options available and once your goals are understood, he will recommend the appropriate procedure. The types of anaesthesia available and the facility where surgery will be performed will be thoroughly discussed with you.
Following a joint decision by you and Dr Pham to go ahead with a procedure, photographs of you will be taken. You are encouraged to seek the opinion of other surgeons if you are uncertain.
Contraindications to Abdominoplasty
There are a number of reasons why Abdominoplasty is not suitable in some patients including -
1. being unable to have an anaesthetic due to high risks
2. bleeding tendencies and poor healing
3. surgical risks are too high
4. other less invasive procedures may be more appropriate
5. planned pregnancy
6. being in the process of losing more weight
Private Health Insurance Rebate
Abdominoplasty for medical or functional reasons is usually partially covered by Medicare and Health Insurance Funds. There will be an out of pocket or gap fee. You will be given a quote from Dr Pham (surgeon's fee only) and you should contact your health fund to find out the amount you can expect to be rebated.
Understanding the Procedure
Full Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes 3 hours. Staying in hospital for 1-3 days is recommended. The recovery time is longer than for a Mini Abdominoplasty.
Liposculpture and Mini Abdominoplasty in selected cases can be done with local anaesthesia and sedation. Some patients may be able to go home the same day. The procedure takes about 2 hours.
The pain level after abdominoplasty is significant and pain medications are usually required. A pressure garment is put on in the operating room, or just after surgery, and you must keep it on for the first 3-6 weeks. In most patients a drain is inserted and this will be removed within one week.
Please contact us for your consultation on Rhinoplasty / Nasal Reshaping or other cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures
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