Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Is a saggy tummy having you avoid the beach this summer? Find out how Abdominoplasty can have you feeling fabulous!

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and bludge when diet and exercise is not sufficient to do so. The procedure removes excess tissue from the middle and lower abdominal wall. Abdominal muscles may be tightened and hernias can be repaired. The belly button is also repositioned during surgery.

How is the procedure performed?

In incision is made from hip to hip and two drains are placed in the pubic region. Another incision is made around the belly button to remove surrounding skin, and to collect excess bulge from the abdominal wall. Muscles are tightened and sutured to secure and heal the area. The procedure takes between two to three hours and performed under general anaesthetic. A hospital stay between two- five days is essential after treatment.

Recovery

We recommend patients have three to four weeks recovery from work, depending on the activity undertaken. An abdominal binder is worn for six weeks after surgery to support the area. It is recommended that no abdominal exercises or heavy lifting be performed for four weeks after surgery.

Abdominoplasty FAQ

What are the benefits of liposuction, tummy tuck and liposuction together with a tummy tuck?

A recent study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Journal (PRS April 2012) found a significant improvement in quality of life and self-esteem  as well as high patient satisfaction in patients undergoing liposuction, abdominoplasty and liposuction in combination with abdominoplasty.

The study examined the outcomes of 360 patients who underwent liposuction and or abdominoplasty to remove excess abdominal fat. The average age of the patients was 42 years and 85% were women. The outcomes were assessed an average of four months after surgery.

Those who underwent liposuction alone had the shortest recovery time taking an average of 6 days off work compared with abdominoplasty (+/- liposuction) patients who took 16 days off work. Liposuction alone patients experienced less pain and discomfort compared to the abdominoplasty (alone or in combination with liposuction) patients.

Abdominoplasty patients reported a better cosmetic outcome than those undergoing liposuction alone. Patients who underwent both liposuction and abdominoplasty together had the highest satisfaction rate (greater than 99%). Over 99% of these patients reported that they would recommend this procedure to others and 98% of them would have the procedure again.

Overall, greater than 70% of patients reported an improved quality of life and greater than 86% of patients reported an improvement in self-esteem after liposuction and or abdominoplasty, the results greater in the cohort undergoing both liposuction and abdominoplasty.

It is clear that these procedures to reduce abdominal wall excess are associated with positive patient outcomes in terms of cosmetic benefits and improvement in self-esteem and quality of life.