Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Sydney

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and, where present, repairing abdominal muscles that have separated. The aim is a flatter, firmer abdominal contour and, for many patients, better core support.

Most people who consider abdominoplasty have reached this point after pregnancy, significant weight loss or the natural ageing process. Skin that has been stretched does not always retract, and the two vertical rectus muscles can remain separated after pregnancy, a condition called rectus diastasis, which no amount of exercise will close. Loose overhanging skin can also cause rashes and irritation in the fold.

Abdominoplasty is a contouring operation, not a weight loss operation. It works best at a stable weight, and where the plan is right for your anatomy it can be combined with liposuction of the flanks. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, consults in Paddington, Sydney and will explain which technique suits your abdomen.

Who a tummy tuck may suit

• Loose or overhanging abdominal skin that does not respond to exercise
• Separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, with a bulge that persists despite core training
• Recurring rash, irritation or hygiene difficulty under a skin fold
• Stretch marks and lax skin below the navel following pregnancy or weight loss
• A stable weight held for several months, with no pregnancy planned
• Non-smokers, or people prepared to stop well before and after surgery, since smoking substantially increases wound complications

What the abdominoplasty procedure involves

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and generally takes two to four hours. Mini abdominoplasty addresses skin below the navel through a shorter scar. Full abdominoplasty treats the whole abdomen, repositions the navel and includes muscle repair. Extended abdominoplasty carries the scar further around the hips where there is excess skin at the flanks.

1. Markings are planned with you standing, positioning the scar low so it sits under underwear or swimwear where possible.
2. An incision is made across the lower abdomen, and the skin and fat layer is lifted from the muscle wall.
3. Separated abdominal muscles are brought back together with internal sutures, which tightens the waist and supports the core.
4. Excess skin and fat are removed, the navel is repositioned through a new opening in full and extended procedures, and liposuction may be used to blend the contour.
5. Drains are placed in many cases to reduce fluid collection, the wound is closed in layers and a compression garment is fitted.

Recovery

Most patients stay in hospital for one to three nights. Recovery is slower than for many other procedures because the muscle repair needs to be protected. The following timeframes are a general guide and individual recovery varies.

• You will walk on the day of surgery or the day after, slightly bent forward at first, and gradually straighten over one to two weeks.
• Drains usually stay in for a few days, and compression garments are typically worn for around six weeks.
• Many people need about two to four weeks away from work, longer for physically demanding jobs.
• Heavy lifting, abdominal exercise and vigorous activity are usually avoided for around six to eight weeks.
• Oedema and numbness across the lower abdomen can persist for months, and the scar keeps fading for 12 to 18 months or more.

Risks and considerations

Abdominoplasty is major surgery with real risks. These include bleeding, haematoma, infection, seroma, delayed wound healing or partial skin loss at the incision, thickened or wide scars, persistent numbness of the lower abdominal skin, contour irregularity, asymmetry, problems with navel position or appearance, and the possibility of revision surgery. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are recognised risks of this operation, and compression stockings, calf pumps, early mobilisation and blood-thinning injections are used to reduce them. Anaesthetic complications are uncommon but possible.

Smoking, diabetes, a high body mass index and some medications increase the chance of wound problems, and these factors are assessed before surgery is offered. Future pregnancy can undo a muscle repair, and later weight change will alter the result. The scar is permanent and its final appearance depends on how you heal, so no specific outcome can be promised.

Your consultation with Dr Maryam

In Australia a referral is required before a consultation for cosmetic surgery, preferably from your usual GP, and a cooling-off period of at least seven days applies between giving informed consent and surgery, or at least three months if you are under 18. That time is there so you can read the written information and ask further questions.

Dr Maryam will examine your abdomen, check for hernias and assess muscle separation, then explain which technique applies, where the scar will sit, and the risks and alternatives, including weight management, physiotherapy for core strength, liposuction alone, or no surgery at all. Fees are quoted after the consultation. Some abdominoplasty procedures performed for a medical indication may attract a Medicare item number, while purely cosmetic surgery does not. Rooms are at 2c Heeley Street, Paddington, phone 1300 067 668.