Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Vogue - January 2008

Dr. Tavakoli discusses one of the most common reasons for women seeing him for a consultation; their desire to return to their pre pregnancy shape following childbirth...

Abdominoplasty

Philosophy

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is one of the most powerful transformation tools in plastic surgery. By
removing excess skin, contouring fat, repairing rectus muscle separation plastic surgeon can completely
remodel the patient's core region allowing exercise to have a more direct impact on shape.

Breast and Body sculpting refers to changes to improve a woman's figure in a curvaceous way and add to the
length of her legs in a more shapely way. Figurative representation is a foundation of human artistic endeavour
and so with liposculpture, abdominoplasty and breast enhancement the aim is always to create harmony and balance.

ABDOMINOPLASTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?

Abdominoplasty is an operation designed to improve the appearance of an abdomen that may be overly protruding or may have excess loose skin and fat. There are variations of the standard abdominoplasty operation including "mini-tucks" which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin. On the other hand, patients with massive weight loss may require a more extensive abdominoplasty operation called Body Lifting.

1. Standard Abdominoplasty 
2. Mini Abdominoplasty
3. Extended Abdominoplasty (scar 180 degrees)
4. Body Lift (scar 360 degrees)

SUITABLE CANDIDATES?

• Patients who are near their Ideal Body Weight with good diet and regular exercise routines
• Men or women who have undergone significant weight loss and have hanging skin.
• Women with loose skin and stretch marks following pregnancy.

HOW IS THE ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION DONE?

Abdominoplasty is always performed under general anaesthesia.  An incision is then made across the lower part of the abdomen. A circular incision is made around the navel that stays attached to the muscle. The skin is then separated from the muscle, up toward the ribs, so that it can be pulled down like a window shade. The tummy is then "tightened" (narrowing and flattening the abdomen) by stitching the muscles together. Liposuction is performed on the outer fat in order to contour the new shape. Dr Tavakoli will attempt to remove more than half the stretch marks during the operation.

The scar usually heals well and fades over a period of 2 years. Dr Tavakoli uses the latest Barbed Suture technology to achieve minimal length and maximum quality scar. We also have the lastest FRAXEL laser technology to deal with scars.

Mini-tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. Mini-abdominoplasty does not usually involve moving the navel position. A technique of "floating the navel is utilised.

HOW LONG IS MY HOSPITAL STAY?

Abdominoplasty requires a  "hospitalisation" of 4-7 days  as surgical drains will need to stay for a minimum of 4 days in order to prevent seroma (fluid) formation.

WHAT ARE MY LIMITATIONS IN ACTIVITY POSTOPERATIVELY?

After abdominoplasty surgery, the bed will be positioned so that you are bent at the hips (waist) to keep tension off the newly tightened skin. You will have a  pain pump for a day or two.
Within 24 hours, you will be walking in a bent-over position. Although strenuous activity and lifting more than 4 kilograms must be avoided for six weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as two weeks after surgery.

Driving is allowed after 3 weeks. Patients can commence jogging after 5 weeks. Serious weight work out and strenuous activity is usually avoided for 8 weeks.
Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take 6-12 months.

WILL MEDICARE/ HEALTH FUND PAY FOR MY ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY?

In general, "tummy tucks" are considered cosmetic surgery. Several conditions, however, may be covered completely or in part, by insurance. These include defects of the abdominal wall, such as hernias, diastasis (separation of the muscles), or trauma resulting in muscle loss, weakness, or painful scar contracture. In addition, a large abdominal panniculus, frequently seen after massive weight loss, is removed for purely functional reasons, and therefore should be a covered expense.

Surgical risks & complications although uncommon may include: DVT, Pulmonary embolus, pneumonia. Infection, bleeding, asymmetry, scarring, and muscle and/or nerve damage. Delayed wound healing and seroma (fluid collection) can be troublesome in tummy tuck procedures, especially in smokers.

To contact Dr Tavakoli and find out more about Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) please click here.