Overview

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is surgery to improve the appearance and comfort of the abdomen.  Excess skin and fat are removed and stretched or separated muscles are repaired.  The operation may involve removing fat only and may also include liposuction or a combination of techniques to achieve the best result.

The Operation

Abdominoplasty is significant surgery and is performed under a general anaesthetic in a private hospital. A long horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen and the excess soft tissue is lifted off the wall of your abdomen up to the ribcage. Your skin is then pulled down and the excess removed. Your belly button is repositioned through a new small opening.


Body lift

After massive weight loss, the folds on your waist can extend right around your back. In these cases, we would perform a "body lift". This operation removes excess skin and fat from around your entire waist. It combines abdominoplasty with an outside thigh lift and a buttock lift.

After the operation

You will normally spend 1 to 2 nights in hospital. You may have an abdominal drain and a bladder catheter in place. The catheter is removed the day after surgery and the drain usually before discharge from hospital, but sometimes needs to be left in longer. You will also need to wear a pressure garment for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

You will normally be seen between 5 and 7 days after surgery for any dressings to be removed, wounds checked and sutures removed if necessary. A light tape dressing will be applied and your pressure garment put in place.

After the surgery you should rest quietly for the first few days although it is important that you continue to move around to maintain good circulation. Most people get back to normal levels of activity 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. However, you need to restrict vigorous exercise such as gym work for at least 6 weeks.

A body lift procedure will take a lot longer to recover, as the surgery is more extensive.

Results

The operation leaves a long scar passing just above the pubic hair. How far the scar extends depends on how far around your waist we have to operate. The repositioned belly button will have a small scar around it.

The outcome for you is:

  • your excess skin and fat has gone
  • you have a flat tummy with tightened muscles
  • you are able to wear the clothes you want.
Risks

Abdominoplasty is reasonably extensive surgery and complications are always a possibility. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and complications in detail with you at your consultation.

The long horizontal scar line usually fades over time but will always be visible. There is a risk of scars becoming thick and remain red. Scar management advice will be given.

Consultation

The information provided about abdominoplasty is intended as a guide, and does not replace a full consultation with your surgeon.

If you have any further questions regarding this surgery, be sure to have them answered before you have the operation. Your surgeon will be very happy to explain in greater detail anything about the information provided here or at your consultation.

Costs

The cost is approximately $27,500 including surgeon's fee, hospital fees and anaesthetic fees.

A personal quote will be provided after your consultation with one of our surgeons.