Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck as it is commonly referred to, is an operation that is designed to reshape the abdomen. Often, through weight gain and loss, pregnancies, and aging, the skin stretches and muscles also get pulled apart but never go back to original position. An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat while underlying muscles are tightened.
The actual placement of incisions and design of the abdominal incision varies depending on the excess of the skin and the underlying tissues, the condition of the overlying skin, and prior scars.
For those men or women whose sagging skin is mainly in the lower abdomen, the mini-abdominoplasty is an option, however, the muscles do not get addressed with this procedure and is not as extensive as a full abdominoplasty due to a smaller incision that is easily hidden under a two piece bathing suit.
Who is a Candidate for abdominoplasty?
- Individuals with realistic expectations
- Physically healthy individuals at a stable weight
- Individuals with loose or sagging abdominal wall skin.
- Individuals with abnormal relaxation of the anterior (front) abdominal wall muscles due to weight gain or loss, pregnancies, or prior surgery.
Intended Results of Abdominoplasty
- A smoother flatter abdomen.
Procedure Description for Abdominoplasty
- Dr Tran performs this surgery in conjunction with Liposuction. Lipo-abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in a licensed and accredited hospital.
- The incision is placed below the bikini line
- Mini-abdominoplasty is also performed under general anaesthesia.
- Standard lipo-abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and abdominal muscles using a standard incision.
- Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only leaving a shorter scar where possible.
- Small suction drains may be inserted with both procedures.
Recuperation and Healing
- Discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications.
- Recovery involves overnight stay in hospital for 2-3 days.
- If placed, drains are removed in 1-2days.
- Dr Tran uses sutures which are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
- A compression garment with dressings over the incision sites is used.
- Light activity may be resumed in 7-14 days. Contact sports and heavy lifting is not recommended for about 4-6 weeks.
- An abdominal binder is worn for 1 week after which time is exchanged for compression garment for 4-6 weeks.
Other Options
- Liposuction of the area.
Risks of Surgery
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General risks that can occur across a number of cosmetic surgery procedures include bleeding, infection, haematoma, poor healing and scarring, nerve injury, contour irregularities, pain, nerve damage, anaesthetic complications and undesirable aesthetic outcomes. Occasionally, some patients require revision surgery.
Patients with medical conditions may have increased specific and individualised risks.
Please visit drtran.com.au/breastandbody/risks-of-surgery/ for more information regarding surgery risks.