Abdominoplasty “Tummy Tuck” in Sydney

What Are the Different Types of Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Procedures?

There are different types of Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) techniques due to variability in degree of muscle weakness, skin stretch and overall contour problem. At Pure Aesthetics, our plastic surgeons often perform the following techniques:

What Does the Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Procedure Involve?

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic in fully accredited hospitals. Our plastic surgeons always aim to have the incision (and hence the ultimate scar) below the bikini line, to be as inconspicuous as possible. Following the incision, the skin and fat are lifted off the abdominal muscles, and the separated and stretched muscles are tightened and the “gap” between them repaired. The loose skin is then pulled down to tighten and excess loose skin is removed. Your umbilicus (belly button) is then repositioned into its new position. Wounds are closed with dissolving stitches beneath the skin.

Dr Merten does not routinely use drains for abdominoplasty, to improve your comfort and recovery.

Dressings are then applied and compression garments will be required to be worn for at least 4 weeks, further assisting in swelling, healing and the final result.

A “full” abdominoplasty usually takes 3-4 hours and involves a hospital stay of several days. If a “mini” abdominoplasty is done, this will involve less surgery time—about 1-2 hours—and a shorter hospital stay, possibly even as day-only surgery.

Can I Get Pregnant After Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Surgery?

Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) surgery should not affect your ability to have children in the future. However, it is typically advised to wait to undergo the procedure until after you have completed your family. Should you become pregnant after you have abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) surgery, this can reverse the contouring effects of your procedure. The skin may stretch, and your abdominal muscles can separate again. Although pregnancy after a abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) can affect your surgical outcome, it should not affect your health or safety.

What Complications Can Arise from Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Surgery?

Will Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Surgery Leave Scars?

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite long, but are carefully positioned below the bikini line. The incision line of a full abdominoplasty generally runs from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. Usually there is also a scar around or within the belly button. Patients who don’t require correction to the lower abdominal muscles may have a shorter scar, similar to an extended caesarean scar. The scars are often red and somewhat thickened initially and will generally fade to a fine, pale line over about one year.

If there is extreme excess skin, an additional incision that runs top to bottom, as well as side to side, may be required, or a full circumferential scar for extreme weight loss patients.

How Much Does an Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Cost?

Abdominoplasty is recognised as a medical procedure and attracts Medicare rebates (and therefore private health insurance contribution) in two circumstances:

1. After pregnancy – Medicare item number 30175 applies where there is abdominal muscle separation (“rectus divarication”) of at least 3 cm in width, and associated functional symptoms, which has been unresponsive to physiotherapy.
2. After significant weight loss (with a BMI reduction of at least 5), and specific functional symptoms, then Medicare number 30177 may apply.

Please note: Medicare and health insurance do NOT cover the full cost of this surgery. Additional “gap” payments apply. Details of this will be provided through our contact us enquiries, by email reply.

For more information and an estimate of fees, please contact our team at Pure Aesthetics to schedule your consultation.

Are There Any Alternatives to Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Surgery?

If you only want to treat a small area of fat around your abdomen, liposuction alone may be a solution. Liposuction does not, however, tighten the muscles or skin in the abdominal area. Our surgeons routinely use power-assisted liposuction, resulting in smoother and more predictable results, with a better recovery period with less pain, swelling and bruising.

What Else Should I Consider Before Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) Surgery?

It is important to note that an abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”) is not intended to correct major weight related issues. This surgery will not be performed on current smokers or extreme obesity.

To understand what is reasonable to expect from the surgery, it is a good idea to look at before and after abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”) photos. This will give you a good perspective of what results other patients have achieved through our plastic surgeons’ work. Some other things you may need to consider:

• Are you happy with your body weight or do you intend to lose weight in the future?
• Do you plan to have children in the future?
• Have you considered the prospect of scarring on your abdomen?
• Can you spare the time required for a proper recovery?

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions that you might have about this procedure. The Pure Aesthetics team will be happy to address any concerns that you may have.