Body Procedures

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Tummy Tuck Services in Sydney

Great News: from July 1, 2022 Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) has been added back to the Medicare Benefits Scheme.

Abdominoplasty or a “tummy tuck” is plastic surgery procedure at Pure Aesthetics that removes loose skin and excessive fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles for improved contour, tone and function. This surgery also allows for repair of the abdominal muscles that may have stretched during pregnancy that may have lead to lower abdominal bulging. The result is a firmer, flatter and more youthful looking abdomen.

Meet your Surgeon

Dr. Steve Merten

Meet your Surgeon

Education and Training:

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Sydney University in 1991
  • Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2001
  • Fellowships in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery and Monash University
  • Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction at the University of British Columbia, Canada
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Steve Merten

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Studies have shown tummy tuck surgery offers significant benefits in strength, reduced back pain, better bladder control and improved confidence.

A tummy tuck is beneficial for those who can relate to the following:

  • Have a protruding abdomen from stretched muscles and skin
  • Have loose, sagging abdominal skin that may hang over previous abdominal scars, such as caesarian section or appendix scars
  • Suffer from weakened abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy or ageing, which has caused muscle separation and a “gap”
  • Are unhappy with excess fat in the abdominal area that won’t budge with diet and exercise
  • Are at their ideal weight and have a healthy lifestyle
  • Do not smoke

What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures?

There are different types of 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:

Standard (Full) Tummy Tuck

Standard abdominoplasty is the most common form of abdominoplasty. In a full abdominoplasty, the scar is carefully positioned below the bikini line and, although long, allows for the maximum improvement in the abdominal shape and strength which usually heals extremely well with time. In the standard abdominoplasty, the belly button is cut around and freed from the skin, which is pulled down to allow maximal removal. This procedure allows for the abdominal muscles to be tightened full length, from pubic bone to breastbone. Finally, the bellybutton is brought out through a new hole at the end of the procedure.

Our plastic surgeons utilise the most modern techniques for abdominoplasty to maximise the quality of your final outcome, making your recovery as comfortable as possible. They do not routinely use drains for abdominoplasty, which is one of the most significant concerns for most patients.

Standard abdominoplasty gives a more widespread contour improvement to the abdominal region, and it is the typical technique if you require improvement of larger amounts of skin, fat and muscles—as can be seen in multiple pregnancies or following dramatic weight loss.

“Mini” Tummy Tuck

Mini-abdominoplasty is helpful if you have a small amount of skin looseness, and that skin is mostly restricted to the lower abdomen below the belly button. It is best if there is less need for major muscle tightening.

The scar is kept short above the pubic area, and is shorter than the full or standard abdominoplasty. Loose fat and skin are removed from the area above the pubis, and some additional liposuction is often also done to improve the overall shape.

In mini-abdominoplasty, the belly button is not moved, and little work is done above the level of the belly button. Unlike the full abdominoplasty, with a mini-tummy tuck there is no scar around the belly button. Since there is less muscle tightening, recovery is usually quicker and the scar shorter. Our surgeons do not typically use drains for their tummy tucks, including mini-abdominoplasty.

“Fleur-De-Lis” and Reverse Abdominoplasty

For more extreme cases of skin excess, there are various abdominoplasty techniques that can be performed. A “reverse” tummy tuck is for excess skin and fat in the upper abdomen, usually as a result from massive weight loss. In this surgery, the incision is made under the breast and excess skin is pulled from the bottom up, not top down.

If there is extreme excess skin, an incision that runs top to bottom, rather than side to side, may also be required. This is known as the “fleur-de-lis” technique.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Surgery

Loose skin is not corrected by liposuction, and can be made worse. Similarly the abdominal muscles are not modified. Liposuction removes fat only and skin may not retract back well, leading to substantial loose skin. Although liposuction may be done as part of your abdominoplasty, it has distinctly different purposes and goals.

What Can I Expect in My Tummy Tuck Consultation?

During the consultation, your surgeon will ask you a variety of questions covering everything from your current health situation to details about the physical outcomes you desire. Be prepared to talk about current medications, allergies and any past or current medical treatments.Abdominoplasty requires a thorough examination of the muscles, fat and skin of your abdomen and how it relates to your overall body size and shape. In your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals for the surgery focusing on how to achieve maximum improvement in the most natural-looking manner.

Based on your history and examination, your best options for abdominoplasty are determined. Photographs of your trunk and abdomen will be taken to allow for planning of the surgery and to assess results following your surgery. These will be kept strictly confidential between your plastic surgeon and our staff.

You will also discuss the recovery process and any potential complications that could arise. At any time, you are encouraged to ask any questions that you may have.

Your second consultation will further deal with your operation choices and reiterate the possible problems and complications with reference to your specific case.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Many of our patients look at a comprehensive “mummy makeover” and combine abdominoplasty with other procedures. This means less overall expense, less time in hospital and less time recovering than from separate operations. Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck, to help refine the contour of the stomach, flanks and other area.

Abdominoplasty is also often combined with other body contouring surgeries, such as breast surgeries like Breast Enlargement/enlargement, breast lift and breast reduction for a complete “mummy makeover.”

By combining one or more procedures, you may achieve a more dramatic and enhanced overall outcome.

When Is the Best Time for a Tummy Tuck?

If you are female, it is best to wait to have a tummy tuck until you have finished having children, so your abdominal muscles aren’t further stretched by pregnancy.

After major weight loss, a tummy tuck is advised when you are close to your ideal weight and your health and nutrition are normal.

A tummy tuck is not to correct major weight problems and should only be considered if you have realistic expectations of the results that can be achieved.

What Does the 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.

Our plastic surgeons do not usually 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 3 weeks, further assisting in swelling, healing and the final result.

A traditional “full” abdominoplasty usually takes 2-3 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 less hospital length stay.

What Is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?

Our plastic surgeons do not usually place drain tubes for routine abdominoplasty. After the procedure, it is usual to have moderate discomfort, and you will be provided with pain medication to help alleviate these symptoms.To promote blood circulation, you will be encouraged to get up and move around soon after surgery. Bending and lifting, however, should be avoided at this stage. Sleeping on your back or sides with your knees is recommended for the first few weeks after surgery.

An abdominal support garment is worn for the first 3 weeks. It can be taken off, washed and dried. They are easily worn under clothing and are relatively light.

While you should be up and about shortly after surgery, patients usually will need 2-3 weeks off work, depending on the extent of your surgery and the level of physical activity in your job. Full recovery usually takes up to 6 weeks. Light exercise can start after about 3 weeks.

When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?

During the healing process, you should notice that your abdomen area is firmer and sleeker. To maintain long-lasting results, our plastic surgeons recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet.

At around 6 weeks, most of the swelling will have subsided and you will get a good idea as to the final result. Final results, however, can be seen more at the 3-month mark. Scars will gradually fade and take around 1 year to fade.

Can I Get Pregnant After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

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 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 tummy tuck can affect your surgical outcome, it should not affect your health or safety.

What Complications Can Arise from Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These include:

  • Infection
  • Bruising, bleeding, haematoma formation
  • Scarring
  • Anaesthetic problems
  • Allergy
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pain

Risks and complications specific to abdominoplasty include:

  • Asymmetry of abdominal region
  • Poor healing causing unsightly scarring
  • Altered abdominal sensation, numbness or pain
  • Poor scarring
  • Malposition of umbilicus
  • Elevation of pubic hair
  • Bulges at the ends of the wound (“dog ears”)

Will 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.

Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

***Please note, recent medicare changes will affect the costs associated with Abdominoplasty and other Body Contouring procedures. Please read about these changes and how it will affect you.

As of 1 January 2016, Medicare Australia has removed access for women to have abdominoplasties covered by Medicare for post-pregnancy muscle separation and skin damage. This means abdominoplasty is now considered a fully “cosmetic” procedure, and there is no Medicare rebate nor health insurance coverage for this surgery.

In certain extreme weight loss circumstances, Medicare rebates and health insurance coverage may apply.

For more information and an accurate price, please contact our team at Pure Aesthetics to schedule your consultation.

Are There Any Alternatives to Tummy Tuck Surgery?

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

What Else Should I Consider Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

It is important to note that a 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 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.

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