Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Removal of any excess skin or fat that may be causing problems with musculo-skeletal back pain, problems with walking as well as local problems with the skin - including infection and dermatitis. This may be associated with people who have lost a large amount of weight or women who have had previous pregnancies.

Any separation of the rectus abdominis muscles can be retightened and corrected. This will result in improved abdominal tone which may be resistant to usual toning techniques. This would also improve the weakness as well as enhancing the appearance of the muscles of the abdominal wall.

To create a more normal appearance of the abdomen.

Repair any abdominal herniae that may be present.

The operation may involve approaching only the skin if this is the only element that is excessive. It may progress to performing excision of skin, fat as well as mobilisation of the umbilicus. Usually an incision is made in the lower half of the abdomen and abdominal skin is removed between this incision all the way up to the umbilicus. The skin above this is then undermined allowing it to be pulled down to meet lower incision. A new umbilical position will be relocated in an aesthetically sensitive manner. Before the skin is closed the underlying muscles are surgically tightened with stitches. Drains are then placed and the skin is stitched together using dissolvable stitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are The Potential Costs Involved?

  Dr Belt’s fee, an assistant’s fee, theatre fee, day bed and price of overnight accommodation, specialist anaesthetist fee and the cost of two support garments.
  
  Our fees attract rebates from Medicare and Health Funds, please contact Dr Belt’s rooms for a specific quote.
  

• What are the potential risks?

  These can be broken down into those general risks for any procedure and those specific to the procedure.
  
  Specific risks include asymmetry both in scars, umbilicus and the skin contour, loss of fat and skin (necrosis), wound breakdown, collections of fluid underneath the skin including serum (seroma), blood (haematoma), pus (abcess), damage to the deeper underlying intra abdominal organs and permanent numbness of the lower abdominal skin.
  
  Smoking will significantly increase the risk of these complications as does obesity.
  
  It is important that a patient’s health is maximised before surgery to minimise these risks. This includes ceasing smoking at least three months before the surgery. In addition, if one can obtain the ideal weight prior to surgery then the benefit of the operation is maximised. Subsequent alterations in body weight including gain and reduction may reduce the long terms effects of the abdominoplasty.
  
  General risks include bruising, swelling, bleeding, wound infections, anaesthetic related problems and problems related to abnormal scarring (hypertrophic, keloid & stretched scar).
  
  Liposuction to the centre of the abdomen is not performed at the time abdominoplasty as this increases the risk of wound related problems. It is possible however to perform liposuction to the flanks “love handle’ area as this area is not directly involved with the surgery and does not increase the operative risks.
  

• What Happens After The Surgery ?

  This surgery is usually performed as an inpatient and patients can be expected to stay at least one night in hospital. Drains will be inserted into the wounds which exit below the wound through the midline of the abdomen just above the mons area. These may stay in for a number of days after surgery if the drainage is excessive. Most patients have the drains removed 1-2 days after the surgery. You will be expected to wear a support garment around the abdomen for a period of six weeks. You will be seen regularly at Day 2, Day 7 and then 3, 6 & 12 months post operatively.
  

• What type of anaesthetic is used?

  Dr Belt will only perform this surgery under the control of a General Anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
  

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Cases

• Case 1

  
  

• Case 2

   

• Case 3

   

• Case 4

   

• Case 5

   

• Case 6

   

• Case 7

  • Patient underwent a mini abdominoplasty

• Case 8

   

• Case 9

   

• Case 10

  • Abdominoplasty due to massive weight loss

• Case 11

   

• Case 12

   

• Case 13

   

• Case 14

   

• Case 15

   

• Case 16

   

• Case 17

   

• Case 18

   

• Case 19

  • Patient underwent a mini abdominoplasty

• Case 20

   

• Case 21

  • Abdominoplasty performed with a vertical scar

• Case 22

  • Patient underwent a mini abdominoplasty