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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.
FAQs
Please contact Dr Belt’s rooms and his staff will be able to answer
any questions, arrange for a more accurate quote and organise further information
about the procedure to be sent to you personally. Telephone 07-3852
6800.
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 a month
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 Type Of Anaesthetic Is Used ?
Dr Belt will only perform this surgery under the control of a General
Anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
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 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.
Before and After photos
Roll over the image below to see the patient after surgery
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