Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – What patients in Sydney and Port Macquarie need to know.
Tummy Tucks in Sydney & Port Macquarie
More and more patients in Adelaide, Sydney & Port Macquarie are seeking Tummy Tuck surgery (known medically as an Abdominoplasty) to address their concerns regarding their tummy area. Tummy tuck surgery is available to women and men and usually involves removing excess skin and tissue on the abdomen to achieve a flatter, tighter and more toned tummy. Many people feel self conscious about the tummy area and feel restricted in the type of clothes they can wear. Quite often patients are women who after pregnancy have a residual area or pocket of tissue and fat in the lower abdomen that does not respond to diet and exercise. Other common reasons for seeking Abdominoplasty surgery are patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have residual excess skin and tissue.
Typically patients enquiring about tummy tucks in Sydney & Port Macquarie want an estimate of how much the procedure will cost. It is important to understand that there are different types of tummy tucks according to the size of the area, the amount of tissue and fat that requires removal and whether the underlying muscle also requires tightening. The complexity of the tummy tuck procedure has a bearing on the time taken to perform the procedure; this then also affects the costs involved, for example a longer operation incurs more theatre and anaesthetic costs. Tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours depending on the individual procedure and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, the best course of action is to have a consultation with a Cosmetic Surgeon who will discuss with you your concerns, goals and your surgical options. The Cosmetic Surgeon will also discuss the incision site (usually placed in the lower abdomen so it can be concealed by underwear) and whether you may require a complimentary procedure, such as liposuction/liposculpture, to fine tune your contours and shape. The Cosmetic Surgeon will provide you with the costs for your procedure, including surgical fees, theatre/hospital fees and anaesthetic fees.
Tummy tuck surgery can be done as a day only surgery, without the need to stay overnight in hospital. Patients are typically up and walking within hours of surgery, though care must be taken not to stand up too straight and stretch or put pressure on the incision site. Patients typically describe feeling like they’ve done a thousand sit ups and quite tight across the abdomen. Usually over the counter pain relief is sufficient and may only be needed for the first couple of days after Abdominoplasty.Most patients choose to take a couple of weeks off work. It is important to avoid any exercise or activity (e.g. lifting) that places the Incision area under any stress. Following surgery patients are required to wear a compression garment for anywhere up to 3 months; this promotes healing and adhering of the tissues for an optimal result.
It is important that tummy tuck surgery not be seen as a weight loss solution. Tummy tuck surgery is most successful when you are close to your optimal and stable weight and want to address residual skin or tissue that is not responsive to diet and exercise. The Cosmetic Surgeon is likely to recommend you lose excess weight prior to surgery with an appropriate diet and exercise plan.
As with any type of surgery, tummy tuck surgery comes with risks (such as infection, bleeding or swelling, skin and tissue loss and scarring) that need to be weighed against the benefits of surgery. The Cosmetic Surgeon will discuss these with you in detail so you can make an informed decision as to whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you.