Abdominoplasty surgery, also commonly referred to as a ‘tummy tuck’, is designed to address bodily changes that can occur from massive weight loss or pregnancy. By removing excess skin and fat, the area is tightened, lifted, and flattened, restoring weakened or separated muscles to create firmer abdominal wall muscles. It is not designed to replace normal weight loss strategies such as a healthy diet and regular exercise but is an option for those patients who struggle with stubborn excess fat or skin despite a healthy lifestyle. For some patients, a tummy tuck might be that final step to achieving the body of their dreams and breaking through those last barriers to achieve self-confidence. Plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk has performed over 500 abdominoplasty surgeries with a high rate of patient satisfaction.
What can be achieved with abdominoplasty?
Our skin can stretch to accommodate weight gain and pregnancy, but that elasticity can fade over time, meaning it will not always snap back into place once the weight is lost. Patients who have achieved their ideal weight can still have excess skin or fat present, and in that case, abdominoplasty may be a suitable option for you. The surgery can achieve the following:
- Create an improved contour of the abdomen
- Remove loose, elasticised skin
- Repair abdominal hernias
- Create higher quality skin with reduced visibility of stretch marks and imperfections
- Repair separated or weakened abdominal muscles
- Remove excess fat
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
How is an abdominoplasty performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general or local anaesthetic. Dr Fraser-Kirk uses a liposculpting technique to tone and contour the abdomen area as fat deposits are removed, meaning liposuction will be conducted before any incision is made. Once liposuction is complete, there are several techniques that can be used to eliminate loose skin, which will vary depending upon the extent of skin to be removed.
Abdominoplasty techniques:
- Mini Tummy Tuck
A small incision is made above the pubic hairline where abdominal skin is pulled downwards to trim excess skin. Because no muscle tightening is involved, the recovery time may be quicker.
- Full Tummy Tuck
An incision is made from hip to hip above the pubic hairline, with an additional incision around the belly button. The skin is then pulled downwards to trim the loose skin. Any separated or weakened abdominal muscles are repaired with permanent stitches to prevent future separation.
Once the desired amount of loose skin and excess fat has been removed, Dr Fraser-Kirk will close the incisions with sutures.
What can I expect during recovery?
Immediately following the surgery, it is common to feel dizziness, pain, and disorientation due to the anaesthesia. Pain may be administered and prescribed to manage the discomfort. Patients will be fitted with a compression garment for several weeks to help reduce swelling and to support the new abdomen contours. Drains may be inserted in the treatment area to collect any excess fluid or blood for one to three days. Patients may need to stay one or two nights in hospital to monitor their healing. Recovery time varies for every patient, but most find it takes about six weeks to fully recover.
General Recovery Instructions:
- Take sufficient time off work – at least one week of rest and recovery before going back to light duties including driving.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activities for at least four weeks.
- Avoid physical movements that may put strain on your abdomen area.
- Wear the prescribed compression garment.
- Avoid bending down.
- Take prescribed medication and creams.
- Attend all post-surgical appointments to monitor healing.
It is crucial that patients follow Dr Fraser-Kirk’s instructions for recovery to ensure scarring is minimised where possible and positive post-surgery outcome is achieved. Dr Fraser-Kirk will strive to be available for any post-operative issues or questions that may arise, as we believe in providing unprecedented access to a patient’s plastic surgeon.
How much will abdominoplasty surgery cost?
Due to the highly personal nature of an abdominoplasty procedure, costs can vary depending on a patient’s individual needs. During your consultation, Dr Fraser-Kirk will evaluate your health and wellbeing, including your desired outcomes for the surgery.
This will influence the cost of the surgery, including other factors such as surgeon costs, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and post-operative care costs. Some of these costs may be eligible to be covered by Medicare or a private healthcare provider, but this can vary for patients depending upon what criteria they meet.
For any questions regarding procedure costs, please contact us.
What are the associated risks and complications?
Any medical or cosmetic procedure a patient chooses to undergo has a degree of risks and complications involved. The following risks and complications are associated with abdominoplasty:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Anaesthesia complications
- Poor scarring
- Fluid build-up
- Constrained movement
- Numbness and changes to skin sensation
- Skin discolouration
Patients should follow their personalised recovery instructions, as given to them by Dr Fraser-Kirk, to lessen visible scarring where possible, and reduce the potential for risks or complications to arise.
Book your consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk
We prioritise a patient-focused approach at our clinic, and therefore, a thorough consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk will ensure each patient’s individual health and anticipated goals for the procedure are discussed and agreed upon. That way, a tailored surgical solution can be created to empower our patients in becoming their best selves.
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