Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a procedure designed to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall and to remove excess skin and fat.
The most common reason for getting this procedure is loose skin and/or fat on the abdomen. Abdominoplasty is commonly performed on women after pregnancy, but it’s also performed on both women and men who have undergone considerable weight loss. Skin inevitably becomes stretched when it is required to accommodate a pregnancy or significant weight gain, and sometimes the skin cannot regain its shape, resulting in excess skin. The rectus abdominis muscle (your ‘abs’) also becomes stretched during pregnancy and can become weakened with significant weight gain.
In many cases, the only way to correct these conditions is with surgical intervention.
It is important to distinguish abdominoplasty from liposuction and to determine which procedure is appropriate for you. While both procedures can remove excess tissue from the abdomen, liposuction will only remove excess fat – it will not tighten any muscle or remove any excess skin. Sometimes a liposuction procedure is incorporated with an abdominoplasty to help encourage the desired result.
There are two types of abdominoplasty:
- Radical abdominoplasty – whereby the rectus abdominis muscle is tightened, the belly button is adjusted and the excess skin and fat are removed.
- Mini abdominoplasty – whereby the excess fat and skin beneath the umbilicus is removed only.
Postoperative Care
IN HOSPITAL
You will wake up after your surgery with dressings over your surgical site/s. Depending on the nature of the procedure, you may also wake up with drainage tubes coming from your surgical site. These are typically removed with little discomfort when Dr Timms feels they are ready to be removed after your surgery. Nurses looking after you are trained to encourage a smooth and comfortable recovery postoperatively. Our clinic nurse is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, whether you are recovering at home or within the hospital setting.
Dr Timms undertakes regular ward rounds, so he will be monitoring you very closely postoperatively.
Your anaesthetist will have prescribed medication for you to help you remain comfortable – you will have pain relief medication prescribed for you for discharge also.
POST OP APPOINTMENTS
An appointment will be made for you to be reviewed by Dr Timms nurse in the rooms 7-10 days after your surgery. This appointment is usually arranged for you at your consultation appointment with Dr Timms. Sometimes it is arranged by the nursing staff that discharge you from hospital. This depends on the nature of your procedure and the duration of your stay in hospital.
WHAT TO WEAR
A soft surgical grade compression garment is usually indicated for breast, body and some facial procedures. These garments are to be worn 24/7 for six weeks and can be removed for showering. These are specialised garments and we will advise you on where you may purchase them, as well as how to wear them and what type you require when you book your procedure with Dr Timms. Many garments are claimable via your private health insurance, depending on your level of cover and whether your procedure is medical or cosmetic.
POST OPERATIVE ACTIVITY
You will need to be prepared to avoid driving for a period of anywhere between one and three weeks post-surgery. The duration of this time depends on the nature of your surgery, the medications you are taking for pain relief and your level of confidence behind the wheel post-surgery. It is advisable that you refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks.
Most activities can be recommenced after your six-week review with Dr Timms.
the answer to those looking for re-surgery?
Revision Surgery
If you are unhappy with a procedure you’ve received from another surgeon we are happy to consult and let you know the most appropriate way to address those procedures using Dr Timm’s recommendations.
“Nothing makes me happier than the smile my patients give me when they see their results”
Dr Ian Timms
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