Today "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty is a relatively common procedure and is used in its limited, mini, and modified varieties for a large group of individuals, male and female. As cosmetic surgery has become more acceptable and bathing suits more revealing, requests for abdominoplasty are coming from women who have had a single pregnancy or a rapid weight gain that has damaged the lower abdominal skin and musculature.

In tummy tuck excess skin is removed and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. It is also known as "abdominoplasty".

Patients for "tummy tuck" are men or women who have large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that do not respond to diet , exercise or both. Older patients who are obese and lost the elasticity of their skin can also benefit from this procedure. Tummy tuck can be partial (mini tuck) or complete and either procedures can be used alone or in combination with liposuction to achieve the results.

Partial and complete abdominoplasties are usually performed as an outpatient procedure, in an outpatient surgical center, an office-based facility.

This procedure can be done under general or local anaesthesia. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours while partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Preparing for the Operation

Products that contain Aspirin, Vitamin E, or Evening Primrose oil should be avoided for four weeks before surgery.

Strong alcoholic drinks should be avoided before surgery.

Important: Patients should not smoke for two weeks before surgery and for a few days after surgery. Smoking interferes with the circulation of blood to the skin and can cause death of the skin flaps.

On the day of surgery, the patient should wear comfortable, loose clothing. A button up shirt is recommended.

Patients must not wear any make-up (including mascara and nail polish) when they go into surgery. If the patient tints, dyes or bleaches his or her hair, this should be done no later than one week before surgery.

Post Operative Care

A foam tape dressing will be placed on the abdomen and will be covered by an abdominal binder immediately following surgery. On the night of surgery, you will be sent to your room with two drains existing from the lower part of the incision and only should be manipulated with great caution. Patients with a mini tummytuck, do not have drains and are usually discharged the day of surgery.

You are to remain in bed the evening of surgery and may use a bed pan that night.

Walking and getting out of bed should be avoided in the first twelve (12) hours. the ideal position following surgery is for the feet and head to be elevated at thirty (30) degrees, in order to relieve tension on the suture line of the tummy tuck.

One should sleep with feet elevated on two pillows and head elevated on one to two pillows for the first seven to ten days following surgery.

All patients having a limited or mini tummy tuck return home the same day.

Prior to discharge: you will be seen by an assistant who will make a decision to remove the drains at that time. This dressing is NOT to be removed unless discussed with the physician first.

The first day following surgery, you may begin walking with help. It is not advisable to drive a car or ride in a car for the first 5-6 days following surgery, unless you are coming to the office for a post-operative visit. You should be walking in a bent over position and should not attempt to stand straight up for the first 5 days following surgery.

On approximately the 14th day, all sutures will be removed.

Sports and vigorous activities are avoided for four weeks, however walking and bicycling may be done three weeks following surgery.

After surgery, some people return to their jobs in two weeks while some others take three or four weeks before going back. The results of tummy tuck are usually long lasting if you keep your weight and exercise regularly.

Cost of Procedure
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Treatments available at our Brisbane and Gold Coast Clinics

Windsor - Indooroopilly - Upper Mt. Gravatt - Bundall