Abdominoplasty
Procedure
Procedure: | Abdominoplasty |
Indication: | Restore the anterior abdominal wall and its components (skin, muscle, fat) resulting in the removal of stretch marks, excess skin, fat and the repair of rectus abdominal divarification and hernias |
Duration: | Two – three hours |
Associated procedures: | Liposuction, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction |
Anaesthesia: | General anaesthesia |
Incision: | Lower abdominal incision that is hidden in the bikini-line. The length will depend on the type of abdominoplasty and the amount of skin required for removal |
Length of hospital stay: | Three – four days in hospital |
Recovery: | Back to work at three – four weeks, exercise at six weeks. Scar maturation between six and 12 months |
Ageing, pregnancy and weight fluctuations result in a dramatic change in the appearance of the abdomen. There is excess skin, fat deposition, hernias and divarification (separation) of the rectus muscle too.
Fortunately, the tummy tuck addresses all these issues. This is how it does so:
Skin: Skin folds and associated stretch marks can be reduced, leaving skin without the stretch marks. What remains is a tighter, healthier appearing abdomen, with a scar hidden in the bikini line.
Fat: Excess fat can be reduced and liposuction is then performed. This yields an improved abdominal contour and a more aesthetic appearance.
Muscle: The abdominoplasty offers unprecedented access to the rectus abdominal muscles and any hernias. Plication of these muscles back to the midline, and repair of hernias, strengthens and shapes the abdomen. Benefits include reduced back pain, strengthening the core, as well as restoration of the feminine hourglass shape.
Dr. Zinn while performing tummy tuck in Melbourne address all these components in a comprehensive rejuvenation of your abdominal wall.
A mini-abdominoplasty can address skin, fat and muscle divarification below the umbilicus (belly-button) without the need to move the umbilicus. In these procedures, the scar is much shorter.
A traditional abdominoplasty will move the umbilicus to a new position, and address skin, muscle and fat up to the rib cage. The scar is usually from hip to hip.
The ideal patient for this procedure is a non-smoker, who has completed her family and is at, or near ideal body weight. Patients whose weight fluctuates should attempt to stabilise these fluctuations before seeking surgery. Patients may still fall pregnant following an abdominoplasty but the correction performed may be undone. One should also stop all unnecessary medications and supplements three weeks prior to this surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding. Be sure to let Dr. Zinn suggests all medication and supplements taken on a day-to-day basis, even if they are simply available over-the–counter.
Performed under general anaesthesia, the procedure takes three – four hours to complete. You will spend the first three to four days of your recovery in the hospital and will be encouraged to mobilise on the first post-operative day. Return to work is possible after three weeks. An abdominal binder or corset is worn for the first eight weeks. The incision may vary in length according to your individual requirements. Dr. Zinn’s aim is to keep this as short and low (in the bikini-line) as possible. A scar management regimen will ensure the wound heals well, leaving a fine, pale, barely perceptible line.
If you suffer from excess skin, stretch marks, abdominal fat or muscle separation following pregnancy, it would be recommended to come in for a personalized assessment with Dr. Zinn. Together you can explore the best plan tailored to your individual needs.