Abdominoplasty: Reshaping Your Abdomen
Dr. Matthew Peters consults with many patients seeking abdominoplasty, a procedure designed to address concerns to the abdominal area. This page provides comprehensive information to help you understand the procedure and make an informed decision.
What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and can address functional concerns such as lower back pain and stress incontinence by potentially tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure may also help create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
It’s not uncommon for the abdominal wall to weaken and separate during pregnancy, a concern that I may be able to address surgically with an abdominoplasty.
–Dr Matthew Peters
Many individuals consider this procedure to address changes in their body following:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Significant weight loss
- Previous abdominal surgery
It’s important to note that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss solution, but rather a contouring procedure for those already at, or near their ideal weight.
Are You a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty typically:
- Are experiencing loose skin and/or excess fat around the abdominal area, which is affecting their ability to do certain activities, the ability to maintain good hygiene in the area, creating rashes or clothing fit etc
- Are in good overall physical and mental health
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6-12 months
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- Have excess abdominal skin or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Are not planning future pregnancies
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
The Abdominoplasty Procedure: What to Expect
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2-5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and if it being combined with other procedures. In very general terms, here’s what you can expect:
- Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer general anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Incision: Dr Peters will make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and umbilical. The length and shape of the incision will depend on your anatomy and the amount of excess skin being removed.
- Abdominal muscle repair: If necessary, weakened or separated abdominal muscles will be repaired and sutured together to create a firmer abdominal wall and more contoured waistline.
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Understanding Alternatives and the Variations of Abdominoplasty
Other procedures may address your concerns more effectively. Dr Peters may also discuss:
Extended Abdominoplasty / Extended Tummy Tuck: An extended tummy tuck may be required if you have excess skin extending from your abdomen around into your flanks. This procedure requires a longer incision that stretches up and around the flanks to address the tummy, waist and hip areas. Your umbilical may also be repositions and reshaped during this procedure.
Belt Lipectomy: A belt lipectomy is a combination procedure that may be suggested if the excess skin and fat extends around the circumference of your waist. For a belt lipectomy, the incisions extended around the entire circumference of the body.
The choice of procedure and placement and length for your incisions will depend on your individual requirements and the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. During your consultation, Dr. Peters will consider these factors to suggest the best approach for you. It is also important to note that Dr. Peters uses advanced surgical techniques to minimise scarring and optimise results.
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Recovery and Results
Recovery from abdominoplasty is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr. Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations.
Immediate post-op
You will need to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days, depending on the extent of your procedure.
First week
Rest is crucial. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to manage swelling and monitor your drains until they are ready to be removed.
Week 2
You will attend a review appointment with the clinic nurse for possible drain removal, wound assessment, reinforcement of your tapes and removal of your umbilical sutures. It is not expected that you will be standing upright at this point, and your activity will be very limited.
Week 3
You will attend a review appointment with a VPS clinic nurse and your tape will be removed and replaced. Gradual return to light activities. Continue wearing the compression garment.
Week 6
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse where your tape will be removed and replaced. Compression garments are still worn during the day until 8 weeks post-surgery, then on alternating days for another 2 weeks. You may cease garment use at 10 weeks post-surgery. Continue increasing your activity.
12 weeks and beyond
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse where your tape will be removed. Provided all is going well, you may resume normal activity.
While you’ll see an immediate change in your abdominal contour, final results typically become apparent after several months, as swelling subsides, and tissues settle.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with abdominoplasty – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering abdominoplasty, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is dependent on the amount and distribution of the excess skin and tissue to be addressed. In some circumstances your procedure may be performed with another procedure to address more than one region. During your consultation, Dr Peters will undertake a thorough assessment and examination taking into account your individual requirements before tailoring an appropriate plan for you to consider.
For an abdominoplasty, a long incision is usually made from hip to hip, just above the pubic region. For a belt lipectomy, the incisions are extended further, around the entire circumference of the body.
The choice of placement and length for your incisions will depend on your individual requirements and the extent of tissue that needs to be removed. During your consultation, Dr Peters will consider these factors to suggest the best approach for you.
For some women, pregnancy can cause separation of the left and right sides of the rectus abdominus muscle due to the baby’s growth in the uterus.
Dr Peters can repair these muscles during an abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy procedure, improving the contour of the region and restoring core strength and pelvic floor integrity.
During your abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy, Dr Peters may make a second incision around the navel to reposition the belly button once the excess tissue is removed. The navel is not moved during a mini abdominoplasty procedure.
Dr Peters does not currently offer liposuction as a standalone procedure. However, liposuction may be used in conjunction with other techniques in more complex procedures.
During your initial consultation, you and Dr Peters will discuss your functional and aesthetic concerns, as well as your goals and expectations for the procedure. Dr Peters will examine you and may take photographs for medical records. Afterwards, he will discuss your surgical options and recommend a treatment plan. He will also provide detailed information regarding the procedure steps as well as the associated risks and recovery period. It is likely that you will also meet with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse to further discuss pre and post-operative requirements and any other questions or concerns you may have.
If you and Dr Peters decide that surgery is an appropriate option for you, you can opt to receive an obligation-free quote and proceed from there.
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure.
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters as well as during your consultation with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to recover comfortably, with pillows, ice packs, and entertainment. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
The cost of your abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy is dependent on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, hospital fees, and anaesthesia fees. Medicare rebates and private health contributions (if you are insured and have the appropriate level of cover), depend on whether your procedure is considered medical or cosmetic. You will receive a detailed quote and information regarding how to check your eligibility after your consultation if you and Dr Peters decide surgery is a suitable option for you.