A large part of Dr Peters’ practice is body contouring surgery. By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdomen’s adjacent muscle and skin layers, Dr Peters can correct functional and aesthetic concerns.
Loose skin is one of the effects of losing a significant amount of weight. An abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy will remove this excess skin and address issues commonly associated with such loose skin, such as the development of rashes.
An abdominoplasty procedure removes excess abdominal skin and fat, and can address functional concerns such as lower back pain and stress incontinence.
It’s not uncommon for the abdominal wall to weaken and separate during pregnancy, a concern that may be addressed surgically with an abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy.
Abdominoplasty and
Belt Lipectomy Before & After
Abdominoplasty and Belt Lipectomy Procedure
Abdominoplasty and belt lipectomy procedures can address unwanted loose skin or excess fat deposits that are a result of a variety of causes. Some causes of excess fat and skin on the abdomen include:
- Extended abdominoplasty
For an abdominoplasty, a long incision is usually made from hip to hip, just above the pubic region. It will eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdomen. - Belt Lipectomy
For a belt lipectomy, the incisions are extended further, around the entire circumference of the body. It will remove excess skin and fat from the entire lower torso area.
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.
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 procedure generally involves:
- Lifting of the skin and fatty tissue from the underlying tissue
- Stitching and tightening of separated abdominal muscles
- Removal of excess fat and skin
- Repositioning of the navel
Your initial Consultation in Brisbane
Dr Peters will discuss your desired outcome and expectations with you. Your medical history, current health and requirements will be considered to determine whether surgery is the right option for you. If required, Dr Peters will undertake a thorough examination, and he will suggest a plan that suits your goals and lifestyle. This is an excellent time to raise any concerns or questions you have with Dr Peters to ensure you are fully prepared for surgery. You will often see a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse to discuss the procedure and recovery in more detail. Clinical photographs are usually taken as well.
If you and Dr Peters decide surgery is a good option to manage your concerns, you can opt to receive an obligation-free surgical quote and proceed from there.
Recovery
Details of your recovery including symptoms that you may experience or specific postoperative care instructions that you need to follow will be provided by Dr Peters during your abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy surgery consultation.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultation with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse as well as your review appointments post-operatively.
Abdominoplasty costs in Brisbane
The costs associated with surgery vary greatly with the type and complexity of the procedure. When you attend an initial consult, and decide you would like to consider surgery, you will receive a surgical quote which will also include estimates for any rebates you may be eligible for.
As a general rule, plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons is not covered by private health insurance funds or Medicare. Some operations, that have a significant functional aspect, may be considered medical rather than cosmetic and, as such, may attract a small rebate. These procedures have Medicare Item Numbers and if applicable, will be outlined in your quote.
Surgery Risks & Complications
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to procedure specific risks. The risks associated with abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters.
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying your doctor of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
You can discuss any concerns that you may have about the possible risks and complications of undergoing abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy surgery in Brisbane with Dr Peters.
Abdominoplasty Surgery preparation
The best way to determine if abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy surgery is right for you is to book a one-on-one consultation with Dr Peters in Brisbane. Your medical history, current health and requirements will be considered to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.
You may be a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty if:
- You are bothered by loose skin, loose muscles and excess fat around the abdominal area and want to address these concerns
- You are in good physical and mental health
- You are a non-smoker or are willing to cease for a period pre- and post-operatively
- You are close to your ideal weight
- You have realistic expectations as to what abdominoplasty can achieve
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters and a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
Your questions answered 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.