What is a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat to help reshape the abdomen and waist area. The procedure removes excess abdominal fat and skin. It may also tighten separated abdominal muscles.
Common Reasons Patients Choose Abdominoplasty
- Abdominal Muscle Repair: repairing weakened muscles can help improve core strength.
- Which can also alleviate back pain and improve posture.
- Removes excess skin and fat: By surgically removing surplus skin, patients can achieve a smoother and firmer abdominal contour.
- Reduced skin irritations: Excess skin folds can rub, causing discomfort, redness, rashes or even open sores. The procedure can reduce these skin folds which also reduces skin irritation.
Who May be a Suitable Candidate?
You might be a good candidate for Fat Transfer surgery if you;
- Are physically and mentally healthy with no underlying health conditions
- Are non smoker, or a smoker willing to quit (both before and after the procedure)
- Have realistic expectations of the outcome of surgery
A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is required to assess individual suitability for a Fat Transfer . Our surgeon’s can provide recommendations tailored to each patients needs and desires.
Abdominoplasty Surgery The procedure
The steps for Tummy Tuck surgery/Abdominoplasty are as follows:
- Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision, typically horizontally, just above the pubic area. The length and shape of the incision can vary depending on the extent of correction needed, and it may extend from hip to hip. The placement and pattern of the incisions are carefully planned to minimize scarring and ensure the best possible outcome.
- Tissue separation: After making the incision, the surgeon lifts the skin and separates it from the underlying abdominal muscles.
- Muscle Repair: If necessary the surgeon will tighten and repair the abdominal muscles. (Common among women who have had children and experienced muscle separation) (diastasis recti).
- Excess Skin Removal: Excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen is trimmed.
- Umbilical Repositioning: The umbilicus (belly button) may be repositioned if necessary while maintaining its blood supply.
- Skin Closure: The surgeon meticulously closes the incision with sutures.
- Drains and Dressings: In some cases, small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to prevent fluid buildup. Dressings and a compression garment are often applied to support healing and reduce swelling.
- Recovery: After surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored as they wake from anesthesia.
Risks and Complications
Like all invasive surgery abdominoplasty has several risks and potential complications. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Excessive Bleeding
- Scarring
- Haematoma
- Seroma
- Necrosis
- Poor Wound Healing
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Anesthesia Complications
- Changes in Skin Sensation
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Need for Revision Surgery
All surgery has risks – for detailed information about the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery please visit the risks of surgery page.
Recovery
- The length of your recovery period will depend on the extent of your procedure and other health and lifestyle factors.
- Recovery times can vary from person to person. The general rule, however, is that you should allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your surgery.
- Bruising, swelling and pain are to be expected during recovery, however your surgeon will provide you with prescriptions to help manage your discomfort.
- Scar maturation often takes longer, up to a year or more.
- Follow all of your surgeons post-operative instructions.
- Take advantage of the aftercare we provide to assist you during your healing and recovery.
Swelling and your inability to stand upright until internal healing is complete may obscure your results. However, as the swelling begins to reduce and your body recovers you will continue to see improvements.
Scar Management – Minimising scars after Surgery
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery uses Healite, Fraxel Laser or Dermapen treatments to assist with the healing and minimisation of surgical scars. Be sure to follow your Surgeon’s instructions after surgery to minimise your scars. Don’t do too much too soon!
Compression Garment
You’ll need to wear a compression garment for approximately 6 weeks (or longer) after your surgery to optimise your results, this can vary depending on the individuals healing progress. There are many options for post-surgery compression garments. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help you choose the best one for your body and procedure.
You will need to work with your Surgeon to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is essential to consult with your Surgeon before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting and exercising. Results depend on a collaborative approach and a healthy lifestyle. Follow instructions given to you by your Surgeon, and attend all post-operative appointments.
How much is a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Melbourne?
Our Surgeons customise every surgery to each patient, therefore, the price of surgery varies. However, your Surgeon can give you a price quote for surgery during your consultation. The quote you receive will have a cost breakdown, which will include; Surgeon’s fee, an Anesthetist fee, a Surgical Assistant fee, hospital fees (including a hospital stay) and more.
We also provide information on Medicare Cover and Private Health Insurance.
For information about payment options visit prices page .
Can I claim Abdominoplasty on Medicare ?
Medicare will sometimes offer a rebate on some procedures. In most cases, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures are not eligible for Medicare coverage when performed solely for cosmetic reasons.
Medicare primarily covers medically necessary procedures related to health conditions or reconstructive surgery. However, there can be exceptions for specific medical conditions or complications arising from massive weight loss.
To determine eligibility, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider and plastic surgeon who can assess your individual circumstances and establish if your Abdominoplasty qualifies for cover.
Be prepared for potential out-of-pocket expenses even if partial coverage is granted.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Not all Surgeons have the same experience or intensive training and testing qualifications. Be sure you learn the differences between a Plastic Surgeon, a General Surgeon, a Medical Practitioner or other types of Surgeon.
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships. ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons) ASAPS (Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS (International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon.
About our Surgeons
- It is important to research a Surgeon’s qualifications and experience before deciding on the Surgeon.
- We suggest you seek a second opinion and have multiple consultations to see who you feel most confident with. Getting the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner is vital.
- We also suggest that you check your surgeons’ credentials at AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
- Another good source of information is Past Patients.
Our Abdominoplasty Surgeons, Dr Craig Rubinstein, Dr Gary Kode, Dr Broughton Snell are all experienced, fully qualified specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships.
