What is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can be considered both a cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedure that removes excess, overhanging skin and the associated fatty tissue from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery begins with the surgeon making a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, below the underwear line so that the underlying abdominal muscle can be tightened and the excess skin along with its fatty tissue can be removed. In cases where the rectus muscle has separated (divarication), they will be brought back together and sutured internally along with the connective tissues. The navel, or belly button, will be repositioned and the incision will be closed. The incision is placed along the public hairline so that the scar can be hidden underneath your underwear.

While a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) assists in shaping the abdominal area, it is not a substitute for Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss.

Who is Suitable for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

The most suitable candidates for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) are those who have overstretched skin, excess stubborn fat, unsightly scars and stretch marks. Whether pregnancy, considerable weight loss, natural aging or issues resulting from previous surgeries, a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can address these issues.

You may undergo Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) if you are looking to:

• Remove scars, including cesarean scars and stretchmarks
• Alleviate itching, infections and irritations caused by excessive skin
• Stop experiencing hygiene issues due to excess skin hanging below the pubic region
• Repair structural abdominal defects such as Diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), hernias and other abnormalities caused by trauma, obesity, pregnancy and extensive weight loss

The Advantages of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery

While a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is often performed with the aim to eliminate excess, overhanging skin after pregnancy or extreme weight loss, there are other reconstructive benefits that also come with having a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) performed.

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Removes Excess Skin

Gaining and carrying additional weight for an extended period of time can permanently damage the collagen and elastin fibres in your skin, making it more difficult for your skin to contract back after weight loss. While anyone can suffer from sagging skin, it is more prevalent in those who have lost a significant amount of weight or have undergone multiple pregnancies. Sagging skin can be the cause of more serious issues like itching, infections and irritations. Many people turn to surgical intervention like abdominoplasty when the volume and elasticity of their skin deteriorates, and they are left with sagging skin around the abdomen. A Tummy Tuck procedure eliminates the excess skin and fat in the abdominal region.

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Can Repair an Abdominal Hernia

An abdominal hernia occurs when a stomach organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue holding it in place. This typically happens when abdominal wall muscles have weakened, often appearing in and around the belly button as a bulge. When left untreated, hernias can cause serious discomfort and potentially necessitate emergency surgery. Combining a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) with a hernia repair offers patients an effective two-in-one solution. Abdominoplasty offers complete access to the abdominal wall, so the hernia ‘sac’ containing the bulge can be easily identified and repaired by pushing the hernia back into the abdomen and strengthening the abdominal wall with stitches (or synthetic mesh). Patients can have their hernias repaired and then re-enforced with rectus muscle tightening/repair performed during an abdominoplasty.

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Can Remove C-Section Scars and Stretchmarks

Patients are often left with a depressed or tethered caesarean scars that can be painful and distort the surrounding abdominal tissue.

During the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure, the incision is typically made along or below the c-section scar so it can be completely removed. The same is for any other scars along the belly, such as those from previous abdominal surgeries or stretchmarks. Essentially, a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) will eliminate scars between your underwear line and your belly button, and the new incision scar will be hidden beneath your underwear. Scars outside the area of excised skin will persist, but they will move lower as the remaining skin is stretched down.

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Can Tighten the Abdominal Walls, Correcting Diastasis Recti

Excessive inner-abdominal pressure causes diastasis recti, which is the separation of your abdominal muscles and connective tissue as your body adjusts to an expanding uterus during pregnancy. Although experiencing some abdominal separation during and following pregnancy is to be expected, the abdominal muscles may become permanently separated, weaker and appear overstretched. Not only does this result in an increase in abdominal girth, it also results in a weakened core strength and altered biomechanical performance of your body/core. This separation can also contribute to incontinence, lower back pain, hernias, digestive issues, weak core strength. Reconstruction/repair surgery of muscle separation is a routine part of most abdominoplasty procedures.

The Different Types of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedures

The type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) suitable for you depends entirely on your anatomy, functional issues and aesthetic goals. Some patients may be suitable for Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure, others a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), while others may require a more extensive Tummy Tuck procedure, such as a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). The amount of excess skin and acceptance of additional scaring will determine whether you have a mini, traditional or a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery. Unfortunately, scarring is an inevitable part of surgery, and the scars will never completely disappear.

See the differences between the traditional, mini and Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) below.

Traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery traditionally involves a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen so that the underlying abdominal muscle can be tightened, and the fatty tissue and excess skin be removed. In cases where the rectus muscle has separated (diastasis recti), they will be brought back together and sutured internally, along the midline. The navel, or belly button, will be repositioned and the incision will be closed. The incision is strategically placed along the public hairline so that the scar can be hidden underneath your underwear. If you previously had a c-section with pregnancy, the caesarean scar is often removed and replaced with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) incision that can be hidden beneath your underwear.

Mini-Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is less invasive than a standard abdominoplasty surgery and is an effective alternative for patients with minimal excess skin isolated just above the pubic region. A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cannot address the upper abdominal area, typically avoids separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and the belly button stays in place. The scar is like a caesarean scar but is still likely to be concealed beneath your underwear. Although the procedure certainly benefits the right candidate, very few people are actually suitable for a mini tummy tuck. The standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure for most people considering abdominal surgery produces the best results.

Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), or inverted T scar abdominoplasty, is a more complex and extensive surgical procedure than a traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). It allows patients to address excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal directions. With a standard Tummy Tuck exclusively removing skin in the horizontal direction, a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) does involve additional scaring. This is a viable alternative for patients who have excess skin in both the lower and upper abdomen, and in their sides or hips.

The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) allows for the skin across the entire lower half of the abdominal wall to be tightened. The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) incision includes the usual lower abdominal horizontal incision, with an additional midline abdominal wall incision extending up to the upper abdomen and lower chest region. This allows for a wedge of additional loose skin from the lower lateral side of the abdomen to be removed.

What Scarring to Expect With a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Scarring is almost always a big concern for patients considering a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Like all surgical scars, abdominoplasty scars will never completely disappear. While the incision scars from the Tummy Tuck procedure are permanent, most patients feel that the scars are worth accepting in achieving their goals. The degree of scarring depends on what type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery you undergo.

A standard Tummy Tuck scar will stretch across the pubic hairline from hip to hip so that the scar can be hidden underneath your underwear. A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) scar is also positioned along the public hairline, but the scar is noticeably smaller than the standard incision. The Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) results a horizontal scar along the pubic hairline and a vertical scar along the midline of the abdomen extending from the ribs vertically down to the pubic area.

Approximately twelve months after the procedure, your scars will have flattened and faded. It is not uncommon for some scars to take up to two years to lighten and become more discreet.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery

The length of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) recovery period fluctuates from person to person. Generally, it can take six months to feel completely healed after the procedure. Although the most intense part of the healing period is within the first couple of weeks, postponing intense physical activities and considerable work stress during recovery is essential. Strenuous activities, especially those that engage the core, should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks after surgery.

The pain associated with the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure is typically at its worst during the first week, peaking on the second or third day, with swelling and bruising increasing throughout the week. In the beginning, activities that engage the core muscles, such as getting out of a seated position, bending down or deep breathing, can be particularly painful. That is why patients stay in hospital for a couple of days so that they are assisted with these activities and more comfortable. You will also be prescribed pain medication to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with the procedure.

During the first couple of weeks after Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery, you will be experiencing pain, discomfort and fatigue that will most likely deter you from wanting to exercise. And, resuming exercise too soon after surgery can lead to complications, including wound injuries and infections.

A compression garment will also be provided during the first six weeks to assist with the swelling. We also recommend performing a gentle daily massage to these areas starting a few weeks after surgery to help control the swelling and facilitate the settling process.

Overall, the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an invasive procedure and recovery is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. It will take up to six weeks before you can begin returning back to your pre-operative daily routine.

The Cost of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Finding a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cost estimate without consultation is very difficult because there are multiple variables to consider. Your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure estimate will reflect the complexity of the procedure, including your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and pre-existing conditions.

Medicare does not cover elective surgical procedures purely completed for cosmetic purposes. Abdominoplasty is often considered a cosmetic procedure, but the reality is it is mostly a reconstructive procedure that can be easily medically justified. In such cases, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you meet the criteria and conditions. If your stomach is causing chronic discomfort or functional issues, you may be eligible for a rebate. The best thing to do is to speak with your GP and get a referral for a plastic surgery consultation. Whether your private insurance covers abdominoplasty or not largely depends on the policy you have. If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, you may be eligible to have the hospital component and anaesthetic subsidised. It is best that you clarify with your health insurance fund what will be covered before you book the surgery, you may also be covered for part of the procedure. For example, your insurance may cover the cost of a hernia repair that is causing discomfort. Once Dr Dona has fully assessed you, a report can be sent to your health insurance provider to determine whether the procedure is considered medically necessary.

Overall, the costs associated with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), including the surgeon’s fees, Anaesthetist’s fees and hospital fees, are contingent on the length and complexity of the procedure. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an accurate estimate without consultation because the procedure can vary depending on your specific physiology. To learn more about Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) pricing, click on our article about Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) prices.

Get in Touch

If you are considering undergoing Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery and would like more information, the best way to have all your questions answered is to book a consultation with Dr Dona. Please call us on 1300 373 662 or email us at [email protected]