Abdominoplasty Sydney
Removing excess skin, tightening loose muscles and removing excess fat pockets from the abdomen, an abdominoplasty targets the inferior abdominal area. The procedure can be suitable for those who want to address excess skin and weak abdominal muscles after pregnancy or significant weight loss. An abdominoplasty (also known as tummy tuck) can address diastasis recti, a condition that can occur during pregnancy in which the right and left abdominal muscles are distended, creating a gap between them.
At Aesthetic Edge, Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt offers different types of abdominoplasty procedures, including a mini abdominoplasty, endoscopic abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty and extended abdominoplasty. Using a variety of techniques, an abdominoplasty is tailored to the needs of each patient. If removing excess fat pockets, the procedure can be combined with liposuction. The type of abdominoplasty procedure that will be most suited to your needs will be determined during a thorough consultation.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Hunt aims to provide an exceptional level of care, from the initial consultation to recovery.
Abdominoplasty
Before & After
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.
Your consultation at Aesthetic Edge in Sydney
Suitable abdominoplasty candidates
Suitable candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure want to address excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles and/or excess fat pockets on the abdomen. To be considered suitable for surgery, candidates will need to be in good general health and willing to follow recovery instructions to minimise post-surgery risks. Realistic expectations are also important when determining if a candidate is suitable for the procedure. Ideally, candidates will have completed their last pregnancy, as future pregnancies can interfere with the results of the surgery. Candidates should also be at a stable weight, and be willing to maintain this after surgery to support the longevity of the results.Procedure steps
The steps of the procedure will depend on the type of abdominoplasty that the patient will undergo, the patient’s desired results and the condition of the patient’s abdomen. Your features will be assessed during your consultation to determine the right type of abdominoplasty for you, and plan the steps in further detail. Understanding your procedure steps can help you know what to expect during recovery and for your results, including how and where scarring may appear.Preparing for the procedure
Preparing for abdominoplasty can be just as important as closely following recovery steps. To prepare, you may need to undergo pre-operative tests, quit smoking, and change certain medications or supplements. Your consultation will provide you with personalised preparation steps and advice, including the time frame that you will need to implement these steps before your procedure.Recovery steps
Following recovery steps after surgery is essential to support best results and prevent complications. You’ll receive instructions that are tailored to your needs and the complexity of your procedure. Recovery instructions can include taking time off work to recover at home, avoiding strenuous exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and following wound care steps.Costs of abdominoplasty
The costs of abdominoplasty will depend on the type of procedure, the procedure steps, total procedure time, and each patient’s personal needs. Costs need to be determined during a consultation after developing a surgery plan. Surgery costs include surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, hospital fees and fees required during recovery.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia at your nominated hospital. Depending on your individual needs, your procedure can be a mini abdominoplasty, endoscopic abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty or extended abdominoplasty. Your procedure can also involve liposuction if addressing excess fat pockets.
Generally, an abdominoplasty addresses excess skin, fat deposits and loose muscles around the abdomen and flanks. At the beginning of the procedure, Dr Hunt may mark the areas that will be addressed, particularly where excess skin will be removed, the areas needed for liposuction and where incisions will be placed.
Abdominoplasty options
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia at your nominated hospital. Depending on your individual needs, your procedure can be a mini abdominoplasty, endoscopic abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty or extended abdominoplasty. Your procedure can also involve liposuction if addressing excess fat pockets.
Generally, an abdominoplasty addresses excess skin, fat deposits and loose muscles around the abdomen and flanks. At the beginning of the procedure, Dr Hunt may mark the areas that will be addressed, particularly where excess skin will be removed, the areas needed for liposuction and where incisions will be placed.
Mini abdominoplasty
Endoscopic abdominoplasty
Full abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty
Once incisions are placed, according to the type of procedure, the skin tissue will be detached, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened. The skin tissue is then re-draped over the underlying tissue before excess skin is removed. To complete the procedure, the incisions are sutured closed, and compressive bandages may be placed over the area.
The procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the type of procedure performed and the complexity of the procedure. You will discuss the details of your procedure during your consultation to allow you to take any necessary steps to prepare.
Recovery after abdominoplasty
The recovery after abdominoplasty, including the length of the recovery period and the specific recovery steps, can vary from patient to patient. Dr Hunt will need to provide you with personalised information in further detail during a consultation.
Recovery will be influenced by the type of abdominoplasty performed, the complexity of the procedure steps, and if the procedure was combined with other procedures.
What to expect
After abdominoplasty, patients can experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort, and you may need to wear a compression garment to help the swelling subside efficiently. Generally, physical activity will need to be kept to a minimum during the first two weeks of recovery, particularly avoiding strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise, such as heavy lifting, may need to be avoided for up to six to eight weeks.
Recovery will involve caring for your incision sites to help minimise scarring, however, scarring can be expected after an abdominoplasty. Scarring will depend on the details of the incisions, which are influenced by the type of procedure performed. The details of scarring are discussed during the consultation to ensure that you are prepared.
While some changes can be noticeable immediately after surgery, swelling will need to reduce before full results are visible. Swelling subsides within months after the procedure, typically allowing results to be visible by three to six months after surgery. Sometimes, full results can take up to a year to show, as scarring from incisions fade and swelling completely subsides. You may need to attend follow-up appointments during recovery to monitor the progress of your healing.
Recovery instructions
It will be essential to follow your personalised instructions, as these will help to reduce risks and prevent complications. The following instructions may be referred to as a guide before your consultation:- Aim to sleep with your knees and upper body slightly elevated
- Take prescribed pain medication
- Wear compression garments
- Stay hydrated
- Follow a healthy diet
- Follow wound care steps to prevent infection and reduce scarring
- Avoid strenuous exercise for six to eight weeks
- Avoid smoking for at least two weeks
- Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks
- Avoid excessive heat exposure (such as saunas, steam rooms, pools and hot baths) for about three weeks
- Be aware of certain body movements that can cause discomfort to the operated area, including coughing and sneezing
- Avoid excessive sun exposure to the operated area
- Attend follow-up appointments
Costs of abdominoplasty in Sydney n Sydney
The costs of your abdominoplasty will depend on the type of procedure you will need, the complexity of the procedure, procedure time and other factors that vary from patient to patient.
Surgery costs cover surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees (including the use of the operating theatre, equipment, and recovery room), and costs needed for aftercare. The experience level of the surgeon reflects the surgeon’s fees. Dr Hunt is an experienced plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Anaesthesia fees will also be influenced by the experience level of the anaesthetist. Hospital fees can depend on the requirements of your nominated hospital. Costs required during aftercare can include the costs of compression garments or any other items needed.
- The type of abdominoplasty performed
- Whether liposuction is required
- If the abdominal muscles are being addressed
- The amount of excess skin and fat to be removed
- Total amount of time spent in the operating theatre
- The patient’s personal expectations and goals
Since costs are based on a variety of factors, a personalised quote will need to be provided during a consultation. We are unable to list exact costs, as costs will vary per each individual case.
During your consultation, you will discuss your personal goals, have your abdomen assessed and discuss your procedure options to develop a personalised surgery plan. Once your plan is developed, you will be able to receive a costs estimate.
Medicare
If an abdominoplasty is performed for medical reasons, the patient may be eligible to apply for Medicare cover for a portion of the surgery costs. A common medical reason for undergoing an abdominoplasty is to address excess skin that can cause health concerns or impact quality of life, such as significant excess skin after massive weight loss. Another reason may be if patients have Diastasis Recti of 3cm+.
With a comprehensive assessment and after discussing your medical history, Dr Hunt can help determine if your procedure meets Medicare’s requirements during your consultation.
If patients are eligible to apply for Medicare cover, partial cover from private health insurance may also be accessible. We recommend checking with your private health insurance provider before undergoing your procedure. You can also receive advice regarding private health insurance cover during your consultation.
Combining procedures
If your abdominoplasty will be combined with another procedure, this will need to be factored into the total costs of your surgery.
For example, some patients may undergo an abdominoplasty as part of post-pregnancy surgery, which includes surgery performed on the breast. Breast surgery may be a breast augmentation with implants, a breast lift, a breast reduction or a combination of an augmentation and a lift. You can read more about post-pregnancy surgery on our page. If you’re interested in combining breast surgery with an abdominoplasty, you can discuss the details and your personal options with Dr Hunt.
Combining procedures, although initially increasing the costs, can decrease overall costs as it avoids the need for multiple anaesthesia fees required for surgeries that are performed separately. It can also extend the recovery period after surgery, however, it can mean that only one recovery period is required. If combining procedures, you’ll discuss any additional recovery steps, preparation steps, and risks and complications before surgery.
Possible risks and complications
The risks and complications associated with the procedure will depend on the type of abdominoplasty and the complexity of the procedure. If an abdominoplasty is combined with another procedure, this will also influence risks and complications. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss the risks of your procedure and how these can be minimised.
Importantly, recovery and preparation instructions are put in place to minimise many of the possible risks. Discussing the risks of abdominoplasty in further detail during your consultation will help you to make an informed decision as to whether to proceed with the surgery.
The possible risks and complications of an abdominoplasty can include:
- Infection
- Pain and discomfort
- Persistent swelling
- Excessive bleeding
- Delayed wound healing
- Fluid accumulation underneath the skin (seroma)
- (Hematoma)
- Changes in skin sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Skin necrosis (tissue death)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Anaesthesia complications
- Allergic reactions
- Scarring
- Asymmetrical results
- The need for revision surgery
Some of the above complications may need to be addressed with surgery, and some will require immediate medical attention. You can discuss how to manage risks and complications, including symptoms to be aware of, during your consultation.