Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

Sometimes even with a rigorous diet and exercise regime you cannot achieve the flat and sculpted abdominal contours that you desire. Several changes occur during ageing and after life events such as pregnancy and weight fluctuation that may result in permanent and undesirable changes to your physique. Abdominal muscles may have stretched and weakened and an accumulation of fatty deposits and excess loose skin in the abdominal region may have occurred which are typically not responsive to diet or exercise.

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to flatten and tighten your abdomen and improve your shape, profile and overall appearance. By removing excess skin and fat and tightening muscle layers of the abdominal wall it creates a more sculpted torso. A mini tummy tuck – abdominoplasty involves a smaller incision and is appropriate for those patients with minimal excess skin and predominantly lower abdominal muscle wall laxity.

Dr Watts’ approach is to address the entire abdominal area and to create a well-sculpted torso. To achieve a more dramatic result he uses liposuction to not only target areas of stubborn fat but to also delicately shape and smooth contours. His combined attention to detail and artistic sensibilities ensure for a natural looking and well-proportioned new navel.

WHAT CAN A TUMMY TUCK – ABDOMINOPLASTY DO FOR ME?

• Remove excess skin from the abdomen and improve skin tone
• Remove excess fat from the abdomen
• Strengthen and tighten abdominal muscles
• Improve contours of abdomen and torso
• Reduce or remove stretch marks through removal of tissue
• Create a smoother firmer tummy

It is important to note that a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty is not a first line weight loss procedure or an alternative to diet and exercise. Rather, an abdominoplasty is the final stage to restore contours after achieving an ideal body weight to get rid of those remaining pockets of stubborn fat. In order to maintain the results you will need to keep an active lifestyle including a diet and exercise regime.

TUMMY TUCK – ABDOMINOPLASTY PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY PERIOD

Dr Watts performs abdominoplasty on an inpatient basis to provide closer observation during the recovery period. The length of the procedure will depend on many factors, including extent of repair and combination with other procedures, but on average takes 2-4 hours to complete.

A horizontal incision of varying lengths will be made above the pubis where abdominal muscles will be repaired, excess fat removed and extra skin trimmed to create a smoother, firmer, flatter abdomen. The incision line will be strategically placed to minimise visible scarring.

A compression garment will be applied after the procedure to help reduce swelling and assist in shaping and contouring. You will be monitored overnight to ensure your initial recovery is progressing well, you will then be allowed to return home when you have made a sufficient recovery.

Written procedure specific information sheets will be given to you in order for you to prepare for your surgery and the recovery period. You may experience mild to moderate discomfort after the procedure and so a postoperative analgesia regime will be tailored to meet your specific needs. In general, you can expect the possible bruising, swelling and tenderness of the abdomen to have settled within 1-2 weeks.Patients are usually able to return to a desk job within 10-14 days and resume all normal activities within 4-6 weeks after the procedure. Continued improvements can be seen for up to 6 months following an abdominoplasty.

Dr Watts and his team are dedicated to providing ongoing care, support and guidance throughout your entire journey. They will be readily available to answer any further questions you may have to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. For more information please call our office to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Watts.

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PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.