Abdominoplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess abdominal skin and fat as well as tighten or repair muscles that have lost tone or separated during pregnancy, after massive weight loss, or as a result of ageing.
A key consideration is your weight, and the best candidates for Abdominoplasty surgery are those who are already within a healthy weight range and engage in regular exercise. An abdominoplasty is not suited to people who are overweight and wish to have their abdominal fat removed surgically.
Consultation
During your preoperative consultation, your specific situation, needs, and desired outcome will be discussed. Your medical history will be discussed, including previous abdominal surgery, pregnancies, other medical conditions, medications and allergies. A physical evaluation will be performed, and clinical photographs will be taken. You may need an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to assess hernias.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty is performed in an accredited hospital facility under general anaesthetic.
The procedure takes approximately 3 hours and requires a hospital stay, both of which are variable depending on what type of abdominoplasty is performed and your home situation.
There are a number of different types of abdominoplasty, and Dr Taylor will recommend the most suitable technique to meet your specific circumstances.
They include:
- Mini abdominoplasty
- Radical abdominoplasty
- Extended abdominoplasty
- Corset abdominoplasty
- Fleur de Lis
- Belt lipectomy
Risks and complications
All surgery causes bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. Deep vein thrombosis and risks associated with general anaesthesia must be considered.
Some risks and complications specific to abdominoplasty surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Seroma – accumulation of fluid under the abdominal skin and fat which may become infected
- Asymmetry, contour irregularities
- Small lumps due to fat necrosis
- Wound healing problems, delayed healing or wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
- Poor scarring including hypertrophic and keloid scars
- Need for secondary surgery