Is the tummy tuck for me?
A. If you have a large abdomen with excessive skin then tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) may be for you. It is not a cure for being generally overweight but in certain situations having the surgery may enable you to have a more healthy lifestyle and go on to lose further weight after surgery.
Why can’t I just have liposuction and avoid surgery?
A. Liposuction may be a better option for you in which case it will be recommended. Liposuction is an excellent procedure where there is a localized excess of fat only but where there is excess skin this too usually has to be reduced. Where there is a large excess of skin, abdominoplasty is usually preferable to liposuction where simply removing fat would make the skin excess even worse. Remember liposuction is still a surgical procedure and requires the same level of training and professionalism as any procedure. It is not the lesser option, it is a tool and should be selected only if it is the best tool for your particular situation.
How is abdominoplasty actually done?
A. Under general anaesthesia the excess skin and fat, usually that below the umbilicus is surgically removed. This tissue is like a thick blanket lying on the deep abdominal wall. This deep abdominal layer contains your rectus muscles (visible in body builders). After pregnancy these are usually stretched and bowed out and therefore they are stitched back together in the midline to improve tone to your abdomen. The appearance is similar to if you “suck your tummy in.”
The belly button is kept attached to the deep abdominal wall, like a chimney attached to this wall. The skin and fat above the belly button is undermined (separated from the deep abdominal wall), then stretched down and the wound closed. A small hole like a pothole cover is removed over the belly button which is then stitched to the outside skin, thus preserving your original belly button!
Is this considered cosmetic surgery?
A. This surgery is both functional (medical) and cosmetic. The functional aims are to decrease discomfort, rashes and embarrassment, however the surgical aim is to give as much as possible a more attractive proportioned tummy in keeping with your desires. In keeping with the functional aims, this procedure is currently at least partially covered by both Medicare and by private health insurance.
What sort of scarring can I expect?
A. A gently curving transverse incision is made along the lower abdomen at a level just above the bikini line. The length of the incision is dependent on how much needs to be removed. The other incision is a little circle around the belly button. Scars will continue to improve for up to twelve to eighteen months and their appearance will vary considerably from individual to individual. To minimize scarring we use buried and dissolving sutures, organize where necessary special supportive garments and taping of the suture lines and have experts in post-operative management to look after you.
How much do you take?
A. The amount taken is dependent on your wishes, your abdominal shape and size and what is safe. The weight removed is usually between 500 and 2500g.
Should I try and lose weight before considering surgery?
A. In a perfect world, the answer would be yes but many women find it difficult or even painful to exercise with a large abdomen and dieting by itself often doesn’t help or is only temporary. It may be easier to exercise and lose weight after having abdominoplasty the intention being that you can then exercise with raised self esteem, look better, feel better and generally live a better lifestyle.
What do you do in the first visit?
A. Your individual concerns are discussed, so that your surgical choices can be fully explained including the risks, limitations and potential complications. Digital photography is taken and the proposed surgery described. After you have been fully informed of all aspects of the procedure including all expenses, you are encouraged, after having assimilated a large amount of information, to re-present, if appropriate with your partner, and any aspect can be re-discussed as often as you like, until you feel fully informed and comfortable to proceed.
What should I tell my partner?
A. We strongly encourage your partner to be part of the consultation as whilst it is totally your choice we believe it important they know what is going on, to be supportive and that they understands why this is happening. It must however be strongly emphasized that no surgery is ever performed at the request of the partner, as this is a purely your personal decision however we have found that invariably the partner has been highly supportive and encouraging, as they too have concerns for your well being.
How long does it take to recover?
A. You will be encouraged to get out of bed either on the day or usually the day after your operation and may on this day have a shower. You will be encouraged to walk a little from day one. You will usually be in hospital for 2 days every day activities can usually be resumed within a few days, as long as they don’t cause discomfort. Driving a car can usually be resumed after the first week. Any sporting activities that could stretch the incisions and cause a wider scar are to be avoided for six weeks. All sutures used are buried and dissolving but to minimize scarring, the suture lines are supported with tape and a bra or supportive garment is best worn for the following six weeks. The intention is from day one to start commencing a more healthy active lifestyle but to get the best healing you do need to look after yourself and not rush anything.
What should I do if I want to have more children?
A. If you definitely intend having more children we would certainly advise you defer surgery until you have completed you family. It is not that the surgery would be dangerous but that everything would stretch and you could lose the benefits of the procedure. This should also be weighed up against the prolonged discomfort of waiting and then once having children finding the time for surgery and its need for rest and recovery which is difficult for many years after starting a family.
Does it hurt?
A. You are likely to be uncomfortable for several days. Any postoperative pain is usually easily controlled with medication and this is also organized for when you go home.
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