Following weight loss or pregnancy your skin may take some time to shrink back to your slimmer figure.  In some cases however, the skin may not shrink back entirely and the excess skin may remain. This can have an impact on how you dress and feel about yourself. If you are considering options to address excess abdominal skin then abdominoplasty surgery could be an option.

In this article we discuss six top reasons why people seek abdominoplasty surgery, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck.

Top 6 Reasons for Abdominoplasty Surgery

1. To remove loose skin resulting from significant weight loss through diet and exercise
2. To remove excess skin following bariatric (weight loss) surgery such as gastric sleeve surgery or laparoscopic gastric band surgery
3. To address loose skin and stretch marks following pregnancy
4. To improve core muscle strength and reduce back strain
5. To achieve a firm, flat abdomen
6. To improve irritation, infection and hygiene issues caused by excess skin

Tummy tuck surgery aims to achieve a firm, flat abdomen with narrowing of the waist by tightening the “six-pack” muscles. Tightening these muscles can improve core muscle strength and reduce back strain. Abdominoplasty surgery may incorporate liposuction of the flanks to improve the shape of the hips. The belly button is usually repositioned and the area of skin above flattened and smoothed out.

When Can Abdominoplasty Surgery Be Considered?

Abdominoplasty surgery is best considered when weight has been stable for at least 3 months. The extent of the abdominoplasty surgery may need to be modified if you have abdominal scars from previous surgery. You may be suitable for a “mini” abdominoplasty and in appropriate patients, liposuction may be used as an adjunctive procedure. Your Surgeon will discuss options with you during your consultation.

The Importance Of A Consultation

It’s important to have a consultation with your surgeon in order to discuss your expectations of the surgery and to identify potential limitations to achieving those expectations such as skin quality, extent of skin excess, adiposity (fat) and muscle separation. The aim of the consultation is also to facilitate your understanding of the potential risks of abdominoplasty surgery. Your surgeon will need to know your medical history, including previous surgery and history of scarring, tendency for easy bruising and excessive bleeding, deep venous clots, all prescription and non prescription medication and allergies.

Next Step

If you are considering abdominoplasty surgery and have questions you would like to ask or if you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140, click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your expectations in regard to the surgery.