Would you like to find out more about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures in Brisbane?
Dr Samuel Yang is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, and has extensive experience with abdominoplasty (the medical name for a tummy tuck).
In this blog we discuss:
- Different types of tummy tucks (abdominoplasties)
- Recovery and what to expect
- Who is an ideal candidates for abdominoplasty or a ‘tummy tuck’
Prior to any operation being performed, Dr Yang will always see you in person to discuss your specific needs and situation and determine if a procedure will be suitable for you.
Ready to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr Yang? Please contact our team on (07) 3257 7950 or send as an enquiry online here, or keep reading to find out more about our abdominoplasty services.
Types of Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasties)
Tummy tucks (abdominoplasties) are designed to reduce excess skin and fat from the stomach region, but there a few different types of procedures that can be performed.
1. Wedge apronectomy
This involves excising just the overhang on the tummy. While this is referred to as a “mini-tummy tuck”, an apronectomy isn’t as complex as other abdominoplasty procedures.
This option tends to be suitable for people who might have functional problems relating to the skin overhang (for example rashes, or difficulty fitting into clothes), but they might not be fit enough for a bigger procedure due to their medical condition or age.
2. Radical abdominoplasty
Like a “mini-Tummy tuck”, the excess skin and fat are excised, however, a Radical abdominoplasty also includes undermining of the skin and fat all the way up to almost the rib cage.
Doing this:
- Allows for the skin fat to be re-draped, and
- Allows for the rectus sheath (the layer of fascia holds the 6 pack muscles together) to be tightened.
Oftentimes with pregnancy, the sheath gets stretched, so the muscles now sit off to either side of the tummy rather than the mid-line. This results in some women having a bulge in the middle and their core body strength is weakened. This stretch of the sheath that holds the 6-pack muscles together is called divarication of the rectus sheath. A radical abdominoplasty can address this issue and can help to create more of a waist.
The scar usually sits along the bottom of the stomach and stretches from one hip to the other. It is likely to be hidden by undergarments.
3. Fleur De Lis (style of abdominoplasty)
This style of abdominoplasty is named after a 3-leafed French symbol, as it is similar to the cuts carried out during the procedure.
This surgery involves taking out the wedge of lower tissue, as well as removing the vertical triangle of skin and fat.
If someone has a lot of skin and fat above the belly button and bottom of the rib cage (epigastric region) a normal abdominoplasty doesn’t excise that, just re drapes and tightens. However, a Fleur De Lis takes out the central wedge of skin and fat.
This type of abdominoplasty is most common for people who have had massive weight loss.
The main downside is that patients will be left with a visible midline scar that runs vertically almost from the rib cage down to the pubic bone, as well as the low transverse scar.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery
Recovery will vary from person to person and will also differ depending on the type of procedure you have had.
For the first four (4) weeks people are going to feel like they can’t do much, beyond what they normally would do around the house.
After six (6) weeks wounds are generally healed well enough for no physical restrictions to be in place. However, it can be 10-12 weeks or about 3 months for most people to feel like they are fully recovered.
- Avoid physical activity, including strenuous aerobic exercises and swimming, for at least 6 weeks after your operation.
- If you have a fairly sedentary job, you’ll need at least 2-4 weeks off.
- For physically demanding jobs, you’ll need at least 6 weeks off.
- Avoid any heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. It is not appropriate to lift 5-10 kg for at least 4-6 weeks (which means mums may have to avoid picking their children up during that time).
Detailed information about aftercare can be found here.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Candidate
Generally speaking, the following are good candidates for abdominoplasty procedures:
- Postpartum women (mums who have had children) and who don’t plan on having any more. Ideally, they shouldn’t be overweight, instead they should be at or close to goal weight. (While the surgery doesn’t prevent from having more/ or normal pregnancies, having more children will just undo all the tummy tuck work)
- An individual who has lost a lot of weight but their weight has now stabilised.
Other things to keep in mind:
- Non-smokers are better candidates, as the blood clot risk is increased for smokers, as are risks of infection and slow healing.
- Some medications for other health conditions may slow down wound healing as they suppress the immune system.
How Long Do Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasties) Last?
Following surgery, patients will notice a dramatic improvement in their abdomen. For the next 6 – 12 months patients may experience further subtle improvements to the scars and swelling.
Also, if you gain weight following surgery and then lose it again, your stomach is likely to stretch back out and reverse the effects of the surgery, so maintaining weight is key.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Brisbane
Would you like to discuss a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with our experienced Brisbane plastic and reconstructive surgeon?
Please contact our team today on (07) 3257 7950 to arrange a consultation with Dr Samuel Yang.
Dr Samuel Yang is an experienced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane.
A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, Dr Yang has been practising in both the private and public systems since 2013.
While the Queensland-trained surgeon can help with all plastic surgery needs, he has special interest in abdominoplasty, skin cancer and melanoma, breast surgery, face lifts and blepharoplasty.
Dr Yang aims to help his patients pick the best surgical option based on the desired result, and ensures they are comfortable and informed before making any commitment.
For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3257 7950 today or enquire online here.
