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Abdominoplasty Sydney

About the treatment

As we age, the skin around the abdomen loses elasticity, and the underlying muscles may become looser and weaker. Fat distribution can shift, often forming a persistent bulge around the lower abdomen. These changes can significantly affect body shape and may not respond adequately to exercise or diet. Factors such as pregnancy or significant weight loss can exacerbate these issues, as the abdominal walls may separate in these cases.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address these concerns. It involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and the tightening of the underlying muscles to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the abdomen. It involves:

Removal of excess fat and skin: Targeting areas resistant to diet and exercise.
Tightening of abdominal muscles: Addressing muscle separation (diastasis recti) that can occur after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Enhancing body contour: Creating a more toned and youthful abdominal appearance.

While abdominoplasty is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, it is intended for individuals who have reached a stable weight but are struggling with excess abdominal skin and muscle laxity.

Potential Benefits of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty may offer both cosmetic and functional benefits, including:

Improved abdominal appearance: Achieving a flatter and more contoured abdomen.
Enhanced posture: Strengthening abdominal muscles can contribute to better posture.
Relief from lower back pain: Addressing muscle weakness may alleviate discomfort.
Improved urinary function: Some individuals experience reduced urinary incontinence following the procedure.
Treatment of ventral hernias: Abdominoplasty can be combined with hernia repair to correct abdominal wall defects.
Reduction in skin irritation: Removing excess skin folds can decrease chronic dermatitis and hygiene issues.

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and a thorough consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon is essential to determine if abdominoplasty is appropriate for your specific needs.

Results

The outcomes of abdominoplasty may take several weeks to months to become fully apparent. Swelling typically begins to subside within a few weeks, with more defined results often visible after two to three months. Final results may continue to improve over time as healing progresses.

Abdominoplasty aims to address excess skin and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. In some cases, this may reduce the visibility of stretch marks, particularly those located on the lower abdomen. When combined with liposuction, there may be additional contouring benefits that improve the proportion and appearance of the abdominal area.

Individual results vary based on personal characteristics, healing responses, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss what you can reasonably expect during your consultation.

A surgical procedure designed to address the body’s midsection by removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area
Can provide both functional and cosmetic benefits
Abdominoplasty may help correct or relieve certain structural issues affecting the abdominal area.

What to expect from Abdominoplasty

The abdominoplasty procedure is tailored to each patient’s individual needs. During your initial consultation, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ania Smialkowski will assess your abdominal area and discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Dr Smialkowski takes time to understand your concerns and develop a personalised procedural plan aligned with your goals.

Procedure time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Recovery time: Typically 2 to 3 weeks, which may vary depending on your occupation and individual healing

Disclaimer: All surgical procedures at Shape Clinic are performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeons, Dr Steven Liew (MED0001151298 FRACS) and Dr Ania Smialkowski ( MED0001668109 FRACS). Individual results, healing responses, and recovery times vary. All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, including but not limited to infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to determine suitability. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended prior to proceeding with surgery.

Abdominoplasty Recovery and Care

Recovery from abdominoplasty requires careful attention. The following provides an overview of what you can expect:

Rest and positioning: You may be advised to remain in a semi-reclined position for several days to minimise swelling and promote fluid drainage.
Pain management: Medications will be prescribed to help manage discomfort.
Drains: Small tubes may be placed near the incisions to remove excess fluid.
Compression garment: Wearing a compression garment for several weeks is typically recommended to reduce swelling and provide abdominal support.
Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, bending, and twisting during recovery. Driving is generally not advised for at least two weeks post-surgery.

Pairing Abdominoplasty with Lipoplasty

In some cases, abdominoplasty may be performed in conjunction with liposuction to enhance contouring of the body’s midsection.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS MED0001668109) may recommend combining these procedures where clinically appropriate. Liposuction techniques may be used to address localised fat deposits in adjacent areas such as the flanks or thighs. This approach can support a more balanced appearance between the waistline and surrounding regions.

While liposuction targets fat removal, abdominoplasty primarily addresses excess skin and muscle laxity. Together, these procedures aim to improve abdominal contour.

A thorough clinical assessment is required to determine if this combination approach is suitable for your individual goals and anatomy. All surgical procedures carry risks, which will be discussed during your consultation. This content is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.

Like to know more about your treatment options?

Email us at concierge@shapeclinic.com.au or contact us on (02) 8356 2888 to book your consultation. During this consultation, a thorough clinical assessment will be conducted to determine whether any treatment is appropriate based on individual health and clinical factors. Please note that individual results may vary, and no specific outcomes can be guaranteed. All treatments carry risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Types of Abdominoplasty

There are different approaches to abdominoplasty, depending on individual anatomy and clinical needs. These may include:

Mini Abdominoplasty: Targets mild skin laxity below the navel.
Full Abdominoplasty: Involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of abdominal muscles.
Extended Abdominoplasty: May address more extensive skin laxity, often involving the flanks.
Reverse Abdominoplasty: In selected cases, skin may be tightened in an upward direction, usually in patients with upper abdominal skin laxity.

Each technique is tailored to the individual based on a comprehensive clinical assessment by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

Risks and Considerations

As with all surgical procedures, abdominoplasty carries potential risks. These may include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Delayed healing
Anaesthetic complications

Your surgeon will explain these risks in detail and provide an opportunity to ask questions during your consultation. It’s important to ensure you understand all potential outcomes before proceeding.

Pregnancy After Abdominoplasty

While it is possible to become pregnant after undergoing abdominoplasty, patients are often advised to consider this procedure after completing their family. Pregnancy may affect the long-term outcome of the surgery.

Medicare and Abdominoplasty

Medicare may offer a rebate for abdominoplasty in specific circumstances—such as after significant weight loss—provided certain clinical criteria outlined by Medicare are met. A consultation is required to determine whether you may be eligible.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results and suitability for surgery will vary and should be discussed with a qualified medical professional. All procedures are performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Steven Liew (FRACS) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS). All surgery carries risk. A consultation is required to determine appropriate treatment options.

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