Tummy Tuck Sydney
Achieving your ideal figure can be a difficult process, particularly when targeting the abdominal area. As we age, the skin around the abdomen loses elasticity, and the underlying muscles become looser and weaker. Fat distribution also increases, often forming a stubborn bulge around the lower stomach. The result of these effects is a significant loss of shape that is almost impossible to shift solely with exercise or diet. This issue may be exacerbated by pregnancy or extreme weight loss, as the abdominal walls tend to separate in these cases.
The tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, aims to correct these concerns by removing loose excess skin and tightening the weakened abdominal muscles. The surgery also serves to reduce the visibility of stretch marks, providing a smoother and firmer contour of the abdomen. Drawing on highly developed techniques and an advanced aesthetic vision, Dr Liew performs tummy tucks to help patients redefine their waistline and restore shape to their figure.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the body’s midsection by removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. This treatment serves to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat that appear after extreme weight loss or pregnancy and do not respond adequately to exercise or diet. While it is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle, the procedure is ideal for those who are have reached a healthy and steady weight range but are struggling to shift stubborn areas of flabby excess skin. The tummy tuck serves to treat this tummy bulge, tighten the abdominal wall muscles and re-contour the torso for a slimmer, more attractive appearance.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also referred to as a stomach or belly tuck, boasts a range of both functional and cosmetic benefits. When performed by an expert and highly practised plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can be highly rewarding and can provide patients with various cosmetic benefits by having the capacity to:
- Remove excess fat for a slimmer and smoother form.
- Tighten abdominal muscles for an improved tone and a taut, firmer contour.
- Redefine the torso and restore shape to your overall figure.
- Reduced feelings of heaviness.
- Restore confidence and broaden clothing options.
As well as functional benefits, including the ability to:
- Improve urinary incontinence by using soft tissue to create a slight bladder obstruction near the pelvic area.
- Improve posture by removing excess weight from the body.
- Correct or relieve structural defects of the abdomen.
- Treat a ventral hernia.
- Reduce chronic dermatitis, skin infection and hygiene issues caused by skin folds and large pockets of fat.
- Reduce difficulty in walking.
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
The most suitable candidates for a tummy tuck are men and women who are struggling to shift large pockets of fat around the abdomen. This treatment is an excellent tool for those who have been steadily losing weight but are struggling to tone stubborn areas of fat that do not respond effectively to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery, so patients should be stabilising a comfortable and healthy weight range that can be maintained after the procedure, as the surgery will not stop you from gaining weight. To embrace the full benefits of a tummy tuck, patients should be maintaining a healthy lifestyle and committing to a routine of regular exercise and clean eating.
Suitable candidates may include women after pregnancy, those who suffer hereditary conditions or those who have undergone extreme weight loss. The surgery is not recommended for women planning to become pregnant in the future. Patients with stretch marks may also benefit from this procedure, as the tummy tuck will help to reduce the visibility of marks and smooth out the skin. A tummy tuck is an effective method for those seeking to flatten the tummy bulge and reshape the torso for a slimmer, smoother and more proportioned figure.
The Procedure
The procedure will vary for each patient depending on their specific needs and aesthetic goals. In a consultation before your procedure, Dr Liew will examine the abdominal area to determine the best, most suitable approach to treatment. He will take the time to understand your concerns, before creating a procedural plan that is tailored to your body type and fundamental needs. Dr Liew may suggest to combine your surgery with liposuction for a more comprehensive contour of the abdomen.
Generally, a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with deep sedation. The procedure usually involves one incision around the belly button and one horizontal incision just above the pubic bone, running from hipbone to hipbone. Once the incision is made, Dr Liew will remove fatty tissue and excess skin from the area before tightening the abdominal muscles using both lateral and horizontal sutures. The incisions will be closed in support of the new contour.
This advanced technique, combined with Dr Liew’s aesthetic vision, will help to produce a slimmer figure and a naturally toned appearance. Depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals, the navel may also be repositioned during the procedure. A tummy tuck may take from two to three hours, depending on the extent of surgery required.
Tummy Tuck with Liposuction (Liposculpture)
In your consultation, Dr Liew will assess your abdominal area and determine whether liposuction will be necessary to help you achieve your body image goals. When completed as a single procedure, the tummy tuck can only address small pockets of fat. For a more significant removal of fat, the procedure is combined with liposuction to produce a more thorough result. By combining the two treatments, Dr Liew has more opportunity to sculpt the torso and restore shape to the body. Liposuction is a cosmetic suction technique used to remove excess fat from under the skin. In cases where the body is burdened by large amounts of fat, liposuction may be the most effective method of removal. Dr Liew offers an advanced liposculpting technique that serves to not only eliminate fatty tissue but mould the skin and underlying tissue to re-sculpt the abdominal area. In line with Dr Liew’s approach to holistic beauty, this treatment serves to contour curves in harmony with your overall body shape.
Results
Results of a tummy tuck procedure are visible immediately after the surgery. However, it may take from two to three months for swelling to subside and results to settle. Excess skin will be removed, the abdominal wall will be tightened, and the visibility of stretch marks will be reduced. If liposuction is combined with treatment, the abdomen will be flatter, and the midsection will be more proportioned to your overall figure.
Results of a tummy tuck are generally long-lasting, so long as there are no significant weight fluctuations after the procedure. Results may also vary depending on the body type and habits of the patient. It is important to remember that undergoing an abdominoplasty will not stop you from gaining weight in the future. Since the procedure is not a weight loss surgery, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help preserve the effects of the treatment. By embracing a clean routine of regular exercise and nutritional foods, you can enjoy your results for longer, encouraging you to appreciate and fully embrace your body for years to come.
Recovery
A tummy tuck usually requires a downtime period of two to three weeks, depending on vocational requirements. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience bruising, swelling, pain or discomfort, and may feel a ‘tugging’ sensation at the abdomen. For several weeks, a compression garment will be worn to keep swelling down.
As you are healing, it is essential to limit physical activity or strenuous exercise for at least one month, to minimise complications. Some time will be needed before your optimal results can be seen and for your body to fully adapt to its new contours. After your surgery, Dr Liew will inform you of all aftercare requirements so you can be fully aware of how to properly care for your body. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled after the procedure so Dr Liew can remove stitches and bandages and assess how your recovery is going.
Scarring
All invasive surgeries will result in some scarring. However, during your procedure, Dr Liew will take every measure to minimise scarring and to keep your wounds as concealed as possible. While they may not completely disappear, scars will generally heal and fade over time. After recovery is complete and the scars have healed, Dr Liew can also inform you of post-operative laser treatments that will help to improve the size, colour, texture and overall visibility of scars.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck
The most critical factor to account for when considering a tummy tuck, or any procedure, is the value and quality of treatment. While your financial situation should be a deciding factor, a tummy tuck is a highly invasive surgical procedure and must be handled professionally and thoroughly to not only achieve the best result, but to ensure your safety, comfort and care at all times of the process.
The fees associated with a tummy tuck include the surgeon’s fee, operational facility costs, anaesthesia fees, prescriptions for medication, post-surgery garments and medical tests. In your consultation, Dr Liew will run you through the expenses so you can be financially prepared and fully aware of what to expect before undergoing treatment.
Most importantly, as a highly experienced specialist and a visionary in the industry, Dr Liew provides exceptional service and draws on pioneering surgical techniques to help patients achieve their ideal body. Drawing on years of education and experience, Dr Liew will ensure your safety and comfort at all times of the process, from consultation to aftercare, and will help restore shape to your figure and faith in your beauty. Dr Liew’s first-class facilities and state-of-the-art techniques will allow for satisfying and long-lasting results.
Pair this Treatment with Liposculpture of the Flanks and Thighs
A tummy tuck focuses primarily on excising extra skin and removing stubborn pockets of fat from the abdominal wall. It is a highly effective procedure for those seeking to tighten the stomach and reshape the torso area. For a more comprehensive full-body result however, Dr Liew often recommends combining the tummy tuck with Liposculpture of the flanks and thighs to achieve a holistic reshaping of the lower body.
Dr Liew offers patients this advanced technique to contour and refine the area between the waistline and the thighs. Drawing on liposculpting techniques, Dr Liew can remove large amounts of fat and manipulate the underlying tissue to mould the skin and smooth out the body’s entire midsection. When combined with a tummy tuck, this procedure can restructure the area as the whole, allowing Dr Liew to harmonise the thighs, sides and overall curves of the body. The result is a naturally convincing, balanced and slimmer midsection that can enrich and redefine your entire appearance.
Why Choose Dr Liew in Sydney?
Dr Liew is a highly practised and skilled plastic surgeon. Beyond his impressive accreditation and expert atheistic vision, Dr Liew is passionate about providing patients with the means to live their best, most comfortable and most confident life. He has performed countless surgeries to help both men and women live a carefree and more fulfilling lifestyle, untroubled by body image or self-esteem issues.
Dr Liew aims to free your body of burdening weight, encouraging you to broaden your physical ability and lifestyle opportunities as a result. He takes the time to understand your circumstances, needs and aesthetic desires, before designing a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you and your stage of life. Through meticulous planning, highly developed techniques and a sharp aesthetic eye, Dr Liew can bring you closer to the body goals you have aspired for and worked hard to achieve.
Book A Consultation
Shape Clinic is an internationally recognised centre for plastic and cosmetic surgery. Our professional and friendly team of specialist nurses will welcome you and work with you to determine the most suitable course of treatment for your concerns and aesthetic desires. A tummy tuck has helped countless patients treat excess fat, tighten the abdominal wall and smoothen the belly for a slimmer, more attractive figure. This treatment can help improve your overall appearance and restore confidence in your beauty. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of a tummy tuck, email us at concierge@shapeclinic.com.au or call + 61 2 8356 2888 to book a consultation.
*This information about tummy tuck surgery was reviewed by Dr. Steven Liew. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form here.
Procedure time: 2.5 hours
Downtime required: 2 - 3 weeks (depending on vocational requirements)
Results duration: Long lasting with healthy eating habits*
Pair this treatment with: Liposculpture to flanks and thigh
*Individual results may vary