Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) Perth

Improve the appearance of the abdominal area with abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as ‘tummy tuck’, is a body contouring procedure performed on both men and women. The procedure is designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. These changes can potentially be caused by pregnancy, significant weight loss or the ageing process.

These factors can cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. In the case of pregnancy, the muscles within the abdominal wall can become weakened. These conditions and changes to the abdomen cannot be corrected with diet and/or exercise alone. They require surgical intervention to remove excess skin and fat.

New Medicare Criteria

What does the abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery involve?

There are a variety of abdominoplasty procedures available, and operations can be tailored to suit the individual patient’s wishes and needs. There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself.

When the amount of loose skin is minimal and excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision above the pubic bone is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial or “mini” abdominoplasty.

For patients who have significant skin laxity, excess fat and separation of the muscles, a classic tummy tuck is the most common procedure. Performed under general anaesthetic, this operation can require patients to be in hospital for three to five days.

​During the operation, an incision is made from hip to hip and around the umbilicus (belly button). The excess skin and fat is excised from the umbilicus to just above the pubic hair. Then the muscles above and below the umbilicus are tightened. Finally, the skin is then stitched together resulting in a long scar across the lower abdomen. This is generally from hip to hip, and a new umbilicus is created.

Liposuction and a tummy tuck

Liposuction is often performed at the same time as an abdominoplasty. However, liposuction can be recommended instead of an abdominoplasty for younger patients who have good quality, elastic skin. It can also be recommended for those whose area of concern is localised excess fat.

During the procedure, small incisions are made, excess fat is removed and the wounds are then closed. Some degree of skin tightening or shrinkage can be expected. However, the results of liposuction can sometimes be unpredictable. Liposuction alone will have less effect than an abdominoplasty.

Patient 6 Breast Lift and Augmentation Perth (front)

Breast Lift

46 year old   Height:  175cm  Weight:  70kg   Pre op bra size 12c
Two Stage Procedure:
First stage – Bilateral mastopexy – auto-augmentation technique with Wise pattern skin reduction, post op photos taken at 6 weeks
Second stage – Bilateral submuscular breast augmentation with textured anatomical implants CPG 333 380cc, post op photos taken at 7 weeks.
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bilateral breast lift perth oblique

Breast Lift

32 year old who underwent a Wise Pattern technique bilateral breast lift (mastopexy)
Post op photos taken at six weeks.

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Patient 1 Liposuction Perth (side b)

Liposuction

34 year old.
Procedure: Power assisted liposuction to abdomen, lateral abdomen/flanks, outer thighs and inner thighs
Post op photos taken at six months.

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breast lift perth front

Breast Lift

46 year old who underwent Wise pattern skin reduction breast lift (mastopexy)

Post op photos taken at six months.

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Patient 2 abdominoplasty Perth (front)

Abdominoplasty

54 year old who underwent:
Radical abdominoplasty with correction of midline hernia with a Fleur-De-Lise skin excision
Post op photos taken at 5 months.

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Patient 1 rhinoplasty Perth (front)

Rhinoplasty

19 year old
Procedure: open tip rhinoplasty with dorsal hump reduction
Post op photos taken at ten weeks.

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Patient 1 radical abdominoplasty Perth (front)

Abdominoplasty

54 year old
Radical abdominoplasty with correction of midline hernia with a Fleur-De-Lise skin excision
Post op photos taken at 5 months.

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Patient 1 Breast Revision/Augmentation Perth Front

Breast Revision / Augmentation

56 year old
Presented with grade IV capsular contracture and ruptured breast implants.
Procedure:  Bilateral radical capsulectomies, change of site to retropectoral and bilateral Wise Pattern skin reduction, with 275cc textured round implants, Moderate Plus Profile.
Post op photos taken at seven weeks.

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Patient 1 Breast Lift Perth front

Breast Lift

52 year old
​Bilateral Wise pattern skin reduction breast lift
Post op photos taken at 10 weeks.

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Dr Hanikeri has helped hundreds of patients over the years achieve their desired results.

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What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty will help to improve abdominal contour, eliminate uncomfortable excess skin and fat and a reduction of the appearance of stretch marks. It is important to note:

  • Significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent.
  • Unless there is significant weight gain or the patient becomes pregnant, the abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years.
  • Recovery time varies among individuals, but patients may be able to return to non-strenuous work one to three weeks after surgery, and in many instances resume most normal activities, including some mild form of exercise, after a few weeks.
  • In some cases, Medicare and/or private health funds will cover a portion of the cost of the procedure.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck

All surgical procedures carry some risks.  The potential risks are discussed at the initial consultation and will be outlined via your secure patient portal (TouchMD). Some risks may include:

  • Bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is possible when the abdominoplasty is extensive.
  • Some pain and discomfort at your wound site should be expected during your recovery period and some patients report a feeling of abdominal muscle tightness up to several months after the procedure.
  • While bruising will disappear over a period of weeks, it may be months before all swelling subsides.
  • Numbness over some portions of the abdominal area may persist for several months.
  • Patients undergoing this procedure should not be considering future pregnancies.
  • Incisions lines may take months to fade and will be permanently visible.
  • Usually, the continuous wearing of a post-operative compression garment will be required for several weeks following an abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) FAQs

How long will it take for my tummy tuck incision to heal?

It takes 4-6 weeks for you to be able to resume normal activities, 3 months for the incision to start healing and up to a year for the skin to mature. The incision is made from hip to hip and around the belly button area, so for it to heal it’s important that you don’t put any strain or pressure on your tummy.

To take care of the incision, you will clean it with warm, soapy water daily. To get an exact timeline for the healing of the incision, talk to the surgeon.

Abdominoplasty is a medical term for Tummy Tuck.  It involves removing excess skin and fat, usually after weight loss or pregnancy and in most cases, requires tightening of the abdominal muscles.  Whilst some doctors advocate aggressive liposuction and abdominoplasty in overweight patients, this carries risks and is not appropriate in most cases.  Suitable Patients for abdominoplasty should generally not be too overweight (BMI under 30) and should not be smokers as these things greatly increase the risks from the surgery.  Abdominoplasty is NOT a procedure to produce weight loss.

If you would like to know more, or to request an appointment, please contact us today.