Tummy Tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, stands as a popular cosmetic surgery meticulously crafted to redefine the contours of the abdomen. Through this procedure, excess skin and stubborn fat are meticulously addressed, while weak abdominal muscles are tightened, resulting in a more toned and firmer appearance. By removing surplus tissue and enhancing muscle structure, abdominoplasty not only aims to change the abdominal region, but also endeavours to restore functional integrity to the abdominal muscles. If abdominal muscle separation and excess skin persists, you may wish to consider abdominoplasty surgery as a viable solution to achieve a flatter, more firmer and functional abdomen.
Throughout this page, you will gain insights into various facets of abdominoplasty, including candidacy criteria, procedural details, the recovery process, and related considerations. This information will equip you with a comprehensive understanding, facilitating informed decision-making if you need the surgery.
Abdominoplasty, at a glance
Target area: Excess fat and skin on the abdomen
Time off work: 1-2 weeks
Total recovery: 6-weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full-time wear, 6 weeks total
Scar position: Below the bikini line, extending hip to hip
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Taking away loose skin lower down on the tummy can improve your appearance and means that you can wear clothes that you may have not been able to wear in the past
Dr Doyle
Tummy Tuck Surgery
By targeting loose abdominal skin, this surgery removes excess lower abdominal skin or ‘apron’ and tightens the abdomen to remove the appearance of a ‘baggy belly’. Abdominoplasty has the power to restore weakened or separated muscles and alleviate any hygiene issues caused by the folding of excess skin. It can also improve posture, improve bladder function and rework the shape and tone of the abdomen to create a firmer and smoother profile.
The procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours under general anaesthetic and usually involves an overnight stay in John Flynn Private Hospital.
Dr Mark Doyle is one of the best plastic surgeons in Queensland that offers tummy tuck surgery to all patients from Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Northern suburbs of NSW.
He will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine which technique would be most effective for you. During this visit, he will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have about the surgery. Once he understands your expectations, he will recommend the best option for your body type.
Quick Facts
Male Tummy Tuck
A male tummy tuck designed to overcome a specific aesthetic challenge faced by men who wish to achieve a more contoured body. This procedure offers patients a way to change the abdominal region. Like women, men also experience excess skin and protruding abdomen. The male tummy tuck offers abdominal contouring that allows the removal of loose skin and stubborn fat. This can lead to an improvement in core strength and correct skin laxity and abdominal profile. The tummy tuck surgery is done differently for males to address typical masculine concerns and shape.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Generally, You are a good candidate if you are:
- Physically healthy and at a stable weight
- Non-smoker
- Not happy with the appearance of your abdomen
- Expecting realistic results
For patients with fatty tissue on their stomach and no significant loose skin, liposuction may be all that is required. If loose skin is a problem, the best procedure is abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck. Dr Doyle routinely uses liposuction with the above procedures in order to contour the abdomen.
While a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) can help you regain the shape of your tummy, women should consider this surgery only if they are no longer nursing or breastfeeding. It can stretch the skin and separate the abdominal muscles, which make them less effective at restoring a flat and firm abdomen. To achieve the best results, women should wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding has ended. The procedure is also subject to Medicare rebates.
Want more assistance? Take our quiz or book a consultation to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery!
Different Types of Tummy Tuck
Full
A full tummy tuck is one of the most common surgical procedures. It targets the entire front abdominal area and involves removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles. The procedure results in a firmer, younger looking body. The surgery begins with an incision at the navel and finishes with a second incision above the navel. The surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs separated abdominal muscles. The results of this can be quite dramatic, and patients often lose weight following the procedure because they become more mobile.
Extended
An extended tummy tuck is a variation of the full abdominoplasty which extends to the hips, flanks, and sometimes the lateral thigh. In this procedure, the lateral incision is extended to reach further around the body, rather than just the central “tummy” area. This recontours the hips and flanks as well as the stomach, resulting in a smooth and tightened appearance of the entire mid-section.
If the flanks (love handles) have excess stubborn fat rather than loose skin, liposuction may be used in combination to achieve the best possible result.
Mini
A mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the lower abdomen. This procedure requires a smaller incisions, placed just above the pubic bone. The skin leading up to the belly button can then be separated from the muscles and pulled tight, with the excess skin being removed. This is helpful for those who suffer a excess skin on their stomach or bulging skin above the cesarean section scar.
Tummy Tuck Scar
When looking at tummy tuck photo galleries, note what the patients’ scars look like, particularly their size and location. Tummy tuck scars are typically visible across the top of the pelvic area but extend from hip bone to hip bone. More often than not, they can conceal with clothing.
During tummy tuck recovery, collagen fibres will begin to form at the wound site. As collagen fibres form, your body’s blood supply will increase. As a result, your tummy tuck scars will become thicker and darker. It will take three to six months for tummy tuck scar to mature.
Tummy Tuck Scars Locations
Lower Abdomen
Most Tummy Tuck procedures leave a scar running horizontally across the lower abdomen. They go from one hip bone to the other hip bone.
Around Belly Button
A traditional tummy tuck requires an incision be made around the belly button so that the navel is correctly positioned when the excess skin is reduced. Standard tummy tucks involve one long excision on the bikini line, and one around belly button. Tummy tuck scar maybe visible at first but for most patients it will blend into the abdomen and becomes less noticeable over time.
Vertical Scars
Vertical scars may also be needed if you wish to target excess reduntant skin above the belly button. This procedure is also called a vertical abdominoplasty. It is most commonly used for massive weight loss patients who have large amounts of tissue on their entire abdomen.
Incisions
Incisions for a mini tummy tuck are shorter, and as such, mini tummy tuck scars are also less visible than those of a full tummy tuck. The incision is low on the abdomen, above the pubic mound. This allows the surgeon to access the underlying connective tissue and fat. Then, Dr Doyle will tighten the tissues, remove any excess skin and close the incision.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
There are many tummy tuck before and after photos on the Internet. But what’s the most important information to know? The best way to determine if tummy tuck surgery is right for you. You can check out the results of a tummy tuck before and after surgery before deciding on any surgery. You can also read patient reviews and schedule a consultation to learn more.
Download our Free Tummy Tuck Procedure Guide
Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery
You’ll likely need 3-4 weeks off work following abdominoplasty surgery to ensure a quality recovery. Dr Doyle will provide you with post-operative care instructions which you should follow EXACTLY to ensure you are not straining your wounds.
You should also follow Dr Doyle’s best practice cosmetic surgery recovery tips, which include an adequate wound healing diet and the use of supplements. It’s important to do your research before undergoing surgery so that you know what’s normal and what’s not with your recovery. You should know when to get into contact with Dr Doyle should a problem arise.
Tummy Tuck Cost
When considering a tummy tuck surgery, understanding the cost factors and potential insurance coverage is important. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to consider:
Tummy Tuck Medicare Rebate 2022
Tummy tuck surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore Medicare rebate for tummy tuck is not always available! However, there may be certain circumstances where Medicare provides coverage if there are underlying medical issues such as diastasis recti or hernias that require repair during the tummy tuck surgery. It is recommended to contact Medicare directly to inquire about the eligibility criteria and any potential rebates for specific medical conditions.
Private Health Insurance Coverage
Similar to Medicare, tummy tuck private health insurance generally does not cover tummy tuck surgery as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. However, there may be certain exceptions or circumstances where limited coverage is provided. For example, if there are documented medical conditions such as diastasis recti, excessive skin rashes, or infections resulting from loose abdominal skin, some private health insurance policies may offer partial coverage. It is crucial to review your policy and consult with your health fund to understand the extent of the coverage they offer for tummy tuck surgery and if diastasis recti is a qualifying condition.
Cost Considerations
Specific pricing information may vary, and it is important to consult with Dr. Doyle for an accurate cost estimate. However, as a general reference, it is worth mentioning that the starting point for a standard tummy tuck procedure is approximately $22000. Keep in mind that this figure is subject to change and may depend on various factors, including:
- Surgeon’s Experience: Highly experienced and reputable plastic surgeons may charge higher fees.
- Hospital or Surgical Facility Fees: These fees cover the use of the operating room, nursing staff, and related services.
- Anesthesia Fees: The cost of anesthesia services provided by an anaesthetist.
- Additional Services or Tests: Any required pre-operative tests, post-operative garments, or follow-up consultations.
To receive an accurate cost estimate for your tummy tuck surgery, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your unique case and provide a personalised cost breakdown based on your specific needs and the required procedures.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Fully Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck recovery time depends on the type of surgery. A Full Abdominoplasty requires 6 weeks of recovery. A mini tummy tuck requires 4 weeks of recovery.
What are the risks?
Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. By following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and closely monitoring your recovery, you can minimise your risk of complications.
Some risks may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Delayed Healing
- Fluid Accumulation (Seroma)
- Numbness or Changes in Sensation
- Blood Clots
- Anesthesia Risks
Do you Stay Overnight After a Tummy Tuck?
You need an overnight stay for a full abdominoplasty and it’s not always necessary for a mini tummy tuck. Liposuction does not require a hospital stay. On some occasions, Dr can perform it in our office theatre.
Book a Consultation
Dr Doyle will offer Tummy Tuck surgery to all his Brisbane Patients and will do the consultation at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery on the Gold Coast. You can book a consultation and discuss your expectations with him.
During Consultation, Dr will evaluate your medical history, surgical requirements and goals. You will get all information about preparation for surgery, the procedure and recovery time.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
