Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic in hospital. The procedure can take from 2 – 4 hours, and patients usually stay for 1 – 3 nights following the surgery.

For carefully selected patients who only require a limited procedure not involving the abdominal muscles, it is possible for the surgery to be performed as a day procedure.

For those patients with a minimal hanging roll, a sub-umbilical abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) may be appropriate as the scars are kept quite narrow. The dissection is carried up to the umbilicus (belly button), and liposuction is used to improve the remaining contour of the abdomen. A sub-umbilical abdominoplasty is a smaller procedure with a shorter recovery but is only appropriate for those patients whose problem is really below the umbilicus. A common group for whom this works extremely well is those patients who have had previous caesarean sections and have a small hanging roll over their resulting scar.

Patients with a much larger roll will require a wider incision with dissection up onto the ribs. During this traditional abdominoplasty procedure, the umbilicus (belly button) is repositioned and brought through a new scar on the abdomen.

Dr Darrell Perkins has over 25 years of experience in abdominoplasty surgery. At a consultation at his Kogarah or Miranda rooms he will be able to help you determine what procedure best fits your specific concerns.

• Just like any other operation, recovery after abdominoplasty surgery is very individual. 
• Upon completion of the surgery patients are placed in an abdominal binder for up to six weeks post-surgery.  The binder supports the abdomen and helps to reduce swelling.
• Drains will be placed in the wounds and instructions for use will be given.
• Once recovered and ready for discharge, post-operative instructions covering wound care, medications and follow up appointments will be given.
• It is essential that a responsible adult collect the patient and stay with them for the first 24 hours following the surgery if a day procedure.
• Bruising and swelling are normal following the surgery and will subside over the first few weeks.  A moderate degree of discomfort can be expected for the few first days after the surgery.
• Patients are encouraged to undertake light walking following the surgery to improve blood circulation, but strenuous activities must be avoided for up to six weeks.  Dr Perkins will advise when a return to the gym is possible, but generally any exercises involving the abdominal muscles, such as sit ups, must be avoided for six months post-surgery.
• Patients are usually able to drive a car 7 – 10 days or so after their surgery, and generally return to work after 2 – 4 weeks depending on their type of employment.

Even with the highest standards of practice, all surgical procedures carry a level of risk and the potential for complications. In addition, every individual will have a different risk profile depending on their general health, age and the complexity of the procedure.

During the consultation Dr Perkins will explain the possible complications and risks of the specific procedure to provide the necessary information to enable patients to weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of the surgery.  The following are some of the risks associated with this procedure.

• Specific risks include asymmetry, numbness, hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
• General risks involved in any surgery include post-operative infection, excessive bleeding, pain/discomfort, haematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid collection), wound healing, DVT, fat embolus, adverse reaction to anaesthetic, unsatisfactory scarring. Read more about general risks and complications of surgery.

Abdominoplasty following major weight loss may qualify for an MBS (Medicare Benefit Schedule) item number if specific criteria are met, making the procedure non-cosmetic.

Abdominoplasty to repair significant muscle separation following pregnancy may also qualify for an MBS item. An abdominal ultrasound to confirm the extent of the separation is required to meet eligibility.

As such, patients who qualify for an MBS item number and who are in a private health fund with appropriate cover will have a proportion of the costs rebated by Medicare and the health fund.

All other abdominoplasty surgery is classified as cosmetic and therefore no Medicare or private health fund rebates apply for the medical or day surgery fees.

An estimate of costs will be provided following the consultation with Dr Perkins at his rooms in Kogarah or Miranda.