Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) FAQ

Wed 19th May 2021

We frequently get all sorts of questions when patients first enquire about a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). In this Q&A article, we will be answering many of the questions you might have regarding Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery. Of Course, if you are considering having a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), the best way to answer all of your specific questions is to book a consultation with Dr Dona.

Everyone’s body is different, and every Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure can differ depending on the person. During your consultation, Dr Dona will provide you with all the relevant information for your specific Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure and answer any questions you have. For more information, please call us on 1300 373 662 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to answer any further queries that you may have.

How much does Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery cost?

Unlike more standardised fee operations, such as Breast Augmentation. We do not have a standard fee for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures since there are so many variables that need to be taken into account. The time taken to perform a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) for Dr Dona can vary anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the individual. Of course, the more complex procedures will cost more. Secondly, the total costs can vary significantly whether you have Private Health cover and if they will cover your hospital costs, which is a substantial part of the total out of pocket costs for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Unfortunately, without assessing someone with an in-person consultation, we are unable to provide them with a precise quote. By booking a formal consultation, Dr Dona can assess your specific situation to provide you with an exact cost for your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery based on your body and Private Health Insurance status. There is also a Medicare rebate available providing that you meet their specific criteria. For more information regarding the cost of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery, please take a look at our article on Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pricing.

Can you have a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) if you have other scars on your tummy? (e.g. caesarean scar, other tummy surgery)

Post-pregnancy is one of the most common reasons why a patient may want a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Dr Dona removes the caesarean scar by making the incision along or below the scar when performing a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Many people have asked Dr Dona if having a caesarean scar complicates the surgery. Scar tissue makes the surgery a fraction more difficult but will not complicate the surgery. The same is for any other scars along the belly, such as those from previous abdominal surgeries. Removing or modifying those scars is also a part of having a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).

What is the difference between a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and Liposuction

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and the associated excess fatty tissue. Liposuction is classically known as liposculpture, which is used surgically for removing stubborn pockets of fat. They are both operations designed to address different concerns you may have.

Will you get Liposuction at the same time as your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

For many Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures, Dr Dona will also use liposuction along the sides of the stomach. Performing liposuction too close to an incision can damage the blood vessel needed to support the wound in the healing process and significantly increases the risk of postoperative wound complications.

Are stretch marks removed with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Stretch marks are scars caused by the skin being stretched faster than what it can keep up with. Stretch mark scarring is often a result of pregnancy or weight gain. Depending on their genetic makeup, some women can gain a moderate amount of weight and may not experience any stretch mark scarring. Whereas some women may get stretch marks from only amount small weight gain. A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure will remove many, if not all stretch mark scarring involving the lower abdominal area.

Will a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) address muscle separation (Diastasis recti)?

Tightening the abdominal muscles is a routine part of most tummy tuck procedures. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are forced apart, and they don’t always spring back together post-pregnancy. During your operation, the abdominal muscles will be brought together and repaired from top to bottom. In some cases, the sides will also be tightened up. Tightening the abdominal muscles will help with your core strength.

When repairing muscle separation, how tight can you make it?

While Dr Dona does tighten up the abdominal muscles quite tightly with several layers of internal stitching, there is a limit to how much the abdominal muscles can be tightened. Large amounts of visceral fat, which is the internal fat around your internal organs in the abdominal area, will restrict the amount of muscle tightening that can be performed. The only way to lose visceral fat is through exercise and healthy eating.

Can a hernia be repaired during Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery?

Abdominal wall hernias, especially around or within the belly button are extremely common. In most cases, they are noted before surgery. Dr Dona will repair any abdominal wall hernias during surgery by closing up the hernia and tightening the muscles around it.

Should you get a belly button hernia repaired before a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

In most cases, Dr Dona will recommend against getting a hernia repaired beforehand if you are planning to have Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery – we recommend that Dr Dona repairs your hernia during your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure. Of course, this only applies if doing them together is not going to unnecessarily delay your hernia surgery.

What is the ideal weight before having a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

The ideal weight for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the weight that you are, given that your weight is stable and not going to fluctuate. When a larger person has extra weight and a more prominent fatty apron, this can be a debilitating medical problem. They need to be treated and surgically reconstructed accordingly to resolve the issue. It does need to be considered that performing surgery on someone with a heavier weight can increase the risk of anesthetic and surgical complications. Dr Dona will not reject or make a larger patient go off and lose weight before performing surgery if they are in surgical need of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure. All surgery is about balancing risks versus benefits.

Why do some people still have a “big belly” after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

One of the most common reasons why someone might still have a “big belly”, especially around the top of the stomach, is that they still have quite a lot of visceral fat. Visceral fat is the internal fat around the organs in the abdominal area. Unfortunately, this fat can only be lost through lifestyle changes. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures will make a significant difference to the top and bottom of the abdominal area. However, the lower half of the abdominal typically undergoes a far greater reduction compared to the upper half due to the loss of the fatty apron.  This can result in the top of the belly still looking larger (even though it is smaller than before surgery).

Before and after surgery, it is also important to maintain posture and exercise your abdominal wall muscles to achieve the optimal core strength and tone from your Tummy Tuck procedure.

Is the pubic area lifted during a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Having a lot of excess fatty tissue can cause the mons to drop down relatively low in both men and women. A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure involves lifting, and where necessary thinning, the mons region. This will also lift your genital area back up to a more functional position.

Will you go home with drains after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

No! You won’t be going home from the hospital with any drains still attached. When you wake up from surgery, there will be two plastic tubes going into your abdominal wall, which are drains. these will be removed prior to being discharged from hospital.

What is the pain like after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) operations are a major procedure. Like any major procedure, you will experience a moderate amount of pain postoperative. Whilst you are in hospital, you will be monitored and given as much medication as required to keep on top of the pain. When you go home, you will be given some strong prescription medication to keep you as comfortable as possible in the early stages of the recovery process.

What is the recovery like Post-Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

You will go home two to three days after surgery with waterproof bandages protecting the incision wound and wearing a compression garment. Since everything has been tightened, including the abdominal muscles. You will find that you are hunched over for the first few weeks after surgery. You can expect to be resting around the house for the first two to three weeks, but by six weeks, life will be starting to return to normal.

When can you start driving after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Unfortunately, you won’t be driving anytime in the first two weeks following your procedure. After two weeks following your tummy tuck surgery, you will be able to start driving again if you feel safe to do so. You may still be quite hunched over at this point, so it might take an extra week or two.

When can you get back to work after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

If you are doing light office duties, you will be able to return to work after three weeks. You will need to wait at least six weeks for more strenuous workloads. After six weeks, your body will have settled into its new form more, and you will be able to attempt most things. Likely, you will still experience some pain at this stage, but you will be able to test the waters to determine what you are able and unable to do. After some more time and gradual progression, you will be able to return to a more strenuous workload. Dr Dona will advise you when you should return to work depending on the level of strenuous activity you undertake.

When can you start exercising/sport after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

You will need to wait at least six weeks before returning to exercise, besides light walking. At the six-week mark, you will be able to begin returning to exercise by starting slowly and gradually building up intensity week by week.

When can you have sex after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

One of the biggest questions that everyone is curious to know how long after surgery can you have sex again? You can have sex again whenever you like. But for the first six weeks following surgery you will need to avoid any active movements involving your abdominal muscles or having your abdominal area grabbed/touched. This means that you will need to be taking a very passive role in sex during the first six weeks. You also need to avoid any strenuous manual handling of your wounds or abdominal wall for the first four to six weeks.

How long does swelling last after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Swelling after surgery is completely normal, especially after a major operation such as a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). This will take a while to go down. You will be wearing a compression garment for the first six weeks, which will assist in reducing swelling. From three to six months following surgery, you will have a degree of swelling which will go down with time.