Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck - Dr Tavakoli's Philosophy

A common complaint, especially from women who have had kids, is a tummy thats protruding, or has excess folds of skin or fat. Some women also suffer from back pain as a reslut of weak abdominal muscles.Tummy tuck operation is designed to solve this problem, and there are several variations of the procedure including the mini-tuck, for those who just want to tighten the area and only remove a little excess skin.

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is one of the most powerful transformation operations in plastic surgery. By removing excess skin, contouring fat, repairing rectus muscle separation plastic surgeon can completely remodel the patient's core region and waist line allowing exercise to have a more direct impact on shape.

Of course the problem is not confined to women and post-pregnancy. 21st century has brought with it a wave of weight loss TV programmes and new surgical innovations aimed at combatting obesity. With it there is the massive weight loss that leaves both men and women with the need for breast lift, tummy tuck, thigh lift and arm lifts.

Breast reshaping and body sculpting refers to changes to improve a woman's figure in a curvaceous way and add to the length of her legs in a more shapely way. Figurative representation is a foundation of human artistic endeavour and so with liposculpture, abdominoplasty and breast enhancement the aim is always to create harmony and balance.

Vogue

Dr. Tavakoli discusses one of the most common reasons for women seeing him for a consultation; their desire to return to their pre pregnancy shape following childbirth...

Discusses the following Plastic Surgery Procedures: Abdominoplasty



WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?

Abdominoplasty is an operation designed to improve the appearance of an abdomen that may be overly protruding or may have excess loose skin and fat. There are variations of the standard abdominoplasty operation including "mini-tucks" or small abdominoplasty which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin. On the other hand, patients with massive weight loss may require a more extensive abdominoplasty operation called body lifting.

Different Types of abdominoplasty procedures performed by Dr Tavakoli :

1.   Standard Abdominoplasty (commonest operation, scar hip to hip)
2.   Mini Abdominoplasty (popular at the moment, smaller scar suitable but only for smaller slight patients needing more muscle repair than skin excision)
3.   Extended Abdominoplasty (scar 180 degrees includes lovehandles)
4.   Body Lift (Scar 360 degrees)

CASE STUDY: Tummy tuck before and after photo

At 29 my stomach was a mess! 5 children had resulted in stretch marks, separated stomach muscles, saggy skin, and an umbilical hernia. Not to mention the awful belly button i had from birth and the fat deposits that wouldn't shift. When i got the hernia it finally gave me the excuse i thought i needed to see Dr Tavakoli. He had been recommended to me by 6 different friends who had all had fantastic results from their surgeries with him. I tried to keep my expectations reasonable as i knew what a challenge my case was. However the results were beyond expectiations. My flat, tight stomach and new belly button are amazing! The recovery was quick and the scarring very tidy and easily hidden. I would highly reccommend Dr Tavokoli, especially to mums! 

COSTS?

Tummy tuck / abdomiplasty costs vary, depending on the detail of surgery that will be required. Please consult with Dr Tavakoli's office for price guide prior to your consultation. The approximate range is $10,000 to $16,000. It is defintely worth your while to be in a reputable Health fund as the cost of Tummy Tuck is significantly reduced.

SUITABLE CANDIDATES?

Patients who are near their Ideal Body Weight with good diet and regular exercise routines
Men or women who have undergone significant weight loss and have hanging skin.
Women with loose skin, stretch marks, excess fat and muscle laxity following multiple pregnancy or otherwise massive weight loss.

HOW IS THE ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION DONE?

Abdominoplasty surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia. An incision is then made across the lower part of the abdomen. A circular incision is made around the navel that stays attached to the muscle. The skin is then separated from the muscle, up toward the ribs, so that it can be pulled down like a window shade. The tummy is then "tightened" (narrowing and flattening the abdomen) by stitching the muscles together.Liposuction is performed on the outer fat in order to contour the new shape. Dr Tavakoli will attempt to remove more than half the stretch marks during the operation.

The scar usually heals well and fades over a period of 2 years. Dr Tavakoli uses the latest Barbed Suture technology to achieve minimal length and maximum quality scar. We also have the lastest FRAXEL laser technology to deal with scars.

Mini-tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. Mini-abdominoplasty does not usually involve moving the navel position. A technique of "floating the navel is utilised.

HOW LONG IS MY HOSPITAL STAY AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY ?

The abdominoplasty procedure requires a "hospitalisation" of 3-4 days as surgical drains will need to stay for a minimum of 3 days in order to prevent seroma (fluid) formation. The muscle repair can be painful and hence the need to have pain pump for upto 2 days after surgery.


WHAT ARE MY LIMITATIONS IN ACTIVITY POSTOPERATIVELY ? HOW LONG IS MY TUMMY TUCK / ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY ?

After abdominoplasty surgery, the bed will be positioned so that you are bent at the hips (waist) to keep tension off the newly tightened skin. You will have a pain pump for a day or two.Within 24 hours, you will be walking in a bent-over position. Although strenuous activity and lifting more than 4 kilograms must be avoided for six weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as two weeks after abdominoplasty surgery. Driving is allowed after 3 weeks. Patients can commence jogging after 5 weeks. Serious weight work out and strenuous activity is usually avoided for 8 weeks.Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take 6-12 months.


WILL MEDICARE/ HEALTH FUND PAY FOR MY ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY?

In general, "tummy tucks" are considered cosmetic surgery. Several conditions, however, may be covered completely or in part, by insurance. These include defects of the abdominal wall, such as hernias, diastasis (separation of the muscles), or trauma resulting in muscle loss, weakness, or painful scar contracture. In addition, a large abdominal panniculus, frequently seen after massive weight loss, is removed for purely functional reasons, and therefore should be a covered expense.

Surgical risks & complications although uncommon may include: DVT, Pulmonary embolus, pneumonia. Infection, bleeding, asymmetry, scarring, and muscle and/or nerve damage. Delayed wound healing and seroma (fluid collection) can be troublesome in tummy tuck procedures, especially in smokers. Dog ears can occur that require simple excision.


Abdominoplasty Articles

Dr Tavakoli has featured plastic surgery articles discussing Abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty Case Study - Australian Cosmetic Surgery Magazine
Tummy Tuck and Plastic Surgery after Pregnancy - Mother and Baby

If you are looking for a tummy tuck in Sydney, Dr. Tavakoli is here to help through the process with pre-surgery consultation. You can view tummy tuck before and after photos of previous patients as guides. With 16 years of training and experience, you will be in safe hands with Dr. Tavakoli as your consultant and surgeon.

If you want to know how much a tummy tuck costs in Sydney or for more information on Medicare or other health funds that may cover a tummy tuck, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Tavakoli as your consultant and surgeon.

For more tummy tuck photos, click here.