Ethique Plastic Surgery | Sydney and Southern Highlands
Abdominoplasty Surgery
For adults considering surgery for loose abdominal skin, abdominal muscle separation or changes following pregnancy or significant weight loss. Dr André Safvat, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, provides personalised consultation and surgical care in Sydney and the Southern Highlands.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Individual suitability, outcomes and recovery vary.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
FRACS (Plast.)
Miranda, Bowral and Concord
Surgery in accredited private hospitals
Abdominoplasty Procedure Guide
More specific details can be provided during your consultation and will depend on your individual surgical plan.
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Surgery
Approx 4-5 hours
Hospital stay
Approx 2-7 nights
Est. time away from work
Approx 3-4 weeks
Is abdominoplasty right for you?
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, may be considered when excess abdominal skin or changes to the abdominal wall cannot be addressed through weight management or exercise alone. Suitability depends on your health, anatomy, weight stability, expectations and individual circumstances.
Abdominal muscle separation
Changes following pregnancy
Loose skin following significant weight loss
Localised excess tissue
A stable weight
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure or a substitute for weight loss. Future pregnancy and significant changes in weight can also affect the abdomen after surgery and should be discussed during consultation.
Abdominoplasty before and after gallery
View real patient examples from Dr Safvat’s abdominoplasty gallery. You must be over 18 to view before and after images.
What the abdominoplasty procedure may involve
Abdominoplasty is an individualised operation. The extent of surgery depends on the amount and location of excess skin and tissue, the condition of the abdominal muscles and your individual anatomy.
Removing excess abdominal skin and tissue
Excess skin and an individually determined amount of fatty tissue may be removed from the abdomen. Liposuction of areas such as the flanks may form part of the surgical plan if suitable.
Repairing the abdominal wall
Separated or stretched abdominal muscles may be repaired when required as part of the procedure.
Repositioning the belly button
During a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is generally repositioned as the abdominal skin is reshaped.
Full or mini abdominoplasty?
The right operation depends on where the excess skin is located and if the abdominal muscles require repair. Dr Safvat will assess which option is suited to your anatomy and concerns during consultation.
Full abdominoplasty
A full abdominoplasty addresses a larger area of the abdomen. It involves removal of excess skin and tissue, repair of separated abdominal muscles and repositioning of the belly button. The incision usually extends across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, although scar length and position vary between patients.
Mini abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty is a more limited procedure intended for selected patients with excess skin and tissue mainly below the belly button. The incision is generally shorter and the belly button is usually not repositioned.
Receive pricing and recovery information
Our team can explain consultation options and provide further information before any decision about surgery is made.
Abdominoplasty recovery overview
Abdominoplasty is significant surgery and recovery differs between patients. Your individual timeframe will depend on the extent of the procedure, your health and the type of work and activity you normally undertake.
Hospital stay
A full abdominoplasty typically involves a hospital stay of approx. 3-7 nights. A mini abdominoplasty might involve a shorter stay.
First two weeks
Movement may be limited initially, and you may need help with everyday tasks. Short periods of walking are encouraged as directed by your treating team.
Weeks three to six
You may need approx. 3-4 weeks away from work and a compression garment may be required for 6 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are restricted.
Following months
Swelling gradually settles and scars continue to mature. The time taken for the abdomen to settle varies between patients.
Abdominoplasty involves permanent scars and carries surgical and anaesthetic risks. Recovery, future pregnancy, weight changes and your general health should all form part of the decision.
Scarring is unavoidable with abdominoplasty. For a full abdominoplasty, the scar generally extends across the lower abdomen and is positioned with clothing and underwear in mind where possible. A scar may also be present around the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty generally involves a shorter lower abdominal incision. Scar length, position, appearance and healing vary between patients. Dr Safvat will discuss scar placement and scar care during your consultation.
All surgery carries risks. Potential complications of abdominoplasty can include infection, bleeding, fluid collection or seroma, haematoma, delayed wound healing, noticeable scarring, altered sensation or numbness, blood clots and the possibility of further treatment or surgery. General anaesthetic also carries risks. Dr Safvat will discuss the risks relevant to your health and proposed procedure before you decide to proceed.
Pregnancy and significant changes in weight can alter the abdominal skin, tissues and muscles after abdominoplasty. Patients planning future pregnancies may be advised to postpone surgery. Maintaining a relatively stable weight can also help reduce changes to the abdomen following surgery.
Abdominal muscle repair is performed when examination identifies separation or stretching that Dr Safvat considers suitable for repair. Some patients may require treatment primarily for loose skin and excess tissue without muscle repair. Your abdominal wall will be assessed during consultation before a surgical plan is recommended.
Liposuction may be incorporated into an abdominoplasty in selected patients, including treatment of the flanks. It is not required or suitable in every case. Dr Safvat will determine if combining procedures is suitable after assessing your anatomy, health and proposed surgical plan.
Abdominoplasty may attract a Medicare item number in some circumstances when specific clinical criteria are met, including eligible cases involving significant weight loss or abdominal muscle separation. Eligibility cannot be assumed and needs to be assessed against the relevant Medicare requirements. Private health insurance benefits also depend on your policy, hospital cover and clinical circumstances. The Ethique team can provide information about approximate costs, and detailed fees will be discussed once your individual surgical requirements are known.
Still have questions?
Our team can explain more about the consultation process, estimated pricing and what to expect.
Dr André Safvat
Specialist Plastic Surgeon providing consultations and surgery across Miranda, Bowral and Concord.
DR ANDRE SAFVAT (MED1155201) Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic surgery).
FRACS (Plast.)
ASPS member
ASAPS member
Accredited private hospitals
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