Abdominoplasty - "Tummy Tuck " - Melbourne

Abdominoplasty is the commonly used term for a range of procedures which aim to address issues relating to tissue excess of the abdomen. Today's 'tummy tuck' most commonly utilises several techniques which combine to give the desired outcome. The procedure for any one person is, therefore, very much individualised to their needs.

Traditionally, Abdominoplasty has involved the removal of skin and excess fatty tissue from the lower abdomen, repairing the stretched abdominal wall tissues (often over stretched during late pregnancy) and repositioning the umbilicus (belly button). Whilst these procedures remain the core of many abdominoplasty procedures today often additional procedures such as liposuction or 'floating' the umbilicus (to avoid a visible scar in the centre of your tummy) are considered in the planning stages to aim for an individualised optimum outcome.

Most women who decide to have an Abdominoplasty are motivated by physical problems. Most of these women have significantly distorted abdominal wall tissues, are having significant difficulties with self esteem issues and extreme frustration being unable to purchase clothing. Abdominal difficulties are preventing them from participating in preferred activities. If you are uncertain of whether you may have further pregnancies then abdominoplasty should be deferred. Abdominoplasty will not interfere with pregnancy but it is likely further tissue stretching will occur causing recurrence of loose, stretched tissue. It is optimal to delay abdominoplasty until you have completed your family.

As with all purely elective surgical procedures, women considering Abdominoplasty must:

• take considerable time and effort to understand the procedure;
• understand the limitations and risks associated with the procedure; and
• have realistic goals and expectations of the results.

There are three main groups of patients who consider Abdominoplasty procedures.

1. The post pregnancy group. These are women dealing with the effects pregnancies have had on the abdominal tissues. Tissues are over-stretched and no matter how much exercise, diet, pilates, yoga, personal training, sit-ups or other techniques have been attempted, the tissue has resisted returning to a firm flat contour. How long after you have had your children you attend to discuss these issues varies enormously. Sometimes it is a few years after the youngest child arrives. Often it is twenty years or more before women feel in the position to come and discuss the situation. Even though the time gap maybe twenty years essentially, as all women will tell you, we are addressing issues caused by child bearing.

2. The second group are those people who have experienced major fluctuations in their weight over a period which may have resulted in excess tissue remaining following significant weight loss.

3. The third group are those people who have experienced both the tissue damage from pregnancies and weight fluctuations.

Investigating Abdominoplasty should be an active process. The more information you gather and the greater your understanding of the process, the more likely you are to arrive at the correct decision for you. You are also more likely to have realistic expectations and be happier with the results. You may decide against considering Abdominoplasty if:

• You are currently a smoker
• You have a history of forming bad scars (hypertrophic or keloid scars)

To get further information or to make an appointment to get the best treatment for Abdominoplasty contact Dr James Burt's rooms in Malvern, Melbourne.