What is a Breast Lift (mastopxy)?
The breast lift (mastopxy), also known as 'the mastopexy' is a surgical procedure to raise the breasts and remove sagginess or drooping.
This is done by removing excess skin to tighten the surrounding tissue and support a better contour. It's common for the internal tissue to be reshaped as well. This is usually combined with breast implants to re create the fullness of the breasts.
What is a 360 Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?
The excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen is excised much like a standard abdominoplasty. However, the bellybutton does not need repositioning. The final scar is much like a well healed caesarean scar which does not extend to the hip bones. Following both techniques, Dr Pouria Moradi uses liposuction to achieve a sleek abdominal contour and refine the shape of the hips and flanks. Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic. Following a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure you will generally require a one to three-night hospital stay. This will be followed by two to four weeks recovery time, during which you won't be able to work. My preference is not to use drains, which dramatically reduces the hospital stay and recovery.
Recovery
Results from abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery will begin to show immediately, however, for full results you will have to wait until your body fully heals after the surgery.
For full results to show, it can take up to six months or more.
In most cases, it will be a two to five-night stay in hospital and around three to four weeks off work.
It takes a good 12-18months to get a "white" scar. Scars start off red, due to the red blood cells which start the healing process. Over time they go "purple" (similar to this scar at 2 months) due to the excess collagen fibres which are haphazardly arranged. Then they go "blue". It is during this phase scar management is so important to help realign and reduce the collagen fibres. Be patient and trust the process.
What are the potential risks and complications of a Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?
Some of the potential risks of a full or partial abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure include:
- Infection of the wound which may require treatment with antibiotics
- Incision site may be uncomfortable and painful
- Blood clot may occur under the skin flaps and around the incision sites
- A skin graft may be required for areas of skin that do not heal
- Excessive accumulation of fluid (seroma) may occur under the incision site and may require a procedure for draining
- Incision sites may become temporarily numb, but will improve over time
- A blood transfusion may be required if there is a large loss of blood during surgery
- Short term nausea and vomiting may occur following surgery as a result of the anaesthetics used
- The tummy skin will have been tightened from above down, and the muscles from the outside in. This results in a tight feeling and can cause difficulties in bending and other movements.
- Prominent and visible scars, known as hypertrophic and keloid scars may form over a healed incision. These scars are red, thickened and raised and may be annoying, itchy and unsightly, but they do not pose a health threat.
Life threatening risks such as a blood clot are rare; however, should a blood clot occur it can move to the lungs, chest or deep veins of the legs.
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How much does a Abdominoplasty/Tummy tuck cost?
A tummy tuck may be covered by some private health insurers. Review your policy carefully to determine what is covered.
Costs associated with a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck vary depending on a number of factors such as:
- Anaesthetist's fee
- Private hospital or day surgical facility fees
- Need for post-operative garments
- Length of hospital stay
- The cover from your insurance company
- Whether you need other body contouring procedures such as labiaplasty, liposuction, thigh liftor arm lift.
- Surgical assistant's fee
After our consultation, my staff will give you an itemised account of the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
What is a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck
The abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure is a weight reduction operation where excess skin and fatty tissue is removed from the lower abdomen. The surgery also aims at tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Is a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck worth getting?
The abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure is very good for patients who have lost considerable weight, given birth or where fat deposits are resistant to the effects of dieting and exercising.
How long does it take to recover from a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic. Following a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure you will generally require a one to three-night hospital stay. This will be followed by two to four weeks recovery time, during which you won't be able to work. My preference is not to use drains, which dramatically reduces the hospital stay and recovery.
How long do abdominoplasty/tummy tuck results last?
The results of a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure are considered permanent and your abdominal wall will be stronger and far more stable. However, it's important to maintain your weight and not allow large fluctuations in your bodily weight. Weight gain or pregnancy can cause the area to stretch out again.
Can I have a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck after a C-section?
While you can have a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery after a C-section, you must wait at least 6 to 12 months after your C-section to ensure you have fully healed from that procedure.
Can I get pregnant after a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck?
The abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure does not impact your ability to get pregnant, however pregnancy will stretch the abdomen out again.
Does health insurance cover a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck?
Most health insurances will not cover the abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure as it's considered a cosmetic procedure. However, you can check with your insurance to see if they do in fact cover part of the costs.
Dr Moradi - Specialist Plastic Surgeon
"I am a consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon working as a visiting medical officer at Prince of Wales, Royal Women's and Sydney Children's Hospitals, and an associate lecturer at UNSW Medical School.
Having studied medicine at UNSW as a Sam Cracknell Sport and Academic Scholar, I was then awarded Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005 and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery."