How we feel about our bodies have a great impact on our general wellbeing. The dislike of ones own body can have a negative impact on our relations with other people. Many patients have turned to Australia Plastic Surgery wanting to alter and improve parts of their bodies. With our competent guidance, the latest techniques and world-leading expertise, we can help you find a greater sense of wellbeing.

Australia Plastic Surgery offers operations, injections and medical skin care that satisfy our patients needs.

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Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscle wall and fascia, resulting in a firmer, flatter abdomen and narrower looking waist.

This excess skin, fat and weak muscle is typically caused by pregnancy, old age, or relatively minor weight gain which proves resistant to improved diet and exercise. As we age, there is a redistribution of fat on the hips and abdomen. Despite exercise and diet, this may be difficult to shift, therefore we routinely use Liposuction as a complimentary procedure to abdominoplasty to recontour and reshape the entire abdomen, flank, waist and love handle areas

Planning your surgery

The consultation

The medical history is extremely important. Previous pregnancies and their effects on the abdomen, previous surgical procedures (including laparoscopic procedures), patient's history of weight gain and loss, any future plans for pregnancy, patients history of medical problems e.g.; diabetes will be noted and discussed.

The physical examination includes the location of all scars, abdominal hernias, strength of the abdominal wall, the amount, quality, and elasticity of the abdominal wall skin should be thoroughly evaluated.

Smokers advised to cease smoking 2 weeks before the surgery to promote overall well-being.

Understanding the patient's aesthetic goals prior to the procedure is critical.

Technical considerations for the procedures include contour corrections and the minimal visibility of scars placed as low as possible. The quality of the scar depends largely on the tension of the closure and your natural biological ability for wound healing. Dr.Barnouti pays special attention and applies meticulous techniques to promote particularly pleasing scars. In the majority of patients, healing of these scars results in fine white lines.

A body lift extends the abdominoplasty operation around the sides and back of your body to achieve reduction of excess tissue circumferentially, around the hip and the back. The body lift is a significant operation that is used in special cases of body contouring. It requires longer recovery times and must be approached with special consideration for patient safety.

The Surgery

Full abdominoplasty (routinely accompanied by liposuction)

The surgeon makes a long incision across the abdomen, running from hipbone to hipbone and directly above the pubic area.

This is usually done in such a way as to make the future scar easy to conceal with underwear.

We will require you to put on your favourite cut underwear so we can hide the final scar within its borders

A second round incision is then made around the umbilicus, if required, to free the navel from its surrounding tissue.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall right up to the ribcage and pulls back the resulting flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen.

As mentioned above, these muscles can be tightened by pulling them together and stitching them into position.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the excess skin is removed.

Finally, the incisions will be stitched together and dressings applied.

In the event of excess fluid, a tube may be used to drain it off.

The procedure will take between 2 and 4 hours, according to the complexity of the case.

Mini abdominoplasty (routinely accompanied by liposuction)

In case you are suitable for mini abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only as far as the navel rather than up to the ribcage, the incision is much shorter and it may not even be necessary to move the navel at all.

After Surgery

A special compressive bandage must be worn on the treated area for two to three weeks.

Draining Tubes, if inserted, will be removed, usually the 1st day after the procedure.

Stitches are dissolvable; the wound will need to be checked between one and two weeks after surgery.

The bruising will usually take 2-3weeks to subside.

Getting you back to work and normal activities

Full Abdominoplasty is a major operation and you will need to rest for 3-5 days.

However, you will be walking immediately after the procedure and encouraged to do so as much as possible.

You will be able to return to work after two weeks if your job isnt physically demanding.

Back to normal activities including Gym will take 4-6 weeks.

Mini abdominoplasty: will be walking immediately after surgery, rest for 1-3 days followed by light duties. Back to normal activities in 3 weeks time

Plastic Surgery Costs

Abdominoplasty Package

Full Abdominoplasty combined with Abdominal Liposuction.

Total cost Estimate: $7,900 (including Surgeon’s fee, Assistant Surgeons fee, Anaesthetist’s fee, Hospital, operating theatre and all follow up visits cost).

This price assumes top hospital cover with a private fund. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional costs of $5,000.

Medicare and/or Private health insurance will refund you some of the above total cost.

Lower Abdominoplasty Package (Mini Tummy Tuck)

Lower Abdominoplasty combined with Abdominal Liposuction.

Estimate: $6,500 (including Surgeon’s fee, Assistant Surgeons fee, Anaesthetist’s fee, Hospital, operating theatre and all follow up visits cost).

Medicare and/or Private health insurance will refund you some of the above total cost.

This price assumes top hospital cover with a private fund. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional costs of $3,000.