Tummy Tuck Wollongong

Many people require this procedure after large weight loss or pregnancy when the stomach muscles have become stretched. In such cases, changes to diet and exercise may not have the desired effect, and the loose skin and fat tissue may remain despite all efforts. This can cause a number of issues, such as skin problems, bulges, poor posture, and trouble exercising. Therefore, removal of this tissue via excision can be the best option in order to restore the abdomen.

Since each patient may derive different benefits from the procedure, it is best to consult a trained specialist surgeon. Dr Yunaev at Breast & Body Clinic can advise you on the benefits of the procedure in your specific case.

There are five different types of Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) that that most patients require, whether they are weight loss patients or trying to regain their shape post-pregnancy.

These are:

1. Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
2. Full Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)
3. Extended Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)
4. Fleur de Lys Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)
5. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty or Belt Lipectomy)

These five variations of the tummy tuck procedure cover the vast majority of problems that patients encounter with either excess skin or skin and fat deposits, as well as problems related to abdominal muscle separation or abdominal wall hernias.

All of these operations aim to excise the excess skin left over from weight loss or pregnancy. If that excess is minor, a mini tummy tuck may be required, which means that the incision is a little smaller than the full tummy tuck but still reasonably long to allow the surgeon to address the issue at hand.

1. The Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The mini tummy tuck targets the small bulge that can form in the lower abdomen. It involves a small incision to tighten the muscles and remove excess skin.

Mini Tummy Tuck is considered as a minimal form of reconstructive surgery and is growing more and more popular thanks to its quick recovery times.

Many people steer away from cosmetic surgery as they cannot afford to take the time out of their schedule, however, this form of reconstructive surgery negates that issue

2. The Full Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)

Men and women with overstretched abdominal muscles often are suited to the standard abdominoplasty. A procedure that removes excess skin from around the midsection, a flatter abdomen is easy to achieve here.

This form of reconstructive surgery can target loose skin and improve the areas that seem resistant to diet and exercise.

3. The Extended Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)

This procedure targets the lower abdomen, hips and sides of the lower back. Ideal for removing a large amount of skin from a wide area, those who have experienced a significant amount of weight loss may be best suited to the extended tummy tuck.

4. Fleur De-Lis Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)

The fleur de-lis is named after the shape of a water lily and involves an incision in the middle of the abdomen. This results in scars that can be more difficult to conceal. The fleur de-lis procedure is best for patients who want a substantial amount of tissue removed, resulting in major body sculpting.

5. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty or Belt Lipectomy)

Also known as an abdominal lipectomy, this is common for those who have experienced massive weight loss, particularly after bariatric surgery. A belt lipectomy resembles a body lift but eliminates fatty tissue and sagging skin below the belly button. The tissue is cut around the waist, similar to a belt, which can remove extra skin folds that cause irritation, rashes and issues with personal hygiene.

Before you proceed with Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty), there are a few things to keep in mind. We will talk you through the process during your consult to ensure you are prepared and understand what you may expect. In the meantime, general details about the procedure include:

• Performed under general anaesthesia
• Inpatient surgery
• Length of surgery is two to three hours
• Most patients return to work in around 14-21 days and should avoid strenuous activity for six weeks
• Results are seen straight away but will continue to improve up to six months; however, this varies from one person to another

We will need to ensure you are a good candidate before going ahead with your procedure. This will involve an assessment of your excess skin, as well as a discussion about your concerns and goals.

In general, patients should be healthy before pursuing this treatment. Also, you should keep in mind that Tummy Tuck Surgery (abdominoplasty) is not a solution to weight problems and should not be treated as a weight loss method. If you are a smoker or suffer extreme obesity this procedure is not ideal for you.

We suggest viewing before and after photos of the procedure to gain a better idea of the results you might expect. You will also want to consider a number of factors before deciding on the surgery, including plans to lose weight or have children. As well as this, you should consider the risk of scarring on your abdomen and the required recovery time.

Dr Michael Yunaev does not advise this procedure for people who are:

• Not able to have an anaesthetic
• Prone to bleeding or have poor healing ability
• Seeking a solution for weight loss or as a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise program. Keep in mind that while the results of the procedure are permanent, the outcome can be largely affected by changes in weight over time. As a result, patients should be prepared to maintain a stable weight after their surgery.

With this in mind, you may be asked to consider delaying the procedure if you are:

• In the process of losing weight, or are going to lose a lot of weight
• Planning to get pregnant, as the result of the surgery may be lost

The surgery may be a good option for you if you are:

• Physically healthy and at a stable weight
• Have realistic expected outcomes
• A non-smoker or have stopped smoking
• Bothered by excess skin on the abdomen

Bowral Specialist General Surgeon Dr Yunaev performs this body contouring surgery for both men and women, with unique surgical plans suited to the patient.

An initial consult is important before any surgery. During this meeting, you will discuss your desired surgery with Dr Yunaev, including your current health, goals, and expected outcomes. This way, we can assess whether Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) is a good option for you. We will also explain the surgery process in detail so that you are aware of what is involved and what care you will need afterwards. Our team will take into account your full medical history to be confident this procedure is your best course of action.

If the consult reveals that you are a good candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery (abdominoplasty), we can then begin planning your procedure. We will outline your surgical options and discuss these with you, aiming to develop a plan that aligns with your goals. Also, we will need to take photos of your abdomen, which will be used to plan the surgery. These can also be used post-surgery to help you assess the results. All photos are kept strictly confidential. There will then be an in-depth discussion about your recovery process and the possible risks of the surgery.

The team at Breast & Body Clinic want you to feel comfortable in asking any questions you may have at any point throughout the process. We aim to provide a comfortable space in which you may express any concerns or gain further clarity on what to expect.

After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room to begin the healing process. You can expect some swelling and discomfort, but we will prescribe medicine to help reduce any pain. Dr Yunaev will advise when you can leave to continue your recovery at home. However, before you leave, we will give you important guidelines for aftercare in order to help your body heal properly.

We advise that patients take two to three weeks off work, depending on the amount of physical activity in your job. If your job requires strenuous tasks, you may need to take more time off. You can resume light physical activity after about three weeks, and patients are generally fully healed after the six-week mark. But this can vary between patients, so it is always important to follow Dr Yunaev’s guidelines.

General guidelines after Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) may be:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Take prescribed medicine
• Wear a support garment to aid healing
• Rest and reduce your physical movement
• Drink plenty of water
• Contact us if any healing issues arise

We advise that you maintain a certain level of movement post-op, as this will promote blood flow which assists in the healing process. This can include light movements such as bending and light lifting. Also, you should try to sleep on your back or sides for the first few weeks after the procedure.

It is also important to take care of your general health after surgery, as having a healthy diet and regular exercise will help maintain your results. You will notice that most of the swelling has subsided roughly six weeks after the procedure; however, it can take up to three months to truly see the results. Any scarring will fade, but it may take up to one year to finish fading.

All surgeries come with potential risks, including Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty). If you are thinking about having this surgery, you will need to weigh the risks and benefits to make an informed decision for your health. Our team will talk you through the risks involved to ensure you are aware prior to your surgery.

Possible risks of this surgery include:

• Wound infection
• Bruising, bleeding, or hematoma
• Seroma fluid buildup
• Poor scarring
• Issues with the anaesthetic such as allergies
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Excessive pain
• Asymmetry
• Numbness
• Elevation of pubic region
• button necrosis
• Skin flap necrosis

Please note that the team at Breast & Body Clinic are well-trained and operate in a high-quality facility, taking every precaution to ensure that risk levels are as low as possible. The safety of our patients is our primary concern. If you notice any of the above issues during your recovery, please contact the clinic straight away for further advice.

Getting Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) is a highly personal decision that will require you to consult with a surgeon. This surgery requires special surgical expertise to reduce risks and encourage the best possible results. If you are thinking about having the procedure, it is crucial that you speak to a specialist general surgeon, such as Dr Yunaev in Bowral, who will consider your health and goals. Dr Yunaev, along with his well-trained team at Breast & Body Clinic, are committed to giving each patient one-on-one care and guidance on their surgical journey.

We prioritise the health and well-being of our patients in order to facilitate a positive treatment experience. For more information, please contact our clinic or book your personal appointment.