Abdominoplasty or a 'tummy tuck' is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It is used to tighten muscles that have become loose or split following pregnancy, or to remove fat and extra loose skin from the abdomen after massive weight loss.
If you have lost a lot of weight or recently had a baby, you may be feeling self-conscious about having loose skin around the middle. A “tummy tuck” (the medical name for the procedure is abdominoplasty) is a popular cosmetic surgery for removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty are different names for the same cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin, fat deposits, and muscle tissue in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck is an informal name while abdominoplasty is the scientific one.
2023 Melbourne Abdominoplasty price ranges
$11,000 – $15,000 for a low-cost cheaper surgery – sometimes a mini Abdominoplasty “skin-only” with no muscle repair. $15,000 – $19,000 for mid-range Abdominoplasty surgery. $19,000 and above for premier Abdominoplasty surgery.
Quick Facts about Medicare Cover for Tummy Tuck
Medicare only covers tummy tuck surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can get coverage under Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by their GP.
The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
Swelling influences tummy tuck recovery and results
Swelling is usually the main reason why your tummy may not look flat during recovery.
How Much Weight Can I Lose From Tummy Tuck Surgery? If you are seeking tummy tuck after weight loss or pregnancy to restore your stomach contour, you will probably lose up to 2 kg of excess skin after the procedure. Some people lose 14kg or more while some don't notice a significant weight loss.
After your tummy tuck surgery, you may probably weigh 4 to 10 pounds less, and this is due to the removal of excess skin and a bit of the fat layer attached to the excess skin. In other words, you won't see a drastic drop on the scale after the surgery.
Expect to be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck
An abdominoplasty is a wonderful way to sculpt the figure and shape the body. However, the surgical procedure is not a replacement for weight loss. It is important that you be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck.
You will feel confident wearing tight clothing without concern about hiding a tummy bulge. However, you will need some patience; a full recovery will take about three to six months. Tummy tuck scars will start to fade at about six months, but you can expect about a year before they disappear to be less visible.
A tummy tuck can be painful for up to a week after surgery. The amount of pain will depend on the exact tummy tuck procedure you have. Mini tummy tucks present the least pain whilst extended tummy tucks have the most pain. Tummy tuck pain can be managed by pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section. *Individual Results May Vary.
You will need about a week of bed rest following a tummy tuck. It can take two weeks before you can return to your normal activities after the surgery.
Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.
Because the excess skin is pulled down and removed during the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision around the belly button to free the skin. It remains attached to the stalk, but the surgeon needs to create a notch where the belly button will appear after the surgery.
The fat cells that are removed via liposuction during a tummy tuck will not return, but this doesn't necessarily mean the cosmetic results are permanent. Weight gain can generate new fat cells and cause the remaining fat cells to become enlarged.
To summarize, following cosmetic surgery tummy tuck, most women will go down a size or two in their clothing size. Some woman won't have a change of size, and rarely some will actually go up in size. I am a board certified plastic surgeon who practices exclusively cosmetic surgery.
One of the benefits of liposuction is that it removes fat cells directly from the body, and once they are gone, they cannot come back. Your body cannot re-grow fat cells. As an adult, you have all the fat cells you will have for life as genetically predetermined for your body.
A “tummy tuck” is a procedure designed to tighten the skin and smooth the contours of the abdomen. While most patients who receive a tummy tuck look somewhat thinner, it is not designed to make a heavy person suddenly look thin.
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks outside of this area.
Findings from the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal
On average, participants lost 4.5% of their original BMI one year after their procedure. On average, study participants lost 4.5% of their original BMI one year after their tummy tuck.
What Days Are the Hardest After a Tummy Tuck? The worst days after your tummy tuck will be the first one to three days. You may experience some discomfort, bloating, pressure, and swelling, but these symptoms are normal and will resolve themselves.
By the end of the week, you should be able to engage in light activity or household chores and walk without assistance. Week Two: By the end of week two, you should be able to walk twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes, a habit you can form now that will help you succeed in staying fit after your tummy tuck.
Inadequate Tension on the Incision Line
Proper tension on the incision line is essential for a successful Tummy tuck surgery. If the tension is too loose, excess skin can bunch up and form dog ears. If the tension is too tight, the incision line may stretch and become more visible.