Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your health, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. Some individuals find that, despite diet and exercise, loose skin and weakened or separated abdominal muscles persist, often after pregnancy or significant weight changes. Dr Sophie Ricketts, a specialist plastic surgeon, performs abdominoplasty with a focus addressing individual concerns and patient safety.
Who May see Benefit from an Abdominoplasty?
Some patients seek abdominoplasty following changes in their body after pregnancy. During pregnancy, the skin stretches significantly, and the ‘six-pack’ muscles — known as the rectus abdominis — separate to accommodate the pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti. After childbirth and return to a pre-pregnancy weight, the skin and muscles may not return to their previous state. Exercise or targeted physiotherapy may not fully address this muscle separation or address excess stretched skin. In such cases, abdominoplasty can repair the muscle separation and remove skin in the lower abdomen which tightens the stomach wall and skin overlying it.
Another common group considering abdominoplasty includes individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, whether through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery. Rapid or substantial weight reduction can result in loose skin that may cause discomfort, irritation, or difficulty wearing certain clothing. Abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat while repairing abdominal muscles.
What Abdominoplasty Can and Cannot Do
It’s important to understand what abdominoplasty can achieve. This surgery effectively removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles. However, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a treatment for obesity.
Some patients ask whether liposuction alone is an alternative to prevent an abdominoplasty scar. While liposuction effectively removes fat, it does not predictable or effectively address loose skin and can not repair separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction may in come cases be performed as part of an abdominoplasty to address contour.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, usually requiring a 2 night hospital stay. The surgeon makes an incision low on the abdomen, typically just above the pubic area. The skin is then lifted up off the abdominal wall muscles as far as the lower edge of the breast bone. This allows the separated abdominal muscles, to be sutured back together. The skin is then stretched taut, and redundant skin is excised. The incision is closed carefully in layers with dissolving sutures.
The procedure can vary depending on the area being treated — from a shorter scar abdominoplasty, which focuses on the lower abdominal skin and fat below the umbilicus, to an extended abdominoplasty that also addresses the flanks and back.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights before they are safe to be discharged. Whilst it is likely that you will be able to care for yourself after discharge, complete healing usually takes around six weeks. During this period, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided to allow the muscle repair, if performed, to heal adequately.
You will be provided with a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the abdominal wall as it heals. Most patients can return to light activities and work within three to six weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Follow-up appointments with Dr Ricketts follow your recovery and give advice on scar management and return to activities.
Risks and Considerations
As with all surgery abdominoplasty carries risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. For further detail on risks and complications specific to Abdominoplasty please check the Abdominoplasty Procedure page on Dr Ricketts’ website. http://drsophiericketts.com.au/procedures
Why Choose Dr Sophie Ricketts for Your Abdominoplasty?
Dr Ricketts emphasises safety as a priority however prides herself on taking the time to understand and hear your concerns. Each procedure will be specific to an individual’s anatomy and objectives.
If you are considering abdominoplasty and want to discuss whether this procedure is suitable for you, Dr Sophie Ricketts offers professional advice and compassionate care throughout the process.
Surgical Disclaimer
Surgical outcomes vary between individuals. A consultation is required to determine suitability, discuss risks, alternatives, and what may be achievable for your anatomy.
For further information including risks and complications of this surgery go to Dr Sophie Ricketts’ website www.drsophiericketts.com.au/procedures/
