Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while surgically repairing weakened or separated underlying abdominal muscles. The objective is to alter the abdominal profile and waistline.

At Plastic Surgery Sydney, this procedure is performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Laith Barnouti in accredited surgical facilities. It is commonly requested by patients seeking to address abdominal anatomical changes following pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural ageing process.

Please note: Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss surgery. It should only be performed once your weight is stable.

To understand the surgical outcomes of this procedure, you may view clinical examples of Dr. Barnouti’s previous patients.

Who is an Appropriate Candidate?

You may be considered a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty if you are in good general health, at a stable weight, and experience any of the following:

• Loose or “apron” abdominal skin following pregnancy or massive weight loss.
• Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti).
• Excess abdominal tissue that does not respond to diet and exercise.
• Physical discomfort, posture issues, or skin irritation caused by excess abdominal tissue.

For stable long-term outcomes, it is recommended to undergo this procedure only if you are not planning future pregnancies.

Can Abdominoplasty be Combined with Other Procedures?

When clinically appropriate and medically safe, Dr. Barnouti may perform abdominoplasty in combination with other procedures:

• Liposuction: Used to contour the flanks, hips, and upper abdomen.
• Breast Surgery: Combining abdominoplasty with a breast lift or breast augmentation to address anatomical changes post-pregnancy.
• Body or Thigh Lifts: For post-bariatric or massive weight loss patients requiring broader contour correction.

The Consultation Process and AHPRA Requirements

In accordance with Australian medical regulations, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must obtain a valid referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or another qualified health practitioner prior to their consultation.

Following your clinical consultations with Dr. Barnouti, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies before any surgery can be booked. This ensures you have adequate time to carefully consider the clinical risks, informed financial consent, and your decision to proceed.

What to Expect: The Surgical Procedure

Abdominoplasty is a major operation that takes approximately two to three hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. It typically requires a one to two-night stay in a hospital.

During a Full Abdominoplasty, an incision is made low on the abdomen. Excess skin is removed, the abdominal muscles are repaired, and the remaining skin is repositioned. The umbilicus (belly button) is also repositioned.

For patients with tissue laxity limited to the area below the navel, a Mini Abdominoplasty may be recommended, involving a smaller incision without navel repositioning.

Recovery and Aftercare Timeline

Recovery from abdominoplasty is significant and requires strict adherence to post-operative clinical guidelines.

• The First Few Days: Drainage tubes are often placed for the first 24 hours to prevent fluid accumulation. You must sleep with your upper body elevated and your knees bent to reduce tension on the surgical site. Standing upright will be physically uncomfortable initially.
• Mobility: Gentle walking is encouraged the day after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Compression Garments: You must wear a supportive abdominal binder continuously for the first 6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing tissues.
• Exercise & Lifting: Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and core-focused exercises must be strictly avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.
• Sensory Changes & Downtime: It is normal to experience numbness between the scar and the navel. This generally improves over 6 to 12 months. Post-operative swelling will gradually subside over the first 3 months. Time off work is usually required, typically ranging from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the physical demands of your occupation.

Understanding the Risks and Scars

As with any major surgery, abdominoplasty carries inherent clinical risks. Potential complications include, but are not limited to:

• Infection or adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
• Poor wound healing or prominent scarring.
• Accumulation of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma), which may require secondary medical drainage.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary complications.
• Asymmetry or permanent changes in skin sensation.

Will I have a scar?

Yes. All abdominoplasty procedures leave a permanent horizontal scar. The incision is typically placed low on the abdomen so it can be covered by standard underwear or swimwear. While scars typically fade over 12 to 18 months with proper care (such as silicone therapy and sun protection), they will never completely disappear.