Tag: abdominoplasty

Different Types of Belly Fat and How to Get Rid of It
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Different Types of Belly Fat and How to Get Rid of It

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat – Surgical and Non-Surgical Solutions

Having some belly fat is normal. It acts as a cushioned pad that protects your stomach and your internal organs. But too much fat at the level of your belly can alter the contours of the body. Your stomach has two types of fat: one that’s superficial (subcutaneous) and another that’s inside the abdominal cavity (visceral fat).

Subcutaneous abdomen fat is closer to your belly skin and is more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern. While visceral fat is found deeper inside the abdomen and is more dangerous for your health. Getting rid of belly fat can be done by regularly exercising, sticking to a healthy diet, and other lifestyle changes. You could also have bariatric surgery or cosmetic surgery to help fight stubborn fat & excess tissues.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is one of the plastic surgeons in Australia. He has helped hundreds of patients in their battle against excess skin and fat using cosmetic procedures such as tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, lipectomy, and liposuction.

 

The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck – abdominoplasty for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.

If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Private Tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.

What Are The Different Types of Belly Fat?

1. Subcutaneous Belly fat

Subcutaneous belly fat or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is the fat sitting right under the skin of your belly. This type of stomach fat forms a cushion-like layer just below the skin and makes up about 90% of your entire belly fat.

It’s very normal to have some amount of over-the-muscle fat; everyone is born with it. However, you start gaining more fat that’s subcutaneous when you:

  • You eat more food than your body needs to keep you at a normal weight
  • Live a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity
  • Have diabetes or insulin resistance
  • Have a low body muscle mass

An excess of subcutaneous fatty tissue is usually more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern. It doesn’t necessarily increase your risk of serious diseases, but it can make you unhappy with the way your stomach and body look.

Although over-the-muscle fat isn’t as linked to chronic diseases as visceral fat, overall high levels of total body fat including belly fat can increase your risk of chronic health problems.

2. Visceral Belly Fat

Visceral fat or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) makes up about 10% of your total body fat. It’s found in the deeper layer of your belly and is known as harmful belly fat.

Visceral belly fat is found between your abdominal organs in an apron of tissue called the omentum. It surrounds internal organs much deeper in the stomach than subcutaneous fat like:

  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Pancreas
  • Intestines

Visceral belly fat is harder to see than subcutaneous fat and it can increase the risk of serious health problems including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Sleep apnoea

If you are overweight, you might have both excessive visceral and excessive subcutaneous fat.

How Do I Know Which Type of Belly Fat I Have?

Each body has different amounts of both types of belly fat. The subcutaneous fat is nearer to the surface than the visceral fat that’s stored inside your muscle wall.

You can tell which type of belly fat you have by knowing that the over the muscle belly fat is:

  • The belly fat you can pinch with your thumb and forefinger
  • Soft fat that jiggles when you poke your belly
  • The layer of fat that bulges out from the waistband of your jeans and gives you the “muffin top” appearance

On the other hand, visceral belly fat, also known as the “hidden fat”, isn’t as visible as subcutaneous fat.

You can estimate how much visceral belly fat you have by measuring your waistline and calculating your total body fat:

  • 10% of your total body fat is visceral
  • If you’re a woman and your waistline is around 90 cm or larger, you probably have excess visceral belly fat
  • The same if you’re a man and your waist measures about 100 cm or larger

To know for sure, visceral fat can be measured with an MRI or a CT scan. However, these procedures are time-consuming and expensive.

How to Lose Belly Fat without Surgery

Losing excess belly fat, whether visceral or subcutaneous, can have a big positive impact on your health.

Abs workouts and crunches can help you tone your stomach muscles and give them more definition. But these exercises alone won’t get rid of your belly fat.

Fortunately, there’s more you can do to battle abdominal fat. You can adopt several simple strategies that can help you lose belly weight, including:

  • A healthy diet: focus on a healthy balanced diet to lose weight and improve your overall health. Limit your intake of sugar, refined carbs, and saturated fat. Instead, eat more fruit, vegetables, and food rich in lean proteins
  • Reduce your alcohol consumption: watch your alcohol consumption. Alcoholic drinks have sugar that can add to your belly weight
  • Avoid sugary beverages: instead, try to drink water or beverages with artificial sweeteners
  • Try relaxation methods: stress increases your cortisol hormone levels which can lead to more weight gain. Meditation and yoga exercises can help you relax and decrease your stress levels
  • Quit smoking: smoking is a known risk factor for increased belly fat
  • Engage in physical activities: a sedentary lifestyle can have many health complications including belly weight gain. Brisk walking, running, and resistance training are all very effective in helping you shed the extra weight

Belly fat can be stubborn and respond slowly to diet and exercise. Luckily, there are other options that can help you get rid of unwanted stomach fat.

How to Get Rid of Visceral Abdominal Fat

Getting Rid of Visceral Abdominal Fat Dr Hunt Surgeon

Committing to a steady and rigorous workout plan and a healthy diet is the best way to naturally get rid of the visceral fat in your belly. Nevertheless, you might benefit more from surgical removal of visceral fat tissue if you’re obese or overweight.

1. Bariatric surgery or Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgeries, collectively known as bariatric surgery, can get rid of deep excessive fat deposits that couldn’t be removed by workouts and diet. These include:

  • Gastric bypass or mini Gastric Bypass
  • Sleeve gastrectomy or Gastric Sleev
  • Gastric balloon
  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Weight loss surgery can help reduce visceral fat by reducing your calorie intake and your total body fat. After bariatric surgery, your body will start consuming your fat stores for energy, including the fat inside your abdomen.

Dr Hunt does NOT perform Bariatric Surgery but can recommend several weightloss surgeons in Sydney.

2. Omentectomy

The omentum is an apron of visceral fat tissue between the abdomen organs. An omentectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the visceral fat deep inside your belly. Theoretically, this surgery can get rid of visceral fat effectively. However, there’s no clinical application for it, and is not usually done for weight loss purposes. There’s very minimal cosmetic benefits from visceral fat removal surgery, and there’s no evidence that it can improve your health. So an omentectomy is usually only performed to treat specific abdominal medical conditions like obstruction or cancer. Dr Hunt does NOT perform Omentectomy.

To sum up, the optimal way to get rid of visceral belly fat remains through weight loss from either lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery.

Surgeries like tummy tuck – abdominoplasty, lipectomy, and liposuction, on the other hand, are great options to deal with subcutaneous fat.

How to Get Rid of Subcutaneous Belly Fat

Sometimes no matter how hard you exercise or how long you go on a diet, stubborn belly fat just won’t go away. Getting rid of excess subcutaneous fat after pregnancy or weight loss can be challenging. Dr Hunt is highly trained in a wide range of cosmetic procedures that can help you face that challenge.

1. Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is one of the most popular ways to get rid of stubborn over the muscle belly fat. It offers an alternative to a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty or a lipectomy, and can even be combined with them sometimes.

Using a catheter, Dr Hunt will suck the extra subcutaneous fat from the front of your belly and the flanks. As a result, the stomach lipo achieves the following:

  • Removes stubborn belly fat
  • Flattens and tones the whole stomach
  • Contours your abdomen
  • Minimises your love handles

A belly lipo can alter your look by toning your mid-torso and sculpting your flanks.

Guide to Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

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2. Abdominoplasty or Tummy tuck (can be combined with Liposuction)

Many plastic surgeons recommend having a BMI of less than 30 for the best cosmetic surgery results. If you have a large bulging upper belly and lots of visceral fat – an abdominoplasty surgery will not get a great result.

before-and-after-tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty_Dr-Jeremy-Hunt_Top-plastic-surgeon_Sydney

An abdominoplasty is a stomach reshaping plastic surgery that removes excess fat and extra flaps of loose skin to give you a flatter and better-looking belly.

There are different types of procedures that Dr Hunt can tailor to meet your aesthetic goals.

3. Mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty

A mini tuck surgery is a minimally invasive abdominoplasty. It involves your lower belly area only. A mini-abdominoplasty is done to specifically get rid of accumulated fat and lax skin located below your belly button.

During a mini abdominoplasty, Dr Hunt makes a small incision along your bikini line just above your pubic area that allows him to remove extra flaps of skin below the belly button.

A mini-abdominoplasty helps you get rid of your postpartum mummy pooch and get the flat lower abdomen you’ve been looking for.

4. Traditional (Full) abdominoplasty

Traditional or classic abdominoplasty is a full abdominoplasty that addresses a larger area of the stomach compared to a mini tummy tuck – abdominoplasty. It targets excess skin and fat both above and below your belly button.

A full abdominoplasty involves a longer incision that extends from hip to hip. Through this incision, Dr Hunt will be able to:

  • Remove extra fat and overhanging skin from the entire length of the abdomen
  • Tighten the abdominal muscles above and below the belly button
  • Tighten loose belly skin and get rid of some of the stomach stretch marks

This surgery can give you good cosmetic results. Full tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery can fix your protruding tummy, flatten your entire stomach, and give you your pre-baby belly back.

5. Extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty

If your belly isn’t the only area with loose flaps of fat and tissue, then an extended abdominoplasty might be a good option for you.

This surgery can remove significant amounts of extra skin and fat tissue from your stomach, hips, and lower back (love handle area).

Dr Hunt performs an extended abdominoplasty by making an incision low on your abdomen that extends from the hips to the back. As a result, he’s able to:

  • Remove large amounts of excess fat and skin from the abdomen
  • Repair any torn or loose muscles
  • Get rid of stubborn love handles around the hips

Extended abdominoplasty surgery is a very effective procedure if you want to reshape your abdomen and redefine your waistline.

These belly fat removal surgeries are options to remove excess subcutaneous fat in your belly but they cannot reach inside the abdominal wall to remove built-up visceral belly fat.

6. Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty

The fleur-de-lis, known as vertical abdominoplasty, is a more extensive type of abdominoplasty. It’s the right surgery for you if you have very excessive amounts of stubborn belly fat and lax stomach skin.

During the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, Dr Hunt performs two skin incisions (a vertical incision and a bikini-line incision) which allow him to:

  • Maximise excess fat and skin removal
  • Tighten the abdomen in two directions
  • Improve your waistline

Fleur-de-lis surgery can improve the contour of your whole stomach and give it a tighter overall look.

7. Belt lipectomy surgery

A belt lipectomy, or circumferential lipectomy, is a post weight loss surgery. It can remove extra tissue (fat and skin) from your belly, waist (beltline), and back – all in one procedure.

By performing a 360 belt abdominoplasty, Dr Hunt makes sure you benefit from:

  • The removal of stretched skin and fat flaps from the front of the stomach
  • The removal of saggy skin and fat tissue from the sides, hips, and back
  • Lifting the butt and outer hips

While an abdominoplasty focuses on the front of the stomach, a belt lipectomy can correct the appearance of your whole trunk from your chest down to your hips and all the way around your back.

To give you an optimal cosmetic results, Dr Hunt often combines a circumferential lipectomy with other fat reduction surgeries such as an arm lift, breast reduction, thigh lift, or liposuction.

Further Reading about Fat Removal Procedures

Medical References about Belly Fat Removal

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Bruising and Swelling after Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Surgery
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Bruising and Swelling after Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Surgery

How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling after an Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck -abdominoplasty surgery is a good option to transform your mid-section and feel more confident after weight loss or pregnancy. But like all other surgical interventions, an abdominoplasty entails a recovery period that could be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of each case. The most common side effects that you can experience during recovery are swelling and bruising. Let’s find out how you can reduce the swelling and bruising after tummy tuck – abdominoplasty to have a better recovery.

The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck – abdominoplasty for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.

If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Private Tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.

Dr Hunt Answers Tummy Tuck- Abdominoplasty Surgery Questions

 

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. He has performed hundreds of abdominoplasty procedures in over 20 years of practice. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi has recently joined the practice of Dr Jeremy Hunt in Edgecliff and is available now for consultations on a range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery for women by women.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

before-and-after-tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty_Dr-Jeremy-Hunt_Top-plastic-surgeon_Sydney

A Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help give you a flatter and toned abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin and fat while tightening weak or split abdominal muscles. It is the right procedure for those who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight or women who had one or multiple pregnancies.

Swelling and Bruising Post Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

After an abdominoplasty, your body’s healing response will kick in. As a part of the process, your body will send an influx of fluid and white blood cells to the injury site which usually leads to swelling and bruising. Don’t worry as it is a natural part of the healing process but it may prevent you from showing off your new and improved silhouette. With the right steps, you can minimise these effects to see the final results of your procedure sooner.

Guide to Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

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Tips for Reducing Swelling and Bruising Post Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

Swelling and bruising are inevitable parts of the healing process. Follow these steps to help your body heal quickly and effectively, and avoid any adverse side effects or complications.

1. Take the Time to Rest

Post tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery, you need time to heal and recover. Stay clear of strenuous activities including cardiovascular exercise, weight training, or lifting anything heavy around the house. It is important to make it a priority to get enough sleep every night and take naps throughout the day. Allow your body to rest as it will help the healing process.

2. Follow a Healthy Diet

Healthy Diet - Eggs and Fruits Avocadoes

A healthy diet plays a very important role in maintaining your immunity. It is very important to fuel your body with nourishing foods. Choose foods that are rich in protein as it helps with the tissue repairing process post-surgery. Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C and A. Include plenty of lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and limit your intake of processed foods. Make sure your fibre intake is optimal to maintain digestion and avoid constipation. Stay clear of foods that cause gastrointestinal distress or discomfort. Limit foods that are high in fat, sugar, and dairy products as they can cause more swelling and inflammation.

3. Minimise Your Sodium Intake

Excessive salt can lead to swelling and bloating. It might lead to increased discomfort. The recommendation is to choose foods that are low in sodium and adjust the amount of salt in your meals. Consume plenty of fruit and vegetables as they will balance out the salt in your body.

4. Drink Lots of Water & Fluids

Keeping your body well-hydrated encourages healing. Drink enough water to heal throughout the day. Stay clear of alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can dehydrate your body. Keep a water bottle near your bedside and drink tiny sips throughout the day. You can add lemon wedges and strawberries to your water as it can make the water taste better.

5. Choose Gentle Activity

Strenuous activities interfere with the natural healing response of the body. However, it is important to move lightly around the house. A bit of gentle exercise will stimulate blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body. Try walking for a few minutes around your house. Avoid anything that can put a strain on your incisions.

6. Wear your Compression Garment

Compression Garment White and black

A compression garment will help minimise the swelling around the midsection. It will help limit the amount of fluid that accumulates in the body. Your surgeon will decide on the timeline. Initially, you will have to wear it 24/7 for a few weeks. After some time, you can take it off while sleeping. This one step alone is crucial in helping your recovery journey and getting better results. Check out the Best Compression Garment after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty.

7. Take All the Prescribed Medication Regularly

After your tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery, your surgeon will recommend or prescribe the medication to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Do miss your scheduled medications if you want a comfortable recovery. Stay clear of any blood-thinning medications, herbal supplements, and any medication that your surgeon hasn’t prescribed as it increases the risk of bruising. Follow your surgeon’s instructions or get in touch with the clinic if you have any concerns regarding the meds.

8. Maintain Your Drainage Tubes

Drainage tubes are medical devices that prevent your body from accumulating fluids. Your surgeon may recommend you keep these tubes for at least a couple of days post-surgery. Make sure to empty out the drainage tubes as per the instructions given to you.

9. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol are to be avoided after undergoing plastic surgery. They not only hinder the healing process but can lead to severe complications. Make sure to avoid smoking for at least 6 to 8 weeks or as per your surgeon’s recommendations.

10. Attend your Follow-up Appointments

After the tummy tuck – abdominoplasty, you will have a schedule of follow-up appointments. It ensures that your body is healing at the right pace and you are not dealing with any adverse side effects. Make sure to attend the follow-up consultations as this enables your surgeon to detect any problems and take necessary steps to avoid complications.

11. Ice can help with Bruising

Make sure to apply a wrapped ice pack to the bruises. The ice will contract the blood vessels which can help stop internal bleeding and minimise the look and size of bruising. You can continue to use a cold compress for the first two to three days post-surgery. Be careful to avoid an ice burn.

12. Vitamin K can help

Incorporate foods that contain high volumes of vitamin K. Vitamin K makes your blood slightly thicker which can help to minimise bruising. Nearly all leafy greens are rich in vitamin K; especially kale and spinach.

FAQS about Swelling and Bruising after a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

Reduce Bruising and Swelling after Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding abdominoplasty:

Is bruising normal after an abdominoplasty?

  • Yes, it is normal to have some bruising on the treated areas post-abdominoplasty. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to minimise bruising and prevent it from worsening.

How tight should a compression garment be after a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty?

  • Your compression garment should be tight enough that you feel held without being overly restrictive. If you are feeling extreme discomfort while walking, squatting, and sitting, then it’s too tight. You can always ask your surgeon to recommend you a more suitable size garment.

What happens 2 weeks after abdominoplasty?

  • Two weeks after the tummy tuck – abdominoplasty, you will still be quite swollen. However, the discomfort, swelling, tightness and bruising will start to subside.

What is a hematoma after an abdominoplasty?

  • A hematoma is a potential complication post tummy tuck – abdominoplasty. You can identify a Hematoma by discolouration along with the incision site that resembles bruising. Other symptoms include severe swelling. If you follow all the post-care instructions rigorously, you can minimise the risk of hematoma.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after abdominoplasty?

  • The most noticeable swelling will subside within two to three months’ time frame. Mild swelling can linger for much longer and can last for 6 to 8 months.

Why is my stomach hard after a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty?

  • You might have a tight feeling in the tummy because your skin has literally been cut and stitched back together. Muscle tightening can lead to a hardened sensation during recovery. That is why you experience hardening of the stomach after the surgery.

What helps reduce swelling after a tummy tuck- abdominoplasty?

  • Sticking to all the pre and post-surgical instructions post the abdominoplasty helps with the swelling and discomfort. Here are a few general tips that can help you: do not smoke or drink, stay clear of blood-thinning medications, wear a compression garment, walk around the house, consume a healthy diet that is low in sodium, and don’t forget to take your medications and go for follow up appointments.

When should I call the doctor after a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty?

How to deal with skin discolouration after a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty?

  • You can discuss your scar reduction options with the surgeon. Make sure to follow all the pre and post-care instructions given by your surgeon. Once you are healed, you can start applying topical vitamin E and wear sunscreen on a regular basis. You can also consider scar minimisation treatments like skin needling or laser skin resurfacing.

Further Reading about Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

Medical References about Swelling & Bruising after Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon Sydney

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Sydney
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Sydney

Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Surgery – A Surgical Solution for Loose Tummy Skin

You gained weight, you lost weight. With age, the skin stretches. These are all normal life events that can cause excess saggy skin on the tummy. An Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that can tighten loose skin on the belly after weight loss, remove some of the stretch marks after pregnancy, and help get rid of stubborn belly fat (a mummy pooch) with Mini abdominoplasty procedure.

After pregnancy, you may also have split tummy muscles or diastasis recti. A full abdominoplasty includes a  split tummy muscle repair whereas a mini abdominoplasty is a procedure to just remove excess fat & Skin below the belly button only.

A mini abdominoplasty surgery is similar to a full abdominoplasty except that it targets the stretched skin and extra fat in the lower belly area only. A mini abdominoplasty can also be combined with other procedures, like liposuction and breast surgery to maximise the cosmetic results and also address the fat build-up above the navel.

For some people, the excess skin and fat are limited to the area below the belly button and they don’t have a lot of it. A mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, or mini abdominoplasty, is ideal for those individuals who are thinner and have less extra skin and fat they want to get rid of.

Dr Hunt Answers Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Surgery Questions

 

UPDATE – NEW 30175 MEDICARE ITEM NUMBER  – The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.

If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Private Tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.

Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam are both Specialist Plastic surgeons with an interest in cosmetic surgery for the body. Dr Hunt has years of experience in performing mini-abdominoplasty for patients in Wollongong and Sydney.

Our surgeons tailor each mini tuck surgery to meet the cosmetic goals of the patients.  A mini tuck can tone the lower belly, get rid of mummy pooch, and improve the stomach contour with a less invasive approach compared to a full abdominoplasty. Do you want a skin-only tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty or do you need a muscle repair too?

Guide to Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

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What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?

A mini tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty that removes lax skin and accumulated fat mainly in the lower abdomen. It is considered a less invasive procedure than a full abdominoplasty. A full tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery can fix your postpartum mummy pooch, abdominal hernia, and muscle laxity in the lower abdomen.

After pregnancy or weight loss, you can lose muscle tone and skin elasticity in your abdominal area. For some people, the problem area is restricted to the lower part of the abdomen:

  • Extra fat and loose skin below the belly button give the belly a bulging appearance (abdominal pooch)
  • Muscle laxity under the navel creates an uneven stomach contour

The mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is considered the best cosmetic procedure to sculpt the stomach area beneath the belly button, tone the lower abs muscles, and fix the stretch marks and sagginess in the lower part of the belly. You trade a well-hidden tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty scar that fades over time for a smoother tummy contour.

How Is a Mini Abdominoplasty Different from a Full Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?

Both the full abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty are designed to remove loose skin and fat build-up from the stomach area. They both tighten the abdomen and make it flat again.

However, unlike a full tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, a mini abdominoplasty:

  • Involves a smaller incision (around 15-20 cm long) that doesn’t go all the way to the sides of the hips
  • Removes less amount of skin and fat compared to a full abdominoplasty
  • Only works on the lower abdomen; it does not address the upper abdomen
  • Does not reposition the belly button

In general, a full abdominoplasty works on a larger area of the stomach than a mini abdominoplasty, which focuses on the lower parts of the stomach. In addition, a full abdominoplasty involves a longer incision and more skin and fat removal than a mini abdominoplasty.

Who Needs a Mini Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty?

A mini abdominoplasty procedure is ideal for people who have lost weight or given birth but are not able to lose stubborn lower belly fat with diet and exercise.

This procedure works very well for candidates who:

  • Are thin but have excess skin and fat above their pubic area
  • Have a small pouch of fat at the front of their lower abs
  • Have a flat upper tummy with a lower belly bulge
  • Are satisfied with the way their upper abdomen and hips look

Over the years, Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam have performed mini-abdominoplasty surgery to help patients get their stomachs back in shape after losing weight or giving birth.

What Are The Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty?

Benefits of Mini Tummy Tuck - Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

In case you have minimal loose skin in your lower abdominal region, a mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty procedure can offer the following advantages over a full abdominoplasty:

  • Less invasive (less skin and fat removal)
  • Smaller incision and a smaller scar
  • Less demanding (takes less time, about an hour and a half)
  • Can be done using local anaesthesia
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Can pull the belly button down into a more aesthetically pleasing position by tightening the skin (this works really well for women whose belly button is shifted upwards in an abnormal position after pregnancy)

Despite being a less demanding procedure, a mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty needs great surgical skills to perform successfully.

How Is a Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Performed?

A mini abdominoplasty surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Hunt or Dr Maryam will do the following:

  • First, a horizontal incision (around 15-20 cm long) is done, similar to a C-section incision, really low down the abdomen just above the pubic area (along the bikini line)
  • After that, your surgeon will separate the fat layer from the deep muscle layer, all the way up to the belly button without repositioning the navel
  • Following this, the deep abdominal muscles and connective tissue are pulled tightly together and held together with strong sutures
  • Afterward, your surgeon will be able to pull the overlying skin and fat downwards to repair the stretched abdomen and flatten the stretch marks
  • Then, excess skin and fat (usually a minimal amount) are cut out
  • Lastly, your surgeon will suture the skin back together using fine sutures

A mini abdominoplasty surgery usually lasts between one and a half to three hours. After your surgery, your wound will be covered by wound dressing and you will be transferred to the recovery room.

Recovery after a Mini Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty

Mini abdominoplasty is less demanding than a full abdominoplasty, hence it often has a shorter recovery time. During your postoperative recovery from a mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty you can expect:

  • Belly swelling: most of the swelling subsides within 4 to 6 weeks. After that, a minimal amount of swelling remains that could take a few more months to resolve
  • Bruising: bruising in your abdomen will peak during the first few days following your surgery before resolving around 2 weeks later
  • Pain: postoperative pain might be experienced during the first week following the surgery. The pain and discomfort should completely subside 2 weeks after your mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty
  • You might have to stay for a night at the hospital for observation after mini tuck surgery
  • Your surgeon may place drains underneath your skin to prevent fluid accumulation. These are normally taken out a couple of days later
  • You might be asked to wear compression garments for two to six weeks to speed up your healing after mini abdominoplasty
  • You can usually return to normal activity, like working and driving, within about a week following your surgery
  • You will mostly be able to go back to all forms of exercise, including heavy lifting, at about six weeks after a mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty

Every patient will have a slightly different recovery timeline after their tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery depending on the extent of removed skin, age, body weight, and overall health condition. Nevertheless, full recovery after a mini abdominoplasty usually takes about 4-6 weeks.

Your surgeon will follow up with you for a couple of months after your mini-abdominoplasty surgery to make sure your wound is healing nicely and your scar continues to improve.

Potential Risks and Complications of a Mini Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty

 

Just like a full abdominoplasty, a mini abdominoplasty can have some complications including:

  • Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin): drainage tubes, and sometimes a syringe, are used to remove the accumulated fluid after your surgery
  • Hematoma (blood collection under the skin): some bruises after surgery are a result of pooled blood under the skin
  • Skin numbness: the incision and repositioning of skin and muscles in your abdomen can affect the nerves in that area. The reduced sensation or numbness lasts for a few weeks after surgery
  • Wound infection: it’s very important to inform your surgeon about any redness around your wound, excessive swelling, chills, or fever. These could be signs of postoperative wound infection
  • Skin necrosis (rare complication): injury to some blood vessels during surgery could disrupt the blood flow to the skin surface. This causes skin tissue death known as skin necrosis

To avoid possible complications after your surgery, it’s very important that you carefully choose the right plastic surgeon for your mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty. Our surgeons use their surgical skills and experience to meet the patient’s desired outcomes.

Can a Mini Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes, a mini abdominoplasty can be combined with other procedures to get the best possible results. A mini abdominoplasty does not usually improve the appearance of the upper abdomen. It can be combined with liposuction to get rid of fat accumulated around the love handles and further contour the belly. Liposuction can also help further tone the lower belly, hips, and pubic area (mons or FUPA). Read our blog on How to Get Rid of FUPA – A Fat Upper Pubic Area.

A post-pregnancy mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty can also be combined with breast augmentation, reduction, or lift surgery as a part of a full Post Pregnancy Surgery. Dr Hunt frequently performs this kind of combined surgical procedure to restore the pre-pregnancy body with one recovery period. Dr Maryam can also combine Tummy Surgery with Labiaplasty.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Cost?

During your consultation, your surgeon will give you an estimation of how much your abdominoplasty surgery will cost. In some cases, Medicare covers abdominoplasty after significant weight loss. So you might be eligible for a rebate and partial health insurance coverage.

Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty FAQs

Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs - Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

What is the least invasive tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • A mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is considered less invasive than a full abdominoplasty because it involves a smaller incision.

What helps reduce swelling after a mini abdominoplasty?

  • Compression garments and anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your surgeon help reduce your post-op swelling.

Can I sleep on my stomach after a mini abdominoplasty?

  • You should avoid sleeping on your stomach for about 4 weeks after your mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty so your tummy can heal and recover properly. Avoid putting pressure on the incision. Read our blog on How to Sleep After Abdominoplasty.

How long does it take for the scar to heal?

  • The scar from your mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery will gradually heal over the months after your surgery. It can take about a year before the scar becomes almost invisible. Scar minimisation treatments are available.

How much weight do you lose after the procedure?

  • A mini abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. It can help you contour and tighten your abdominal area. Nonetheless, the excess skin and fat removed can take between 2 to 5 kg out of your weight. Additional liposuction can help you lose more.

Is it normal to look the same in the procedure?

  • Good candidates for mini tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery should end up with pleasing results and look better. Make sure you choose a specialist plastic surgeon to give you optimal results.

Further Reading about Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Surgery

Medical References – Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Surgery Sydney

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail have given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

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If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.