Tummy Tucks

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

This tummy tuck procedure is used to flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and can involve tightening the abdominal muscles and repositioning the umbilicus.

Suitability for Tummy Tuck Procedure

The best candidates for tummy tuck are those who have reached a stable weight after an appropriate diet and exercise regime. The procedure may be appropriate for you if you are concerned about loose lower abdominal skin, excess fat and/or lax abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck is not designed to treat stretch marks, though by default they may be partially removed by the excision of excess skin.

What possible complications can occur?

The most common complications of tummy tuck surgery are infection, bleeding (haematoma) and scarring. Other risks associated with this tummy tuck surgery include, but are not limited to, minor or major wound separation (dehisence), thrombosis leading to cardiac or pulmonary complications, asymmetry, seroma, fat or skin necrosis, pain, nerve damage resulting in altered sensation. Revision surgery may be required and it is not uncommon to require revision at the ends of the abdominal scars.

All of the above risks should be discussed thoroughly prior to surgery and any other concerns that you may have.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia. A very dilute local anaesthetic is usually infiltrated into the fat layer as well to significantly reduce bleeding during the procedure and to assist with post-operative pain relief.

A horizontal incision is performed in the pubic region curving upward and outwards. The length of incision varies depending on the extent of surgery planned. Sometimes, a previous caesarean section scar may be used.

The loose skin and fat layer are elevated and muscle tightening can then be performed if necessary. The excess tissue is then removed. A tube may be inserted to drain any excess fluid away temporarily.

What should I expect after abdominoplasty surgery?

It is natural to experience pain (temporary), swelling, bruising and numbness after surgery. You may experience more tiredness than usual for weeks to months. Walking is encouraged as soon as possible, though vigorous exercise is not recommended for 4 to 6 weeks. A compression garment is recommended for 6 weeks. Your final result may not be achieved for many months.

Ready to Discuss Tummy Tuck Surgery?

To discuss tummy tuck surgery in more detail or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 07 3720 8788 or make an enquiry online. We look forward to speaking with you.

  • Dr Russell Hills is an experienced cosmetic dermatologist based in Brisbane, Australia and is a member of the Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr Hills also has extensive experience in MOHS surgery for skin cancer removal, and is the principal surgeon at Aesthetix.

    Dr Hills regularly lectures on cosmetic surgery and skin cancer removal, and has numerous publications on these topics. He is a member of a number of Australian and American medical associations, and attends local and international conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest approaches in cosmetic medicine.
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Adherence to the information on this site will not ensure successful treatment in every situation and will not ensure specific results in the individual patient. Although complications may be rare, there are certain inherent risks connected with surgical procedures that should be discussed with the surgeon. This Website contains very general information and any procedures mentioned in it should be discussed in detail with your surgeon at the time of consultation.

Tummy Tuck in Brisbane: Our services include tummy tuck surgery, abdomen flattening surgery, stomach fat removal surgery Brisbane and abdominoplasty. 

We also offer cosmetic surgery services and facial plastic surgery by Dr Russell Hills in our cosmetic clinics in Brisbane, based in Auchenflower and Nundah, including liposuction, body sculpting and blepharoplasty, along with skin needling and lip fillers.

Our clinics are based in Auchenflower and Nundah, Brisbane. We service clients in the greater Brisbane area, including but not limited to: central Brisbane CBD, Auchenflower, Paddington, West End, Bardon, Toowong, Spring Hill, Kangaroo Point, New Farm, East Brisbane, Newstead, Kelvin Grove, Ashgrove, Indooroopilly, The Gap, Highgate Hill, Chapel Hill, Morningside, Bulimba, Enoggera, Grange, Lutyche, Clayfield, Nundah, Chermside, Everton Hills, Everton Park, Greenslopes, Sandgate, Woollongabba, Southbank, Carindale, Mount Gravatt, Moorooka, Acacia Ridge, Logan, Springwood, Nudgee, Ascot, Hamilton, Taringa, Annerley, Yeronga, Tennyson, Graceville, Sherwood, St Lucia, Kenmore, Brookfield, Coorparoo, Red Hill, Milton, South Brisbane, North Brisbane.