Tummy Tuck NZ

Overview

Stomach Lift

Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” as it is commonly known, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles on the abdominal wall. This procedure can dramatically change the appearance of your abdomen and may be done in conjunction with Liposuction to the area.

This page’s information will give you a basic understanding of Abdominoplasty. It cannot answer all of your questions as a lot depends on individual needs and the Doctor’s preferences. Please ask your plastic surgeon anything about the stomach lift procedure that you are unsure of.

Best Candidates

• Men or women who are affected by abdominal fatty deposits and skin laxity that won’t respond to diet or exercise
• Women following pregnancy where abdominal skin and musculature may have stretched
• Men or women who want to enhance their appearance and self-confidence
• Men or women who are following weight loss and wnat to tighten the excess skin

What to Expect

The initial consultation with your Surgeon will enable him to assess your individual needs based on a physical examination to determine the extent of stomach lift necessary and any combinations of surgery such as the addition of Liposuction to give you the best possible result. You will be given information regarding your surgical procedure. Factors such as your concerns and expectations will also be discussed. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Doctor and remember to mention whether or not you smoke and if you are taking any medications.

Our Surgeons recommend a second or subsequent consultation prior to proceeding with any surgery. The second or subsequent consults will give you the chance to discuss or confirm any queries that may have arisen since the initial consultation. Any subsequent consultations are at no additional cost to you. It may be helpful to write any further questions down as you think of them and take that list with you for your second or subsequent consultations. This will help to ensure that you’ve gathered all the information required before making your decision.

Auckland Plastic Surgical Centre has fully qualified staff, including a Cosmetic Consultant who can assist you in your stomach lift inquiries at any time, either by phone or appointment. This service is available at no cost to you.

Abdominoplasty is an extensive procedure and requires the use of a General Anaesthetic of approximately 2-3 hours in duration. It is usually required that you spend at least 1-2 nights as an Inpatient in a Hospital facility following this procedure. This enables your Doctor and staff to monitor your progress following the surgery and to provide adequate pain relief in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Most commonly, a long incision is made from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made around the umbilicus to free the area from the surrounding tissue. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the upper abdomen and excess fat removed. The muscles are then tightened by pulling them closer together and suturing them with strong permanent or dissolving sutures. Liposuction is used to contour the waist and the pubic area. The skin is then stretched down and tightened and the excess skin removed. A new hole is cut for your navel and this is then stitched in place. Drains may be inserted to drain away excess fluid from the area postoperatively (depending on the technique used by your Surgeon). The lower abdomen is sutured and a dressing applied.

Endoscopic Abdominoplasty can be performed in the situation where there is minimal or no skin excess. This involves muscle tightening to flatten the stomach and Liposuction. These procedures are carried out through small incisions, which is different from the standard Abdominoplasty.