An abdominoplasty usually takes between two and five hours to complete.
If you are considering an abdominoplasty, it is important to know that the procedure is considered a major surgery. Although each patient is different, the process can take several hours to complete and requires on average 4 to 6 weeks of recovery. Read on to find out more about the procedure, who may benefit from the treatment, and what the surgery involves.
How long does it take?
An abdominoplasty can take anywhere between two to five hours to complete. The duration of the surgery will depend on a number of factors, including how much skin and fat needs to be removed, as well as your muscle laxity. You will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights and may have a drain tube with you.
When you have your initial consultation with your surgeon, they will let you know what to expect from the procedure. Your surgeon will evaluate your physical health, your BMI and discuss your expectations before explaining the surgery to you.
Who is suited to a have an abdominoplasty?
Women who have been through pregnancy and are concerned about excess skin often benefit from the procedure, as do those who have lost a considerable amount of weight and would like to get rid of loose and stretched skin.
The procedure is best suited to individuals who are in good overall health. Ideal candidates should also be at a healthy and stable body weight. It is important to understand that an abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure, but rather helps to achieve a slimmer and smoother body contour by tightening the muscles and removing excess skin and fat.
What does the procedure involve?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, which means that you are fully asleep and not aware. Your surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen, the location and length of which will depend on your needs. Excess skin and fat will be carefully removed, and the underlying muscles will be tightened for a firmer, flatter result.
In most cases, there will be a second incision to realign the belly button.
Once the procedure is complete, you can expect your abdominal wall to be stronger and more stable than before. You can also expect a smoother, more aesthetically appealing abdomen.
How long does recovery take?
The recovery process differs from patient to patient, and your experience will depend on several factors. These include your overall health, as well as your age and the extent of your abdominoplasty. On average, most patients will take 4-6 weeks to fully recover.
It is important that you take ample time to heal after surgery. You will need to wear an abdominal binder for at least six weeks to reduce swelling and fluid build-up, as well as to provide support to your abdomen. Your surgeon will let you know how to take care of your surgical wounds and what you can do to ensure that your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Your surgeon will let you know when you can resume strenuous exercise — in most cases, you will need to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activity for at least six weeks.
How can we help?
Dr Sally Ng offers a number of body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty. If you have been through significant weight loss or pregnancy and would like to get rid of excess fat and loose skin from your abdomen, you may benefit from the treatment.
It is important to remember that each individual is unique, so your treatment will be customised based on your particular needs. When you come in and see Dr Ng, she will take the time to get to know you and discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals before formulating a treatment plan that will benefit you.
If you would like to find out more about the abdominoplasty procedure and what it involves, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9587 2048. Dr Ng also offers a comprehensive range of other cosmetic and reconstructive treatments — take a look here to find out more.