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Abdominoplasty or a 'tummy tuck' is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It is used to tighten muscles that have become loose or split following pregnancy, or to remove fat and extra loose skin from the abdomen after massive weight loss.

In most cases, abdominoplasty will:

• restore weakened or separated muscles
• help alleviate pain
• improve bladder function
• reduce itching and skin infections caused by excess skin
• change the shape and tone of the abdomen to create a firmer and smoother profile

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. It may be possible to achieve a flatter stomach without surgery, through healthy eating and exercise, but not always. Many medical practitioners recommend that abdominoplasty be considered only after dieting and exercise have achieved the right body shape underneath.

All surgery, including abdominoplasty, must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities. A registered anaesthetist must be present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic. You can check if your anaesthetist is registered by searching on the AHPRA website.

There are two types of abdominoplasty:

which removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles across the whole abdominal area, including around the navel

which removes excess skin below the navel and tightens the lower abdominal muscles only

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The length of the operation will depend on the extent of the surgery, but it could take up to three hours.

Generally, a full abdominoplasty involves:

• The medical practitioner makes a horizontal, curved incision (cut) near the pubic hairline, which runs from one hip to the other
• The skin and fatty tissue are lifted from the underlying tissue
• The medical practitioner stitches and tightens slack or separated abdominal muscles
• Excess fat is removed
• Excess skin is trimmed
• The navel is repositioned
• The wounds are closed with stitches, tape or clips

All surgery must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities with a registered anaesthetist (this can be checked on the AHPRA website [https://www.ahpra.gov.au]) present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic.

After the operation, you can expect:

• a drain in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up
• bruising and swelling
• probable numbness in the skin between the navel and the wound
• pain and discomfort
• inability to stand up straight, to begin with
• dressings or bandages on your abdomen
• a compression garment to help keep the swelling down

Be guided by your medical practitioner, but general self-care suggestions include:

• rest as much as possible
• follow all instructions on looking after your wound
• avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least one month
• report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner

Your medical practitioner may advise you to:

• wear compressive stockings on your legs for seven to ten days after the operation to prevent deep vein thrombosis
• wear a compression garment over the surgical site for several weeks

At Exquisite Bodies we offer a range of high-quality compression garments and scar care to aid in your post surgical recovery.

Contact Exquisite Bodies on 1300 855 617 or visit the range here.

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Ref:www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/