What is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure aims to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Am I an ideal candidate for an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are typically:
- Individuals with excess or sagging abdominal skin
- Those with weakened abdominal muscles
- People who have maintained a stable weight
- Non-smokers in good overall health
It's important to note that abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
How do I prepare for an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) consultation?
When preparing for your consultation with Dr. Mohaghegh, consider:
- Your medical history and any current medications
- Your goals and expectations for the surgery
- Questions about the procedure, recovery, and potential risks
- Bringing relevant medical records
Dr. Mohaghegh will take the time to discuss all available options and address your concerns.
Is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Right for me?
Deciding to undergo abdominoplasty is a personal choice that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mohaghegh. While the procedure can offer significant improvements in abdominal contour, it's important to have realistic expectations and understand the commitment required for recovery.
If you're considering abdominoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohaghegh to discuss your goals and determine if this procedure is right for you.
Remember, every surgical procedure carries risks. The information provided here is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. For personalised information, please consult directly with Dr. Mohaghegh.
What can I expect from an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
The abdominoplasty procedure typically involves:
- Administration of anaesthesia
- Making an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic area
- Removing excess skin and fat
- Tightening abdominal muscles
- re-inserting the belly button into the new position
- Closing the incision
The procedure usually takes 3-5 hours, depending on the extent of work required.
What is the recovery and aftercare with an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Recovery from abdominoplasty generally involves:
- 1-2 weeks off work
- 4-6 weeks before resuming light activities
- Wearing compression garments as directed
- Keeping incisions clean and dry
- Attending all follow-up appointments with Dr. Mohaghegh
Full recovery can take several months.
What can I expect from an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), what are my expected outcomes?
While results can vary, patients can generally expect:
- A flatter, firmer abdominal contour
- Improved abdominal muscle tone
- Potential reduction in some stretch marks
It's important to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve results.
What are the potential side-effects, risks, complications with an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
As with any surgery, abdominoplasty carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
Dr. Mohaghegh will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation.
What is the cost and considerations when considering an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
The cost of abdominoplasty can vary based on individual needs and the extent of the procedure. Factors affecting cost may include:
- Surgeon's fees which includes Post-surgery garments
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anaesthesia fee
- Prescriptions for medication
What is a surgeon’s fee?
The surgeon's fee is a component of your abdominoplasty cost. This fee reflects the expertise, experience, and time invested by Dr. Mohaghegh in performing your procedure. It's important to note that surgeon's fees can vary based on factors such as:
- The complexity of your specific case
- The surgeon's level of experience and qualifications
- The geographic location of the practice
At our clinic, we strive to provide competitive and transparent pricing. During your consultation, Dr. Mohaghegh will assess your individual needs and provide a detailed quote for the surgeon's fee
What is a Hospital or surgical facility fee?
The hospital or surgical facility fee covers the cost of using the operating room and associated facilities. This fee typically includes:
- Operating room time
- Nursing staff
- Surgical equipment and supplies
- Medication
- Recovery room use
The exact cost can vary depending on the length of your procedure and the specific facility used. At Dr. Mohaghegh Plastic Surgery, we work with accredited facilities that meet the highest standards of safety and care
What is an Anaesthesia fee?
Anaesthesia is crucial for your comfort and safety during the abdominoplasty procedure. The anaesthesia fee covers:
- The anaesthesiologist's services
- Medications administration
- Monitoring
The cost of anaesthesia can vary based on the duration of your surgery and the type of anaesthesia used. Our team works with experienced anaesthesiologists to ensure your safety throughout the procedure, if you’re interested in which anaesthesiologist we would be working with in your operation just ask.
What are post-surgery garments for Abdominoplasty patients?
Post-surgery compression garments are an essential part of your recovery process after abdominoplasty. These garments serve several important functions:
- Reducing swelling and fluid retention
- Supporting the newly contoured abdominal area
- Promoting proper healing and skin retraction
At Dr. Mohaghegh Plastic Surgery, we recommend high-quality compression garments designed specifically for abdominoplasty patients. The cost of these garments is usually included in the surgical and doesn’t need to be purchased separately.
Why would I need prescription medication after my surgery?
After your abdominoplasty, you may require prescription medications to manage pain and prevent infection. These medications are crucial for:
- Pain management during the initial recovery period
- Preventing potential complications such as infection
- Ensuring your comfort as you heal
The cost of these medications is usually not included in the surgical fees. However, they are an important part of your recovery process and should be factored into your overall budget for the procedure
During your consultation, Dr. Mohaghegh's team will provide a detailed cost breakdown, this is all dependent on your situation.
Before and after patients - Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
If you’re interested in seeing before and after images, please look at our gallery.
What techniques are used for an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Multiple techniques are associated with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) operations, each of which depends on your situation. If you’re interested in this topic, please let us know during your consultation. To give you a simple overview, here are some techniques used in Abdominoplasty surgeries.
Standard or Full Abdominoplasty: This involves a hip-to-hip incision below the navel and another incision around the belly button. It removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Extended Abdominoplasty: The incision extends further around the hips to remove more skin from a wider area. This is often used for massive weight loss patients .
Mini Abdominoplasty: Uses a shorter incision (4-8 inches) above the pubic region. It does not reposition the navel or remove excess skin from the upper abdomen .
Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty: Includes both a horizontal and vertical incision, allowing for more extensive skin removal. It's typically reserved for patients needing significant correction
Lipoabdominoplasty: Combines liposuction with abdominoplasty to allow for greater fat removal and contouring of the abdomen .
Mons Lift: Can be included to reduce a protruding mons pubis area .
Drainless Abdominoplasty: Aims to avoid the use of surgical drains where possible .
High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty: A technique that puts more tension on the lateral aspects of the abdomen .
Circumferential Abdominoplasty: Removes excess skin from the flanks and posterior trunk area, often used for massive weight loss patients.
What are the next steps in booking an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
It is quite simple, get intouch with our team via phone or our contact form. We will be in touch with available time to book in a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
1. How long do results last?
Results can be long-lasting with proper diet and exercise, though natural ageing processes will continue to affect your skin.
2. Will I have visible scars?
While scars are an inevitable part of any surgery, they are typically placed in areas that can be easily concealed by clothing and tend to fade over time.
3. Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction or breast surgery.
4. How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can return to light activities within 4-6 weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
5. Is abdominoplasty covered by insurance?
Abdominoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.
However, if this procedure is deemed medically necessary, then you may be eligible for private health coverage.
Please speak to Dr. Mohaghegh about the different financing options that may be available.
