Abdominoplasty | New Zealand Reconstructive Surgical Specialists

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is also known as “tummy tuck” surgery. The aim of the surgery is to tighten the tummy/abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. It is not designed as weight loss surgery, but might benefit those who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with excessive loose skin in the abdominal area. Other causes of redundant abdominal skin are pregnancy, previous surgery, significant fluctuations in weight, and the aging process.

Abdominoplasty is best performed when a stable weight has been achieved, and no further pregnancies are planned.

Abdominoplasty surgery is not designed to specifically address stretch marks. However, those stretch marks that lie within the excised skin will be removed.

Who is a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty?

As it the case with all cosmetic procedures, abdominoplasty should be considered if you think you would benefit from it. The decision should not be to fulfil the desires of other people. Anyone considering elective surgery, especially surgery of a cosmetic nature, should be in good health. This is especially important as the surgery is a lengthy procedure under general anaesthetic, there is a period of relative immobilisation afterwards, and a significant risk of blood loss.

In addition to being in good health, patients should also:

Be non smokers
Have achieved a stable weight (especially those who have had massive weight loss)
Have no further pregnancies planned
Understand the risks and benefits of the procedure
Have realistic expectations for what an abdominoplasty can achieve

What can I expect during my consultation?

Your doctor will ask you a number of questions about why you are considering an abdominoplasty and what brought you to consider this procedure at this point in your life. It is natural to feel anxious but it is important to establish a good rapport with your doctor and to be open and honest about the questions asked.

It is important for your doctor to know about:

Your general health and wellbeing
Any medical conditions (physical or otherwise) that you may have
Any previous surgeries, including c-sections
Current medications, including over the counter medicines and any allergies to medications or other substances
Smoking or any drug use
Your social circumstances including who would be available to help you during your post-operative recovery
Any relevant family history, especially reactions to general anaesthetics

Your doctor will also want to carry out a physical examination, especially a careful examination of your abdomen. They will be looking in particular for scars and also feeling for any hernias, masses, or separation of the muscles in your tummy. You might be asked to stand so that your doctor can try to evaluate the amount of excess skin in your abdomen.

Plastic surgeons often take photographs during a consultation. Photographs are taken from a number of different angles.

There are different types of tummy tuck procedures. Liposuction may be recommended to enhance the result. After evaluating your tummy, your surgeon will recommend the surgical approach that they think will work best for you. They will outline what is likely to be achieved by the surgical approach recommended, and it is important to see if this projected outcome fulfils your expectations and desires.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about Abdominoplasty surgery?

Are you vocationally registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand as a specialist plastic surgeon?
Are you a member of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons?
Will the procedure be conducted in a hospital or office-based setting, and is the facility accredited for this type of surgery?
What type of anaesthesia is needed for this procedure?
Based on my medical history and condition, is surgery the best option for me? If so, am I a suitable candidate for this surgery?
Which surgical technique do you recommend for my case, and why?
What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure in my case?
What steps or lifestyle changes are necessary for me to get the best result from my surgery?
What is the anticipated duration of recovery, and what assistance will I need during this period?
What potential risks and complications are associated with this procedure? How would you manage these should they arise?
How will my results change over time?
If I’m unhappy with the outcome, what recourse options are available?

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Disclaimer: This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain. Patient information provided as part of this website is evidence-based, and sourced from a range of reputable information providers including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Better Health Channel and Mi-tec medical publishing.