No matter how much you exercise and eat right, the abdomen can be a difficult area to target for fat loss. Difficult fat deposits and excess skin sit around the tummy making all of your hard work virtually invisible to the naked eye. For these individuals, Dr. Philip Richardson of Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery may recommend abdominoplasty.

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. Patients undergo abdominoplasty for any number of reasons.

Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?

If you are unhappy with your body and desire to remove excess skin and abdominal fat, abdominoplasty may be right for you. Good candidates are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations for the procedure. Patients should be at a stable weight.

During your consultation, Dr. Richardson will discuss your expectations and desires to determine a good course of action for your procedure. Your body will be evaluated to establish what areas need to be addressed and to establish a treatment plan.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Patients undergoing abdominoplasty in Brisbane will be administered a general anaesthetic and then a horizontal incision will be made along the pubic line between the belly button and the pubic hairline. The abdominal skin is lifted to expose the underlying muscles so that they may be repaired as needed. Internal sutures will be used to repair the weakened muscles.

If needed to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen, a second incision will be made around the belly button. The skin is pulled tight and any excess is removed before the remaining skin is sutured together. The belly button may be repositioned too.

What is the recovery process like?

Following your procedure, bandages will be used to wrap the area and cover incision sutures and a post-operative abdominal binder is to be worn. The compression will help minimise swelling while providing support, but some swelling and bruising is expected. Small drainage tubes will be placed to remove excess fluid from the body. Dr. Richardson will advise you of any medications and instructions you’ll need to care for the area following the procedure. Overall, the healing process typically takes six weeks. Patients can generally resume regular activities after two to three weeks and strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting, can be resumed after six weeks.

Why should I turn to Dr. Philip Richardson for abdominoplasty in Brisbane?

Dr. Philip Richardson has undergone extensive training, beyond his doctoral training. He strives to offer the best to his patients and has provided his service to the Brisbane area for many years. If you’re interested in abdominoplasty surgery, contact Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery today. Our friendly staff are available to answer your questions and to schedule your consultation when you call  1300 789 240.