Important Considerations Before The Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedure

Many people strive to achieve a well-toned and flat abdomen through weight-cutting regimens and exercise. Sometimes these strategies don't bring about the outcomes you so strongly desire. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty) would benefit you by removing excess skin and abdominal fat. When suitably carried out, it also restores your weakened or separated stomach muscles to give you a firmer and smoother body profile.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) identifies the following as the most common causes of a sagging and loose abdomen:

- advancing age

- multiple pregnancies

- drastic reductions in weight

- heredity

Is Abdominoplasty Suitable For Everybody?

If you're still planning on cutting down considerable weight, then you should not consider an abdominoplasty. A woman who plans on having children is advised to postpone the procedure until after childbirth. This is because the surgical procedure tightens your vertical muscles and a future pregnancy could separate those muscles.

Also worth noting is that surgery can cause permanent scarring of a permanent nature. You may want to reconsider the procedure if you don't want that.

How Is The Procedure Done?

Depending on the kind of outcomes you desire, this surgical procedure can last between one and 5 hours. The surgery outcome you're looking for and complexity of the procedure are going to determine whether surgery is carried out on in-patient or out-patient basis.

During the actual surgery, you'll be under general anaesthesia. Consequently, you will still be drowsy after surgery; hence, it's recommended you have somebody to drive you home. It's equally important to have someone staying at home with you, for the first few days following surgery, to assist with simple errands.

During your consultation with the surgeon, he/ she will decide whether you require a complete or mini (partial) abdominoplasty depending on your desired outcomes. Most importantly, you should ensure your chosen surgeon is registered by and adheres to the regulations and guidelines put in place by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Preparing For Surgery

If you're a smoker, you must stop the habit completely for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery and another two weeks following the procedure. Smoking has been known to increase the risk of complications and delaying healing.

Let your surgeon know if you're on any type of medication and he/ she will determine if you need to stop taking them for sometime or not, both before and after surgery. This will be determined during the initial pre-operative consultation.

Of course, it's essential that you consume complete, well-balanced meals before and even after surgery, as proper nutrition plays a vital role in your healing process. Additionally, don't attempt exclusive dieting ahead of the surgery.

Prior to undergoing the surgical procedure, it's important to have your home properly set for your aftercare. Your pre-prepared home recovery area might include items and aspects like:

- Having an abundance of ice packs.

- Petroleum jelly for your surgical incision sites.

- A nearby telephone in case you need help or to consult your doctor.

Before you leave for the surgery, as you understand yourself best, prepare an appropriate recovery area that will adequately meet all your personal requirements.


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Dr. Tavakoli has been helping patients at Plastic Surgery Sydney for many years. His extensive skills will be extremely useful as you make your surgery decision. He will equip you with all pertinent information to facilitate an informed decision. For more information on tummy tuck, visit http://www.plasticsurgerysydney.com.au/procedures/tummy-tuck/ .