Tummy Tuck Sydney

Redundant, hanging abdominal skin (the pannus) may be difficult to manage in clothing and, for some people, can cause discomfort with exercise or movement. In some cases, persistent thrush, rashes and chronic skin infections in the folds do not improve until the loose skin is surgically removed.

There are several types of abdominoplasty procedures, defined by the location and extent of incision lines. Dr Amira Sanki and Dr Ilias Kotronakis can discuss which approach may be appropriate for you based on your anatomy and treatment goals. In general, women planning future pregnancies are often advised to consider operations that do not involve a permanent muscle repair.

Types of Abdominoplasty

A classic abdominoplasty (orange incision) operation can remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen as well as a rectus divarication repair (separation of the abdominal muscles caused by childbirth or visceral fat). Abdominoplasty can additionally involve repositioning and shaping the belly button, tightening the waistline and flattening the abdominal contour. The operation may be accompanied by liposuction to the flank and hip areas.

An extended abdominoplasty (green incision): removes excess skin across the abdomen and hip areas, with a scar that curves in the pant line around the hip bone. This option may be suitable if skin folds extend towards the back or if there is laxity of the outer thigh skin.

A Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty (blue incision) removes skin both vertically and horizontally, making it suitable for people with significant skin excess in the upper and lower abdomen. It results in a vertical scar in addition to the horizontal scar of a classic abdominoplasty.

A reverse abdominoplasty removes skin from the upper abdomen, with a scar placed under the breast crease. This is less commonly used in patients with massive weight loss as it primarily tightens the upper third of the abdomen.

A Corsetplasty (pink incision) combines features of a Fleur de Lis and reverse abdominoplasty. It removes skin from the upper, middle, and lower abdomen, and may also recruit skin from the mid-back. This operation is longer in duration (5–6 hours) and is generally considered for people who have lost more than 50 kilograms. It removes large amounts of abdominal skin and recruits loose midback skin

The Operation

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital. A classic abdominoplasty usually takes about three hours.

The operation involves:

• Careful planning of the skin to be removed
• Surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen
• Lifting of the abdominal skin flap to the rib cage
• Repair of rectus muscle separation (where present). The rectus muscles separate during pregnancy to allow growth of the uterus. After multiple pregnancies or large weight gain, the fibres that bring the muscles to the midline can weaken. The muscle ring that forms the “core” is not continuous, so tensing the muscle can cause bulging of the front of the abdomen, rather than tucking in.
• Repositioning of the belly button
• Closure of the skin, usually with layered sutures that reduce the need for drains

Recovery

Recovery depends on the extent of surgery and amount of skin removed. In general:

• Patients having smaller skin excisions may experience less discomfort and can often return home after 1–2 nights in hospital.
• Larger operations, such as Corsetplasty or Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, usually involve a longer hospital stay (around 5 nights) and a slower recovery.
• Most patients are able to resume driving after about one week, and return to work after around three weeks, depending on the type of work they do.

All patients should expect a recovery period that involves reduced activity and gradual return to normal function. Outcomes and recovery experiences vary between individuals.

Plastic surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, unfavourable scarring, and anaesthetic complications. Your surgeon will explain the risks most relevant to you, in the context of your health and the specifics of your surgery.

1. Anaesthetic risks – complications related to general anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.

2. Bleeding (haematoma) – bleeding may occur during or after surgery, occasionally requiring further treatment.

3. Infection – uncommon, but may require antibiotics or further intervention.

4. Delayed wound healing – some areas may take longer to heal, particularly along the scar.

5. Scarring – scars are permanent, though usually placed low on the abdomen; some patients may develop thickened or widened scars.

6. Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid can accumulate under the skin and may need drainage.

7. Skin or fat necrosis – reduced blood supply can cause small areas of skin or fat tissue to heal poorly.

8. Umbilical necrosis – in rare cases, the blood supply to the belly button is affected, leading to partial or complete loss of the umbilicus.

9. Numbness or altered sensation – temporary or permanent changes in abdominal skin feeling are common.

10. Chronic pain – persistent discomfort or nerve-related pain may occur, though it is uncommon.

11. Asymmetry or contour irregularities – differences in shape, tightness, or scar position can occur.

12. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) – rare but serious risks associated with reduced mobility after surgery.

13. Need for revision surgery – occasionally further surgery may be needed to improve results or address complications.

It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.

If liposuction is performed as part of your procedure, please also read the section on the risks of liposuction.