Body
If the surgery is medically indicated, and it attracts a Medicare item number, and your private health insurance policy covers the allocated item number, then some or all of your costs will be covered. To review our comprehensive price guide that provides an outline of the costs that your health insurance or Medicare may or may not cover, please download our guide, here.
Sun exposure can adversely impact early wound healing and have an adverse effect on the pigmentation and long term quality of the scar. All scars should be protected from sun until they are mature, which may not be until one year post-surgery. A spray tan is fine after a few weeks once the wound is healed.
Abdominoplasty (which has also been referred to as a tummy tuck) is a surgery that consists of the removal and tightening of the abdomen skin, removal of excess fat where appropriate, and repositioning or tightening of the rectus abdominis muscles if required.
There are a number of types or variations of abdominoplasty, and what type of abdominoplasty is appropriate for any given person will depend on a number of factors unique to the individual. A mini abdominoplasty involves removing skin from the lower abdomen. A traditional or full abdominoplasty involves incision along the lower abdomen and around the umbilicus (belly button). An extended abdominoplasty involves incisions extending further around the lower part of the body and in a circumferential abdominoplasty this may join up around the entire abdomen and back area. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘360 abdominoplasty’ or a ‘body lift’. A Fleur de Lis (FDL) abdominoplasty involves a vertical incision along the length of the abdomen in addition to the lower horizontal abdominal incision. In addition to the skin removal component, a variable amount of liposuction may be involved with an abdominoplasty, and there also may be ‘muscle repair’ if required, eliminating an excessive gap between the rectus abdominis muscles, or tightening this inner layer of the abdominal wall.
Before considering any surgery, researching the type of surgery and the potential surgeon to perform this surgery is important. The next step is a consultation where the surgeon can listen to what you’re hoping to achieve and examine you to determine if this is a reasonable expected outcome of the surgery being considered. During this process the surgeon will determine what type of abdominoplasty is best for what you’re hoping to achieve and what is clinically possible.
For a full list of risks associated with abdominoplasty, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Recovery from abdominoplasty will depend on the type of abdominoplasty you have had, with more extensive surgeries typically requiring longer recovery times. The occurrence of any complications (or risks associated with the surgery occurring) can also extend your recovery, along with your own unique circumstances that will impact the length of your recovery. Typically, we advise at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated recovery time. During this time, you will be seeing the Avery team regularly and information about post-operative visits and how to optimise your recovery will be provided to you by the Avery care team. For full information on the risks and recovery of this procedure, visit our abdominoplasty service page.
There are a number of types or variations of abdominoplasty and the resulting scar can vary depending on the type. The scar that is seen after surgery relates to where the skin is cut and removed from. The scar for most abdominoplasties is along the lower abdomen, just below where a typical pair of underwear would sit, or roughly where a caesarean scar would be. It usually extends further out to each side to approximately the bony protrusion that can be felt and often referred to as the hip. A mini abdominoplasty may only have this scar. A traditional or full abdominoplasty would have this scar and also a new scar around the umbilicus (belly button). An extended abdominoplasty scar may go even further around the lower part of the body and in a circumferential abdominoplasty this may join up and be complete. This is sometimes referred to as a 360 abdominoplasty or a ‘body lift’. A Fleur de Lis (FDL) has a vertical scar along the length of the abdomen in addition to the lower abdominal scar.
Scarring will vary between patients. The size and location will depend on the type of surgery had, as well as your skin type. Usually, the scar will be red at first, but fades over time, finishing a little lighter or darker than the surrounding skin after 12-18 months.
The scarring can vary between patients depending on genetic factors such as skin type, and environmental factors such as sun exposure.
Abdominoplasty does not affect your ability to get pregnant. The skin of the abdomen stretches during pregnancy and this may be uncomfortable following an abdominoplasty. The abdominal muscles will also possibly stretch again during pregnancy and any gap that has been repaired during an abdominoplasty may recur. For this reason, it is a good idea to wait until after having children before having an abdominoplasty.
Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat from the underneath the skin. It may be performed with an abdominoplasty to areas of skin that are not excised to help ensure the contour of the remaining skin is appropriate.
Muscle separation, otherwise known as rectus diastasis or divarication refers to an increased gap between the vertically aligned rectus abdominis muscles that sit on either side of the midline of the abdominal wall, these are the muscles that can give the appearance of a ‘six pack’. With pregnancy, it is possible that the two muscles move apart from each other and after pregnancy, the muscles stay apart and the layer of tissue that encases the muscles becomes loose. During an abdominoplasty this separation can be repaired and the lose tissue layer covering the muscles can be tightened.
An abdominoplasty and repairing muscle separation are two different procedures that can be completed together if required, or separately if both are not necessary.
Muscle repair is usually done as part of an abdominoplasty surgery. For some people it may be the main component of the surgery or even the only part, the approach would be similar and thus the scar on the skin is the same that would occur from an abdominoplasty.
Gentle movement, such as walking, is advised, and is recommended during the first 2 weeks after surgery. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted with exercise but it may not be until 12 weeks following surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness.
Pain following surgery is common and will vary depending on the extent of surgery and your own unique circumstances. Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by the use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site, given during the surgery. The pain will also be managed with tablets or injections as required during your hospital stay and over your recovery at home. Physical measures such as the dressing, supportive garments, limited movement and possibly ice packs will all help minimise any pain. Pain is usually well tolerated within a few days after surgery with all of these measures in place. If your pain is increasing following surgery this is usually a sign that you may need a review to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected. The Avery Care Team is available to check in with regularly to monitor your pain levels and recovery. A good general rule throughout your recovery is if an increase in movement or activity does not increase any discomfort or swelling, then it is probably safe and this gradual progression back to ‘normal’ will be encouraged.
The best time to proceed with body contouring surgery is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised, to explore your options.
It is possible to combine surgical procedures to multiple areas in one operation. Surgery to the abdomen and breasts is one such combination that may be safely combined, depending on the unique circumstances of the individual. There are some Medicare and health insurance restrictions to certain combinations of surgeries performed at one time.
The key considerations of combining surgery are:
- the safety and length of the surgery.
- the influence more extensive surgery may have on the ultimate outcome.
- the required recovery period.
The potential surgical combinations will depend on your personal goals and requirements. If you are considering surgery to multiple areas, the order in which you may undergo these will also depend on what is clinically recommended to most likely achieve the desired outcome.
Body contouring is a reconstructive surgery to remove excess skin and associated underlying fat to contour a particular area of the body. In particular where skin is overlapped, redundant, excessively mobile or extends well beyond what would be considered a typical place for it to rest.
Body contouring surgery is an umbrella or generic term often used in the context of surgery that involves multiple areas of the body or to surgery that may be done in several stages. It typically refers to types of surgery that may be considered as a single procedure such as an abdominoplasty but often due to the extent of the skin sagging or excess, the surgery extends beyond the areas typically considered by the individual surgeries and a larger area of the body needs to be addressed with surgery. Body contouring surgery is usually considered after significant weight loss where the skin does not shrink back fully.
For a full list of risks associated with body contouring surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Body contouring surgery is a permanent surgical procedure; however, it does not prevent future weight gain and the lifestyle factors that influence this.
Revision surgery is a risk for any surgery. In surgeries where large areas of skin are removed to change body contour, where the removal stops and one body area transitions into another, there is a risk that the contour is improved but a small irregularity remains. Further surgery may be required and can vary from a small revision surgery to new surgery, which involves this next body area. For a full list of risks associated with body contouring surgery, visit the service page on our website.
Most body contouring procedures will be done under a general anaesthetic, and all undertaken in an accredited hospital.
A body lift is a specific surgical procedure within the larger group of body contouring surgical procedures. Body contouring surgery is the term used to describe a number of operations that are generally considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Following weight loss, the overlying skin may not shrink and may leave loose hanging skin that produces symptoms such as skin irritation, difficulty with clothing choices and concern with appearance. Other specific procedures that could be considered in this category of body contouring surgery include variations of an abdominoplasty (often know as a tummy tuck within the general public), breast lift, thigh lift or reduction, arm lift or reduction and neck lift. The body lift procedure addresses loose lower abdominal skin that an abdominoplasty does and also the upper outer thighs and buttocks.
A body lift is a specific surgical procedure within the larger group of body contouring surgical procedures. Body contouring surgery is the term used to describe a number of operations that are generally considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Following weight loss, the overlying skin may not shrink and may leave loose hanging skin that produces symptoms such as skin irritation, difficulty with clothing choices and concern with appearance. Other specific procedures that could be considered in this category of body contouring surgery include variations of an abdominoplasty (often know as a tummy tuck within the general public), breast lift, thigh lift or reduction, arm lift or reduction and neck lift. The body lift procedure addresses loose lower abdominal skin that an abdominoplasty does and also the upper outer thighs and buttocks.
The most appropriate time, for clinical reasons, to have body lift surgery is when your weight loss is mostly complete and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with body lift surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
After your body has recovered from childbirth and you have returned to your pre-pregnancy weight or have lost as much as you weight can with diet and exercise. We also recommend waiting until you have finished having children.
The best time to proceed with any body contouring surgery, including arm lift/reduction surgery, is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least one year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Yes, (brachioplasty) arm lift/reduction surgery will result in some visible scars. Typically, this is on the inner aspect of the arm from the level of the elbow to the armpit. Dr Avery will limit scar length and try to position each scar in the least conspicuous position. Nonetheless, scars may be more noticeable than you anticipated. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and that you discuss potential outcomes with your surgeon. For further risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Gentle and limited use of the arms informed by change in pain or discomfort should guide arm use after surgery, lifting nothing more than a few kilos for 2-3 weeks following surgery. With time, increased use and increasing weight will be possible, as comfort allows. For further information on recovery, please visit the brachioplasty (arm lift) service page.
Recovery is an individual and typically non-linear process. Typically, you will need to be careful with how you use your arms and what you lift for 6 weeks after surgery. The typical pattern is gradually increasing use over 4 weeks with close to normal function by 6 weeks, guided by pain and swelling. For further information on recovery, please visit the brachioplasty (arm lift) service page.
Recovery is an individual and typically a non-linear process. You will most likely be walking straight after surgery. Generally, by 4 weeks post-surgery some higher intensity movement is possible with regular use of arms any time after 6 weeks, being guided by any change in discomfort or swelling. For further risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
The best time to proceed with any body contouring surgery, such as thigh lift/reduction surgery, is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before any aspect of body contouring surgery. It is advisable to have surgery once you’ve reached your preferred weight, and you are able to maintain your new weight.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness, the results of the surgery are long-lasting. However, a thigh lift/reduction will not prevent the effects of time, your genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Yes, thigh lift surgery will result in some visible scars. Typically, this is on the inner aspect of the thigh. Your surgeon will limit scar length and try to position each scar in the least conspicuous position. Nonetheless, scars may be more noticeable than you anticipated. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and that you discuss potential outcomes with your surgeon. For further risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Liposuction is a surgical technique that can be used in a number of body contouring procedures and is often used in a thigh lift/reduction procedure.
Some of the possible complications and risks associated with liposuction may include:
- Thermal burn or other heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells. This can occur in ultrasound-assisted liposuction
- Complications caused by the injection of anaesthetic fluid can include lignocaine toxicity (if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high) or collection of fluid in the lungs (if too much fluid is given). This can occur in tumescent and super-wet liposuction
- Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection that develop in fatty tissues. This can be a serious complication and can be difficult to treat
- Delayed healing
- Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
- Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
- Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
- Change in skin sensation or numbness
- Skin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swelling
- Unacceptable scarring
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
- Pain, which may be ongoing
- Allergic drug reactions
- Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Further surgery may be necessary to address complications
It should be possible to get out of bed and to a nearby toilet the night of surgery or the next day dependant on the extent of surgery, any other surgery and factors that may limit your movement such as pain. You will be guided by hospital staff and by Dr Avery, given your unique circumstances. However, you should anticipate your movement being limited following surgery. For further risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.