Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty),Liposuction,Liposculpture,Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia Surgery)

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Following childbirth and significant weight loss there are areas of fat deposition which are difficult to reduce despite regular exercise and dieting. The abdominal muscles are still lax and will bulge despite doing exercises to strengthen the “stomach muscles”.

Abdominoplasty is the surgical procedure which removes the excess fat and skin apron that is otherwise difficult to reduce via conventional exercises. It is not a procedure or an alternative for weight reduction or as management for obesity.

Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction/sculpture to contour the thorax and abdomen to give patients a defined and aesthetically pleasing figure.

Abdominoplasty requires a lower abdominal incision and can incorporate old caesarean scars with the added benefit of removal of some of the stretch marks. Patients should be aware that scar formation will occur; every effort is made to keep the scar within the underwear or clothing line.

Occasionally patients will require relocation of the umbilicus (“belly button”) when a significant amount of abdominal tissue is removed and during closure of the wound the umbilicus becomes distorted.

Abdominoplasty is performed in an accredited operating theatre under general anaesthetic with an anaesthetist; patient recovery is typically over several weeks.

The common complications are: Discomfort, bruising, a taut abdomen and decreased sensitivity of the skin.

Less frequent or rare complications include: Deep vein thromboses and Pulmonary Thrombi (lung clots),

Bleeding, seroma, wound breakdown and infection.

Smokers have a significantly higher risk of all complications.

Liposuction/Sculpture

Liposuction removes fat cells from regions of fat deposition which are not able to be shifted by regular exercise and a sensible diet. The procedure therefore is not meant to replace these modalities for treating obesity and it is not a weight loss procedure.

Whilst liposuction removes fat cells it is the surgeon’s cosmetic/aesthetic skill to contour and define the regions of the body being operated on, Liposculpture is a reflection of the surgeon’s artistic ability and expertise to achieve the results.

Fat cells are removed from various levels of the area being treated as well as from adjacent areas to prevent complications such as dimpling and contour irregularities. An important consideration is how much fat the surgeon leaves behind; resulting in a better aesthetic result.

Liposuction/sculpture is performed in an accredited day surgery under anaesthetic with an anaesthetist.

Patients require several months to recover and will be required to wear a garment to compress the tunnels produced by liposuction and to have the tissues adhere to form a new contoured and defined shape.

The common complications are: Bruising, pain and discomfort, decreased areas of sensitivity which heal with time.

Less common or rare complications are: Deep vein thromboses, pulmonary thrombi (Lung clots), bleeding, seroma and infection.

Smokers have a significantly higher risk of all complications.

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Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Enlargement)

Men can develop fatty or fibrous breast enlargement, which may occur for a variety of reasons such as Metabolic, physiological, age related and medication induced.

Many men find the appearance unsightly and they develop poor self image, avoiding certain social situations requiring removal of shirts or T-shirts.

The surgical management for Gynaecomastia is either Liposuction alone or a combination of liposuction and excision of the fibrous component of the breast tissue. A small incision is made around the lower half of the nipple areola complex; this eventually heals well and fades over 2-3 months.