As summer rolls around, it’s getting to that time of the year when people start talking about preparing their ‘beach body’. At Emerge, we don’t believe there’s any ‘perfect’ or ‘better’ version of this. We preach embracing your body, no matter the shape or size.

However, it can be harder for some than others, to have the confidence to do this. It can be especially difficult if you’ve reached a weight you’re happy with, but are experiencing some excess skin and fat around your tummy. For these clients, we love recommending an abdominoplasty.

What is an abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty is often referred to as a tummy tuck. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area whilst also tightening the muscles beneath the skin. It is one of the most common body contouring procedures requested at our clinics.

The procedure

There are a two types of traditional abdominoplasty procedures we perform at Emerge Surgical.

Firstly, there is the partial abdominoplasty, which is also known as a mini tummy tuck. This procedure is ideal if you only have excess skin and fat below the belly button. There is also the full abdominoplasty, which will also correct loose muscle tone and skin above the belly button.

Depending on which of the procedures you are undergoing, the surgery itself takes from two to five hours. You can read more about the procedure here.

Dr Padovan is also proud to offer a sophisticated type of abdominoplasty that helps to tighten and shape the waste and back, in addition to the stomach. Patients considering cosmetic surgery after weight loss can benefit greatly from this type of body lift.

Recovery

Following the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for a few hours or a few days, depending on your health and the extent of your surgery. In these first few days after your abdominoplasty surgery, you will likely experience some swelling and pain (this is normal*). Stitches are removed about a week after surgery, and the dressing covering your incision will be replaced by a support garment about a week later.

Find out more about recovery including information about scarring here.

*Normal to an extent. Please consult your doctor with any concerns.

Am I an ideal candidate?

If you have maintained a healthy weight through nutrition and exercise or weight loss surgery, but still have excess skin or fat on your stomach that bothers you — yes! You’re an ideal candidate.

Dr Padovan also regularly performs abdominoplasty surgery on women who have lost skin elasticity in their abdomens after one or more pregnancies.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant or are trying to lose a large amount of weight, abdominoplasty surgery is not for you just yet. The benefits of the surgery may be undone if there are changes in skin and muscle tone.

The best and only way to find out if you’re a candidate for abdominoplasty surgery is contact Emerge Surgical for a consultation.

Get in touch today!

An abdominoplasty is a great option for those who are looking for a confidence boost this summer. If you have any questions about abdominoplasty surgery or would like to book a consultation with Dr Padovan, please give us a call on (08) 9544 5200. We can’t wait to hear from you.