Our expert doctors and staff for this treatment:

For Problem Areas:

Abdomen
Pubic Area Liposuction
Book an Appointment
Tummy Tuck
Before and after liposuction to abdomen
Before and after liposuction to abdomen
Before and after liposuction to abdomen
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction to the abdomen instead of tummy tuck
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction to the abdomen. The after photo was taken the day after liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to improve the shape and profile of the stomach.

A protruding abdomen can be caused by:

  • weight gain
  • post-pregnancy weight gain
  • laxity of muscle in the abdominal wall
  • excess fatty tissue of the abdomen

Many people who think they would need a tummy tuck can get great results with liposuction alone.  However if you have lots of loose skin a tummy tuck would be worthwhile. Dr John Barrett can advise you of whether liposculpture or a tummy tuck is right for you.  Dr Barrett performs the liposuction and he would refer you to a plastic surgeon if he felt a tummy tuck was the better option. The photos here are in fact patients of Dr Barrett who have had liposuction rather than a tummy tuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

A tummy tuck may be an option if you have stubborn areas of fat around your abdomen that diet and exercise cannot shift. Or you may have excess skin in this area, resulting from over-stretching or rapid stretching, that has lots its ability to retract.

The best candidates are people who have 'stabilised' at a certain weight or size.

Although it is a relatively common procedure, abdominoplasty is a significant surgery that requires due consideration. Many people will be satisfied with liposuction alone which carries much less risk and is a considerably cheaper option with great outcomes for most people unless you have a great deal of loose skin causing a large overhang.

What are the benefits of Abdominoplasty?

The main benefit of abdominoplasty over liposuction is that abdominoplasty can remove excess skin.  for many people liposuction alone is sufficient to improve the appearance of the abdomen.

How does it work?

During the procedure, the flabby excess skin from the pubic region to the belly button is removed, and the abdominal muscles beneath are sewn together and tightened up.

What does the surgery involve?

A typical abdominoplasty takes about three hours, and patients spent 1-2 nights in hospital. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, complemented with a long-acting local anaesthetic, which also provides post-operative pain relief.

What is the recovery period?

Most patients need about two weeks recovery time before returning to work. The drains that were put in as part of the procedure will remain in for most of this time. You will also wear a post-operative garment for about three weeks. Your Palm Clinic team will provide full home-care instructions, as well as a series of follow-up appointments.

Is there a scar?

There will be a small scar. However your surgeon will aim to minimise it, and position it lower in the abdomen where it can be covered by your swimsuit or underwear.

Is it safe?

Although all precautions are taken to avoid complications, there are inherent risks associated with surgery. Your Palm Clinic surgeon will fully explain these risks to you.