Dr Andrew Broadhurst performs abdominoplasty surgery in various Queensland locations such as Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Sunshine, and Bundaberg. You can book a consultation to find out more about this procedure.
What is Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. The exact placement of incision lines will depend on how much skin and fat are to be removed. This will be discussed with the surgeon before the procedure.
Abdominoplasty with Dr Broadhurst
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients. From your first consultation, I will work one-on-one with you to understand your goals and tailor a treatment plan to suit your body.”
What are the Outcomes of Abdominoplasty?
It is important to note that abdominoplasty is not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Instead, it is a body contouring procedure suited for patients who have achieved their ideal weight but still struggle with issues that cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone.
Suitable candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women at a stable weight who wish to remove excess skin and fat and tighten their abdominal muscles. The outcomes of the procedure include:
- Tightened abdominal skin
- Corrected structural issues in the abdomen (e.g. separated abdominal muscles after childbirth)
Patients planning to lose weight should consult with Dr Broadhurst to establish a suitable goal weight prior to the operation. Additionally, abdominoplasty is not recommended for women who plan to have more children, as pregnancy can affect the outcomes of the surgery. Women who do not plan to have more children are more suitable candidates for this procedure.
Consultation
Your Initial Consultation
Every patient has unique needs and goals, so the abdominoplasty procedure will be customised according to your body’s anatomy. Before the surgery, you will have an initial appointment. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk to Dr Broadhurst about your medical history, concerns, and expected outcomes from the abdominoplasty.
It’s important to mention any health issues, medications you are currently taking, or any allergies you have. Dr Broadhurst will assess your body to identify the specific areas of concern, such as excess skin and fat. Following this virtual meeting, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, as well as what to expect post-surgery.
Your Second Consultation
During your second appointment, Dr Broadhurst and our friendly nurses are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding abdominoplasty surgery.
Procedure
What to expect during the procedure?
The abdominoplasty procedure is performed in an inpatient hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgery typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, and depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may stay overnight in the hospital.
The surgical procedure begins with an incision in the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal wall muscles are tightened. After the procedure, the surgeon stitches the incisions with internal dissolving sutures. Additionally, two small plastic drains will be inserted to exit through the skin to drain any excess fluid. The surgeon will also reposition and stitch the belly button with dissolving sutures.
There are two different types of abdominoplasty techniques, including:
Standard Abdominoplasty
A standard abdominoplasty is suited for patients seeking to address excess skin and weakened muscles both above and below the belly button. The procedure involves making incisions from hip to hip, just above the pubic region. The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the muscles across the entire abdomen, including around the navel. This process helps to reshape the waist.
Partial Abdominoplasty
This surgical procedure is suitable for patients with a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. It involves removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles in the lower abdomen only. This process is less extensive because it addresses a smaller area, involving less skin and fat removal. The incision is shorter, and the belly button does not need to be repositioned.
