An abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess skin, often due to weight loss or post-pregnancy, and repair the muscle diastasis (which can occur after pregnancy).
During your initial consultation with Dr Ritz in Melbourne, he will discuss your personal concerns, your reasons for undergoing the procedure and the results you want to work towards.
To assess your suitability for surgery, Dr Ritz will discuss your medical history, such as any past surgery or medical conditions and any medication you take. He will also discuss lifestyle factors, such as what you do for work and exercise. Lifestyle factors and the nature of your work may be important to consider when determining if you are able to complete your recovery period adequately, or can influence aspects of your recovery (such as how long you will need to be away from work, in order to avoid strenuous exercise). Essentially, he will assess if you are a suitable candidate for an abdominoplasty, and will then determine the appropriate approach to the procedure.
As there are different options for this procedure, Dr Ritz will explain your options and provide personalised advice and recommendations. He will discuss the risks associated with this procedure. There are risks associated with any surgery, and no matter how big or small, it is important that you are aware of them and understand them. It’s important to both make an informed decision before undergoing the procedure and understand the importance of following recovery instructions to help prevent or minimise particular surgery risks.
If you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, you will discuss the details of your surgery (including where incisions will be placed), and what to expect for results and recovery.
Once you have had your consultation with Dr Rtiz, you will meet with Personal Assistant Georgie to discuss booking your procedures.
Making sure that you are suitable for surgery is important when it comes to achieving the results you want to achieve and preventing certain complications that can come with surgery.
Candidates will generally be in good overall health and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. It may be advised to be sure that you have completed your family/will not have any more children in the future before undergoing an abdominoplasty, as future pregnancies can interfere with the results of the surgery. Candidates should be able to complete their recovery period, taking the recommended time away from work, avoiding strenuous exercise and following wound care instructions.
It will be important to have realistic expectations when it comes to the results you will want to achieve. An abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure, and it is generally recommended that candidates are at a stable weight to help support substantial results. Some health conditions may be contraindications to surgery, so please ensure that you disclose any important health information to Dr Ritz during your consultation.
Undergoing some tests before proceeding with the surgery may be necessary to ensure you are a suitable candidate. You will be instructed to quit smoking before you are considered a suitable candidate for the procedure.
For more detailed information on what your procedure will involve, it’s best to discuss all details during your initial consultation. Every abdominoplasty procedure is highly personalised.
On the day of surgery, you will typically need to be at the hospital two hours before surgery. Dr Ritz will see you discuss the procedure again, ensuring that you have a good understanding of what is involved in the procedure, and draw pre-operative markings as a guide for the surgery.
This procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic. You will have a consultation with the anaesthetist before going into surgery.
Incisions are placed low on the abdomen, which helps conceal any scarring afterwards. For a full abdominoplasty, the incision will extend from one hip to the other. The placement of your incisions will be identified during your consultation and explained in detail so that you will know what to expect when it comes to wound care and post-operative scarring.
Through the incision, Dr Ritz will remove excess skin and fatty tissue as needed. Liposuction is often used during the procedure, but this option will be discussed beforehand. If muscle diastasis has occurred, the muscles will also be addressed as needed.
The wounds are then closed, and drains are placed. You will receive information on what to expect during your recovery and any necessary instructions to follow.
After an abdominoplasty, you are often required to stay in the hospital for three to four nights. Your drain tubes will be removed before you return home. To help reduce swelling and support the skin contracting in the operated area, a compression garment will required to be worn day and night for six weeks. Our team will arrange post-operative appointments to have your dressings changed.
Generally, you will be unable to drive for the first two weeks after your procedure, in part because of the medication you will likely be taking to keep you comfortable during those first few days of recovery. We recommend arranging for someone to pick you up from the hospital after your procedure. You will likely be able to resume most light activities within two to three weeks. However, physical activity that involves heavy lifting or other strenuous exercises will be limited for the first six weeks to give the midsection ample time to heal. It’s highly recommended that you get clearance from Dr Ritz before you resume your usual exercise routine or return to a physically demanding job. This can be done during follow-up appointments throughout your recovery.
Depending on what you do for work (as physically demanding jobs may need to be avoided for longer), you will require anywhere from two to six weeks off. You are also limited with physical activity, including heavy lifting and going to the gym, which you cannot do for the first six weeks. You may also be advised to prevent excessive heat exposure, quit smoking and avoid alcohol throughout your recovery. As for wound care to help incisions heal, you will be given post-operative care instructions after surgery. Avoiding submersing the area in water (such as in spas or swimming pools) can also allow the wound to heal fully.
You may be instructed to avoid taking certain medications and supplements (such as those that thin the blood) after your procedure, as these can sometimes cause delayed wound healing. Preparing for your procedure in advance will help you to make any necessary adjustments to medications or supplements.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by following a healthy diet and staying hydrated will also help to support your body while you are healing. It may be helpful to prepare meals in advance, as activities like cooking may be challenging during the earlier days of the recovery period. As well as maintaining a healthy diet, wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also help to manage throughout your recovery. Wearing clothing that may be hard to remove or that sits tightly on your incisions can cause discomfort and difficulty during your recovery. Filling any prescriptions (such as prescribed pain medication, antibiotics or other medication you may need) before undergoing your surgery can also ensure that you have access to your medication as soon as you return home. Since general movements may be difficult after surgery, tasks like housework may be difficult, so we recommend to organise for someone to stay with you to help.
Following your post-operative instructions will help to prevent surgery complications, and help to support your body’s healing process. If you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery, please contact our team. You should monitor the progress of your healing throughout your recovery, looking out for any signs of wound infection or other complications that may require medical attention. Attending post-operative appointments can also help to monitor your healing progress and address any possible complications promptly.
After your consultation, you will be able to discuss the costs of your abdominoplasty.
Your surgery costs will involve surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, hospital fees and any fees that will be required during recovery.
You may qualify for a Medicare rebate – Dr Ritz can advise you during your consultation.
If you’re ready to book your consultation for an abdominoplasty, please get in touch with our team to find a time that suits you.
All surgeries can be linked to some risks and complications. It is essential to be aware of these before deciding to undergo any procedure. When you choose a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is aware of potential risks, you will be able to discuss these risks in further detail and receive information on how these will be minimised.
Some post-surgery experiences can include swelling, bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, and asymmetrical results. Pain should typically be manageable with prescribed medications, and numbness is typically temporary, although it can be permanent in rare cases. An infection will need medical attention to treat, so you must contact the clinic if you notice any signs of wound infection. Scarring and asymmetry can sometimes be addressed with additional treatment methods or revision surgery. Swelling is a common experience after surgery and will subside, eventually allowing for the visibility of the surgery’s results.
Further risks, such as anaesthesia complications, skin necrosis, delayed wound healing or prolonged swelling, will need to be managed with additional treatments. We will inform you of the signs to look out for that indicate a complication may have occurred and what to do in case you do notice any signs.
**Individual results will vary based on factors such as genetics, age, diet and exercise. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience.
All surgery carries risks. These risks include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, and asymmetry. All surgery requires a recovery period and post operative care. This will all be discussed in further detail during your consultation**
Morris Ritz is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA Registration: MED0001156076