Where Can I Get More Tummy Tuck Information?

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Liposuction Tummy Tuck? 

There are many patients who could be considered as good candidates for the liposuction tummy tuck. A lot of people obtaining the procedure have undergone significant weight loss. Many patients who are eligible for a liposuction tummy tuck are women who suffer from stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin; this is usually caused by one or multiple pregnancies. However, the lipo tummy tuck is also a good treatment option for patients who have experienced a considerable amount of weight loss and are now left with excess skin. Since various patients are eligible for this kind of procedure, it becomes even more important to get accurate tummy tuck information.

We do need to mention that women who are still planning on having children should hold off with the lipo tummy tuck, since corrections done during the treatment could be undone by future pregnancies. In this tummy tuck information overview, we advise women to wait with their tummy tuck until they had their last child.

Patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight – and still want to lose more – should also hold off on the lipo tummy tuck.

Dr Lanzer and his associates always recommend seeking a second opinion when it comes to cosmetic procedures. By obtaining a second opinion, you will have a much better view on your procedure and can therefore make a more informed decision.

How Is a Lipo Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed? 

The techniques used during a tummy tuck may vary from patient to patient, since some patients need more fat and skin removed than others. The complexity of the procedure could also determine whether the procedure is executed under a local or a general anaesthetic. 

Before we elaborate on how the procedure is performed, we must mention that there are two major types of tummy tucks, more specifically the complete tummy tuck and the partial tummy tuck (Mini Tuck ). The type of tummy tuck used by your surgeon will depend on the desired results, as well as the amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed.

For a complete tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon makes an incision from one hipbone to the other hipbone; this incision is made as low as possible. By making the incision low, the patient could hide any remaining scar under their clothing. Therefore, a complete tummy tuck may still enable patients to wear a bikini after their procedure. Sometimes in order to enable the skin from above the belly button to reach the lower stomach the scar will be above the bikini line. This is less of an issue with a mini abdominoplasty. Dr Lanzer does offer combined mini tuck and reverse tuck. The reverse tuck pulls the skin above the umbilicus upwards via an incision under each breast. Sometimes, Dr Lanzer does this at the same time as a breast implant via the same cut. This approach keeps the scars away from the area not covered by bikinis.

Once the incision is made from one hipbone to the other, the surgeon will start to manipulate and contour skin, tissue and muscle. During this procedure, the surgeon usually separates the belly button from surrounding tissue, since this is required to get better access to the area. Afterwards, the surgeon will create a new belly button that matches the new appearance of the abdomen. It is actually the old belly button attached to its base that is brought forward into the new tighter skin surface. Muscles can also be tightened during this part of the procedure.

The mini tummy tuck is also a procedure that is an option for patients with excess fat and skin, but this fat and skin must be situated underneath the navel or the lower abdomen. During a partial tummy tuck, the surgeon will use a much lower incision and the belly button is usually kept intact. The recovery is quicker and less risks are usually involved.

While the full abdominoplasty is quite different from the mini abdominoplasty, the overall principle is the same. In both cases, the surgeon focuses on the removal of sagging excess skin and persistent fats, bringing more contouring to provide the patient with a firmer and more toned abdomen. 

We must mention that the abdominoplasty in Australia is not a solution for stretch marks. While some skin can be removed  during the procedure, the stretch marks on the remaining skin will stay in place. Therefore, it is often needed to seek additional  treatment to remove the stretch marks after a full tummy tuck.

What Should I Do Before a Tummy Tuck Procedure? 

Patients must do some preparations before their tummy tuck procedure. Firstly, if the patient is a smoker, The Dr Lanzer Clinic recommends that the patient stops smoking prior to surgery. Ideally, the patient stops smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, since smoking could increase the risk of complications during the procedure as well as the recovery.

The Dr Lanzer Clinic also recommends eating a healthy and balanced diet before the procedure. Going on a restricted diet is not recommended before your treatment, since the body will need all the nutrients possible to heal properly after the tummy tuck procedure.

We also urge patients to check with The Dr Lanzer Clinic if they are taken certain medications. Certain medications can interfere with the healing process, or could cause problems during the surgery. Therefore, it is vital to report any medications and supplements you are taken before you come to The Dr Lanzer Clinic for the tummy tuck. If one of your medications could cause problems, Dr Lanzer could provide you with a safer alternative.

Finally, please make sure that your home is prepared for your recovery; this ensures having a comfortable and relaxing environment to recover in. Naturally, there are some things that could help during your recovery and that you could obtain before your treatment; this includes some ice packs, petroleum jelly for incision locations, a wireless phone or charged cell-phone, and a bathroom chair.  

Before the procedure, it can also be a good idea to discuss medicare or health insurance rebate with your cosmetic surgeon. In some cases, the removal of sagging skin and restoration of separated muscles can be done for a medical reason. Discussing this with your cosmetic surgeon could give you clarity on potential insurance coverage.

What Are Some of the Side-Effects I Can Expect After a Tummy Tuck? 

Most patients will experience swelling, bruising and discomfort after their tummy tuck. These are some of the most common symptoms after cosmetic surgery, but possible side-effects are not limited to these side-effects. Therefore, some patients may experience additional side-effects depending on their situation.

In addition to swelling, bruising and discomfort, some patients experience numbness and overall fatigue. Therefore, it is important to take enough rest during your recovery and accommodate for these side-effects if they should occur. During your recovery, you will be wearing a compression garment to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum.

We do need to mention that complications are still a possibility with a tummy tuck, even though surgeons will do everything in their power to avoid them, the tuck is still major surgery. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye out for possible complications after a tummy tuck; this includes symptoms such as uncontrolled pain around the abdominal area, problems with blood clotting, unstoppable bleeding or fever. In such situations, page Dr Lanzer immediately.

To enjoy the results of the tummy tuck long-term, patients must maintain a stable weight after their procedure. Significant weight gain shortly after the procedure could cause some problems too.

Patients should also be made aware of the potential risks that can accompany an abdominoplasty procedure. For example, blood clots are a potential risk after the procedure, this risk increases for patients who do not do any light walking. While strenuous physical activity is advised against, light walking can reduce the chance of this complication significantly. Other possible complications resulting from surgery procedures could include seroma, infection, and more. So, before you sign the consent form, always read through these risks and be sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon if you have any questions.

In addition to postoperative potential complications, patient should also consider their anaesthesia. Patients who have a general anaesthetic under the supervision of an anaesthetist should refrain from making important decisions for at least twenty-four hours.

How Do I Make An Appointment For A Lipo Tummy Tuck At The Dr Lanzer Clinic?

To make an appointment for any of our surgical procedures, or to see which type of surgery can provide a solution, patients can contact our clinic via telephone, email and website form. Alternatively, you can request a call back via the website.

During an appointment at our clinic, Dr Lanzer or one of his associates can have a look at your medical history and determine if the procedure is right for you. In addition to that, Dr Lanzer or one of his associates can also provide you with a cost estimate for the fully tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, depending on your chosen procedure.