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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
Medicare Item Number 30175 – Radical abdominoplasty, with repair of rectus diastasis, excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue, and transposition of umbilicus, not being a laparoscopic procedure, where the patient has an abdominal wall defect as a consequence of pregnancy, if the patient:
- has a diastasis of at least 3cm measured by diagnostic imaging prior to this service; and
- has symptoms of at least moderate severity of pain or discomfort at the site of the diastasis in the abdominal wall during functional use and/or low back pain or urinary symptoms likely due to rectus diastasis that have been documented in the patient’s records by the practitioner providing this service; and
- has failed to respond to non-surgical conservative treatment including physiotherapy; and
- has not been pregnant in the last 12 months
Abdominoplasty Surgery Offered By Dr Hunt
Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty procedures, address three key areas of concern – excess skin, persistent fat, and lax muscles. Dr Jerermy Hunt employs a variety of surgical techniques to counteract these concerns:
Abdominal
Liposuction
Aims to remove excess fat deposits around the abdomen and flanks. This option may be appropriate for patients without abdominal sagging and good quality skin.
Mini Abdominoplasty or
Mini Tummy Tuck
Addresses excess skin below the belly button but will not allow tightening of the muscles. The advantage is a shorter, less visible scar.
Endoscopic
Abdominoplasty
Allows both the skin and the muscles to be tightened. This is often done through a shorter incision.
Full Tummy Tuck or
Full Abdominoplasty
A full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty involves all of the skin below the belly button being removed and the muscles tightened. It can be combined with liposuction of the abdomen to achieve optimal fat removal. This procedure aims to achieve the maximum tightening of abdominal wall tissue. However, the scar usually runs from hip to hip.
Extended
Abdominoplasty
An Extended Abdominoplasty is used if weight loss has led to excess skin extending around the hip. An extension of the abdominoplasty can be used to remove excess skin over the hip to improve body contour. The scar is slightly larger than that of a traditional abdominoplasty.
Post Pregnancy Surgery –
Breast Surgery & Tummy Surgery Combined
Tummy surgery can be combined with breast surgery in a popular procedure known as post-pregnancy surgery. Click here if you’d like to learn more about Post Pregnancy Surgery, or read on to find out more about tummy tucks/abdominoplasties.
What is a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty?
The abdominoplasty is the plastic surgery intervention performed to address excess skin on the abdomen. The procedure is performed on patients with skin sagginess at the level of the inferior abdominal area. If you are dealing with a “belly apron” that covers partly or entirely the suprapubic area, the abdominoplasty might be an option available to you.
The procedure is also known as abdominoplasty in medical terms and can completely alter the aspect of your abdomen and midline when performed in combination with liposuction. Depending on the needs of the patients, there are different types of tummy tucks/abdominoplasties that can be performed, from a mini abdominoplasty to a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.
The abdominoplasty is a suitable procedure for you are at a normal weight, but the tummy is not flat or firm. During this procedure, Dr Hunt also addresses diastasis recti (a condition that can occur during pregnancy – the right and left abdominal muscles are distended, and a gap is created between them).
How is the Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Performed?
The abdominoplasty is often performed with the patient under general anaesthesia, as the procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the complexity of each case.
The number and length of incisions are dependent on the type of abdominoplasty to be performed. For example, in the case of the mini abdominoplasty, there is just one small incision placed on the inferior part of the abdomen, over the suprapubic area. A full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty often entails a larger incision on the lower abdominal area and another one used to reposition the navel. The extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty requires incisions on the flanks, too, that allow Dr Hunt to eliminate excess skin from the sides.
After the incisions are performed, Dr Hunt will detach the skin tissue and bring together and tighten the abdominal muscles for a firmer-looking tummy (not performed in case of the mini abdominoplasty). The skin is then redraped over the underlying tissues, and the excess skin is eliminated. The incisions are sutured, and compressive bandages are used.
Why Patients Might Consider Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a complex plastic surgery intervention that aims to recontour the abdominal area. The procedure is performed to tighten weak abdominal muscles and eliminate excess skin. Patient might consider undergoing abdominoplasty for a number of reasons, including:
- Strengthening weak abdominal muscles
- To create a firmer and flatter abdominal appearance
- Eliminating saggy skin from the inferior abdominal area
Recovery after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
The recovery period after a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty is highly dependent on the complexity of the procedure and whether the procedure was performed alone or in combination with other interventions. Bruising and swelling can naturally occur at the level of the tummy after undergoing abdominoplasty procedures.
It is best to avoid strenuous physical activities during the first two weeks after a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty and returning to the gym is only possible after six to eight weeks. Here are more recommendations for the recovery period after surgery:
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks
- Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot baths and pools for a few weeks
- Sleep with your knees and upper body slightly bent
- Avoid coughing, sneezing and even laughing too hard
- Avoid ample body movements
To avoid risks and complications that could occur during the recovery period make sure to follow Dr Hunt’s indications.
