Abdominoplasty

Many men and women find that, despite exercise and weight loss, they have an area of excess skin and fat deposits in the abdominal (belly) area that still stubbornly prevents them from achieving a more toned and contoured abdomen.

Factors such as advancing in years, genetics, pregnancy, prior surgery, and significant fluctuations in weight can cause abdominal muscles to progressively stretch and weaken. Also, there can be a normal excess of skin and fat deposits in this area which does not respond to exercise and a healthy diet.

Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of loose and/or excess skin, and fat deposits from the lower abdomen, tightening of abdominal muscles, repositioning of the belly button, and re-draping of the remaining skin tissues . The aim is often to create a toned, contoured abdomen. Dr Verma has the expertise to perform bespoke Abdominoplasty surgery that is tailored specifically to your individual aesthetic needs.

What is Abdominoplasty surgery: Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of normal loose and/or excess skin and fat deposits from the lower abdomen, tightening of abdominal muscles, repositioning of the belly button and re-draping of the remaining skin tissues to address your individuals aesthetic needs.

Where is it done: A mini-abdominoplasty will be performed at the brand-new Honeysuckle Day Hospital in Newcastle, a fully licensed and accredited day hospital which is purposely equipped to care for cosmetic surgical procedures. A longer abdominoplasty will be performed in a hospital where you can be observed overnight.

Length of Surgery: Abdominoplasty usually takes four to six hours, whilst a mini-abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. These times depend on many factors, such as the complexity of the surgery.

Type of anaesthesia: General Anaesthesia.

Day surgery or inpatient stay: Day Surgery or Overnight stay.

Approximate Cost: Varies according to type, complexity, and length of the procedure. You will receive a detailed quote with a cost of the procedure after your consultation with Dr. Verma, tailored to you.

Next Steps: Not sure if abdominoplasty surgery is right for you? Maybe you feel more than one type of cosmetic surgery may be required? Or are you interested in non-surgical ways to meet your aesthetic needs?

We advise booking a consultation with Dr. Verma. With his expertise and commitment to achieving the best results, together you can create a personalized treatment plan involving both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments individually tailored to the look you would like to achieve.

Please also see our list of general FAQs for more details.

Do I qualify for Abdominoplasty?

You need to be in good general physical and mental health to undergo surgery, ideally be a non-smoker, or amenable to quitting pre-operatively. You should also be at, or close to, your ideal weight. Unlike the common misconception, abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure and is not recommended for those who may be clinically classed as obese.

Additionally, if you are planning to lose a lot of weight, or have future pregnancies, consider undergoing an abdominoplasty afterwards; otherwise, you may lose the results of the surgery. Having abdominoplasty does not affect pregnancy. The abdomen’s skin will still naturally stretch with the baby as it grows. However, pregnancy affects the results of the abdominoplasty, and after childbirth, the abdominal contours will not remain as they were after your abdominoplasty procedure.

Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty surgery?

The ideal candidate is someone who has realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve and is undergoing surgery for themselves and not for anyone else (e.g., pressure from partners or family, undergoing surgery to salvage a relationship, or try to procure or keep a job, etc). Cosmetic surgery performed by Dr. Verma is done with the latest, evidence-based techniques to address your individual aesthetic needs and being committed to adhering to pre- and post-operative instructions is of great importance to achieving safe and healthy outcomes.

What to expect during the consultation?

No two bodies are the same. After taking a general medical history, Dr. Verma will examine the abdomen and discuss your aesthetic goals with you. He will then suggest the best option(s) for you, tailored to your specific aesthetic needs, and provide you with bespoke information about the process, so that you can make an informed decision.

Please note that, during your consultation and with your consent, Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your abdomen. Clinical photography is vital in the cosmetic surgery experience and allows Dr. Verma to document and share your progress with you, pre- and post-operatively. Sometimes, with your additional consent, these photographs will be uploaded onto our website. The images are de-identified, with birthmarks, tattoos and any other identifying features removed. Images are not altered in any other way, ensuring a true representation of the likely results. Whilst individual results may vary, such ‘Before-After’ images help other potential patients, like yourself, to decide whether this is the right procedure for them.

Generally, the consultation is your opportunity to ask Dr. Verma any questions or clarify any concerns you may have regarding abdominoplasty.

What is the cost of abdominoplasty? What is included?

Cost of abdominoplasty depends on the length and complexity of the surgery, which is individual to each person. After the consultation, once you have decided you are interested in abdominoplasty, you will receive a quote for the cost of the surgery. This price includes Dr. Verma’s fees (Proceduralist fees) and the cost of follow-up visits up to 3 months post-surgery. It does not include hospital and anaesthetist costs, but an estimate of such costs can be provided on request. There will never be any pressure or rush for you to decide. You will have information about payment details and costs in your quote, and ample time to ask questions before making an informed decision.

How is abdominoplasty surgery performed? Are there different techniques?

In the majority of cases, liposuction is performed first to even out natural fat deposits and contour the abdomen. Then an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area, and a second incision is made to free the belly button from the surrounding tissue. The incisions are usually hidden in the bikini/underwear line. The skin of the abdomen is then tightened and pulled down, and the belly-button is repositioned into a more appropriate position. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, a dressing will be applied, and a thin tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical area. This tube, if needed at all, is easy to manage and is temporary.

Where will the incisions/scars be?

The incisions for abdominoplasty are in the margin of the belly button and in the lower abdomen, hidden in the bikini/underwear line. These generally fade to form faint white scars, although the degree of fading varies depending on how your skin tends to heal and form scars.

What type of Anaesthesia will be used?

The type of anaesthesia used is general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. If appropriate, Dr Verma will utilise additional local anaesthesia, which is injected into the site of surgery during the operation; giving you better pain relief upon waking.

What are the side effects of abdominoplasty?

Temporary bruising and swelling, numbness, soreness, and tiredness are normal in abdominoplasty patients. The majority of such symptoms resolve within weeks to a couple of months after the operation.

What are the risks and complications of abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries worldwide. With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, and most problems are easily treated and settle with time.

General risks of any surgery include excessive bleeding, reaction to any of the medications (including anaesthesia), infection, poor healing or excessive scarring. There are also risks and complications specific to abdominoplasties, such as injury to significant nerves, muscles, and other abdominal structures. Sometimes, a thin plastic tube may need to be temporarily inserted into the area that has been operated on. These tubes drain any blood and secretions that accumulate under the skin after surgery and help to promote healing. Whether these drains are inserted or not is decided on a case-by-case basis, but generally, they are reserved for those requiring extensive surgery.

The occurrence of such complications depends mainly on factors such as whether you smoke, your general health status, how your body heals, as well as your post-operative recovery. Dr. Verma will discuss all risks and complications with you during a consultation, as well as techniques and medications which can minimise these risks.

Care of your abdomen and surgical sites

You will be provided with detailed instructions by Finesse Cosmetic Surgery with regards to the practical care of your sutures, wounds, etc. Any sutures are usually removed in 10-14 days. After your abdominoplasty, you will need to wear a ‘post-op garment’. This is a snug fabric garment which aims to reduces swelling and bruising after surgery, helping to minimize pain and achieve better outcomes.

Additionally, after your surgery, you will have dressings and bandages applied to your wounds. You will also be wrapped in a compression garment designed to minimize swelling and provide support to your surgical site during healing. It may sometimes be necessary to provide a thin tube under the skin to drain away excess blood or fluid that can collect at the site.

Downtime

Returning to work takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of your job. More strenuous activity (such as lifting, straining, pushing, exercise beyond a light walk) should be strictly avoided for 6-8 weeks. Finesse Cosmetic Surgery will ensure that you have any required documentation and medical certificates needed, as appropriate.

When will you see results?

Results will start to become visible after your tissues heal, and when the majority of the swelling subsides, which may take 3 months. Thus, being patient and optimistic is key to recovery after abdominoplasty.

What will be your follow up schedule?

Dr. Verma will see you one week after the operation and then organise subsequent follow-ups according to how you recover. All follow-up visit costs, up to three months after the operation, are included in the cost of the surgery. Revision surgery for any complications carries an extra charge.

Similar to your consultation visit (see above), Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your abdomen and surgical sites in order to document healing during follow up visits.

How long do the effects of abdominoplasty last for?

Abdominoplasty results are generally long-lasting, but can, unfortunately, be altered with weight change and pregnancy. Having abdominoplasty does not affect pregnancy. The abdomen’s skin will still naturally stretch with the baby as it grows. However, pregnancy affects the results of the abdominoplasty, and after childbirth, the abdominal contours will not remain as they were after your abdominoplasty procedure.