By Dr. Mark Kohout, Cosmetic Surgery Specialist
www.drmarkkohout.com.au
If you’ve recently given birth and are thinking about getting a tummy tuck, there are many important things to know before you go under the knife. RESCU’s Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mark Kohout discusses Abdominoplasty surgery, and the considerations needed before you decide it’s the way to go…
It’s a common complaint that after having children, many women feel out of shape, battling with excessive work outs and diets in the endeavour to restore their body to its original shape. Unfortunately it is true, pregnancy often leads to abdominal stretch marks, loose skin and stretched out or separated muscles, creating a bulge which does not respond to any kind of exercise or diet no matter how hard you try.
A highly effective solution to get rid of the loose, overhanging skin, fat tissues and stretched scars is Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck. Many celebrities, like Posh, are said to have had tummy tucks right after pregnancy and swear by it, achieving discreet, natural results. Nevertheless it is not an option to be recommended by your specialist to hastily after pregnancy, without due consideration. Patients should wait at least six months after child birth or a C-Section to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck.
This is particularly important if you are planning further children, since the vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery require adequate time to reposition and heal and can separate again during further pregnancies. A C-Section is major abdominal surgery which takes six to eight weeks to heal completely and attempting earlier can lead to a much higher risk of infection.
For best results, following an Abdominoplasty your tummy should appear flat, firm and toned with a slender midsection in proportion with the rest of your body shape. If there is a large fat accumulation on the abdominal wall, it can be combined with liposuction for better results. The most common technique involves an incision at the lower abdomen. The muscles get tightened by drawing them closer together and stitching them into right position. The redundant fat and skin will then be removed.
The procedure usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required and is performed under general anaesthetic. Thousands of tummy tucks are performed successfully each year but you do have to keep in mind that it does produce a permanent scar. Post- operative complications are uncommon if you follow your surgeon’s instruction. After the surgery you may have to stay in hospital for two or three days depending on the extent of the surgery and the recovery time fluctuates individually between two and four weeks.
Abdominoplasty surgery cost $6,000 to $10,000 but promises long lasting results if you exercise regularly and follow a balanced diet.
To discuss your suitability for surgical or non-surgical procedures with Dr. Kohout, please phone 1300 551 151 or email info@drmarkkohout.com.au or visit www.drmarkkohout.com.au.
Other Blogs by Dr Mark Kohout…
2.From Botox to better body slimming techniques, Dr Kohout explains the latest developments in cosmetic surgery
3.Make age spots disappear with expert advice from Dr Kohout, RESCU’s cosmetic surgery specialist