Abdominoplasty Perth

Abdominoplasty: what you need to know

When sit-ups, stretching exercises and diets don’t give you the flat tummy you’re after, you might consider an abdominoplasty or abdominoplasty procedure. The surgery consists of removing extra fat and excess skin, and tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall.

Talk to our team

Trust Dr Jeremy Rawlins

Located at Murdoch Square

Treatment by a trusted specialist surgeon

Short waiting list

What is abdominoplasty surgery?

Do you want to flatten and tighten your abdomen and remove excess skin?

Are you carrying a little extra fat around the stomach? An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat and sagging or loose skin in your abdominal region. Often, after pregnancy or significant weight loss, your abdominal muscles have weakened too. A tummy tuck procedure can correct the stretched muscles and deal with any hernias.

Can an abdominoplasty procedure replace diet or exercise?

"No, an abdominoplasty procedure can’t replace your diet and it’s not a substitute for exercise and weight loss. You only should have an abdominoplasty if your weight is stable because your results can be affected should you gain weight after the surgery. So before you have an abdominoplasty, make sure you follow an active lifestyle and that you have a healthy diet.

I also recommend having the procedure after you have had your children. So if you’re planning to have more children in the future, I recommend that you wait."
Mr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

Types of abdominoplasties

A full abdominoplasty is the most common procedure. This surgery is done under a general anaesthetic. The procedure takes about two hours.

"We make an incision just above your pubic area, from hip to hip. Then we remove the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, often the size of a football. Then I tighten the muscles with sutures. This procedure can be combined with liposuction to further contour and remove excess fat."
Dr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

The mini abdominoplasty is another option. It’s a partial abdominoplasty and it can be done with a smaller incision. It requires less tissue removal and muscle tightening. It is perfect for patients who have minor skin excess in the lower abdomen.

There is a third type called ‘Fleurs-de-lys’-abdominoplasty. This operation involves a vertical midline incision also. This technique is well suited for patients who already have midline scars and wish to deal with the excess skin in the flanks and waist.

A fourth type of abdominoplasty is called ‘total body lift’, or belt lipectomy. It is an extended abdominoplasty or circumferential abdominoplasty.

"This is a more extensive version of the full abdominoplasty because we will also remove excess skin from the lateral flanks, upper hips and lower back."
Dr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

Tummy Tuck - Dr Jeremy Rawlins - Cosmetic Surgeon Perth

What can I achieve with an abdominoplasty procedure?

Abdominoplasty benefits

There are many reasons to undergo an abdominoplasty, both cosmetic and medical.

"Both women and men are suitable for abdominoplasty surgery, however the majority of my patients are women who have put on weight following childbirth. Whilst diet and exercise are really important at improving the appearance of the lower abdomen, sometimes surgery is required to get rid of excess skin and fat. In men where there has been massive weight loss following bariatric surgery, abdominoplasty can get rid of the excess fat and rolls of skin. Abdominoplasty surgery is a great way of flattening your stomach and regaining self-esteem."
Dr Jeremy RawlinsBreast Reconstruction Surgeon Perth

In some cases, abdominoplasties are done for medical reasons.

Reduction of stress urinary incontinence: After a vaginal birth, some women leak urine after coughing, exercising, sneezing and laughing. Most of the time you don’t need surgery when this happens, though a recent study has shown that an abdominoplasty can aid in recovery.

A ventral hernia correction: A ventral hernia occurs when your intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through your abdominal wall. This often happens because your abdominal muscles have weakened. As part of an abdominoplasty procedure, any ventral hernias are excised and repaired.

Infections in the skin folds: Fungal and bacterial infections cause pain and embarrassment. By removing the excess skin and fat these infections are markedly reduced.

Recovering from your abdominoplasty surgery

As you know by now, there are several types of abdominoplasty proceduress. Recovery depends on which type of surgery you have. In general, the more extensive, the longer it will take to fully recover.

Technically, this procedure is done as an overnight stay procedure in my practice. This means you can go home the following day. Some patients may need or choose to stay in hospital longer depending on their particular circumstances. You won’t be allowed to drive, so bring someone who can drive you home.

"Immediately after your surgery, your tummy will feel tighter and firmer. You will have an abdominal binder put on to support the tummy. This helps with your recovery from day one."
Mr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

Your incision will be covered with a dressing to keep the wound clean and protected. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may have tubes in your incision to drain fluids.

"We will remove these drains typically three to seven days following your surgery, depending on the amount of fluids coming out. Sometimes (particularly following larger abdominoplasties or when we have combined the procedure with liposuction) the drains may stay in up to two weeks. Most of the sutures that are used are absorbable but we will check on the wound healing one week after surgery. You will continue to wear compression garments for up to three months following your surgery to reduce swelling and provide support to the skin as it tightens."
Mr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

The first days after surgery, we recommend rest. Plan to take two weeks off work or longer if your work involves any type of heavy lifting.

"We discuss your recovery process during the consultation, because there are many factors that play a role. What type of work you do, for example? Or, what type of surgery will we perform? For example, a mini abdominoplasty will require less recovery time than an extended abdominoplasty."
Mr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

Why Dr Jeremy Rawlins as your preferred Perth abdominoplasty surgeon?

Dr Jeremy Rawlins is an experienced plastic surgeon, performing a great deal of complex abdominal wall and perineal reconstruction. This experience in highly technical reconstructive surgery on the tummy, means he is well suited to provide the very best solutions in abdominoplasty surgery.

Dr Jeremy Rawlins - Tummy Tuck Surgery Perth WA

“When you trust a surgeon to improve your quality of life, you expect excellence not only in theatre. You also deserve clear communication and care from the entire team. Me and the team will ensure a personalised experience from your initial enquiry, your consultation and with the nurses on the ward and in the rooms.”
Mr Jeremy RawlinsCosmetic Surgeon Perth

That is why, as a patient, you can count on his commitment to quality, clear communication and care.

An abdominoplasty procedure is more than just a cosmetic procedure as it can provide many additional benefits to the improved appearance. This includes fewer rashes and infections in the skin folds and less lower abdominal discomfort.