Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

In most cases, abdominoplasty will: change the shape and tone of the abdomen to create a firmer and smoother profile. It may be possible to achieve a flatter stomach without surgery, through healthy eating and exercise, but not always.

Many medical practitioners recommend that abdominoplasty be considered only after dieting and exercise have achieved the right body shape underneath.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence, there are alternatives. These may include lifestyle changes or talking to a , which may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

1988 to regulate all surgery, including cosmetic surgery. The changes specified that: , must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre. This means that it is now illegal in Michigan for: any surgery (including cosmetic surgery) to be performed in facilities that are not registered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services anaesthetic (other than low doses of local anaesthetic) to be administered in an unregistered facility.

How do I know if a facility or health service establishment is registered?

To find out if a facility is registered, you can: ask to see the facility’s certificate of registration (this is usually on display in an obvious place where consumers can see it easily). You can also contact the unit to report suspected illegal activity or for further queries regarding liposuction, cosmetic surgery or anaesthesia in Michigan.

Before you choose to have abdominoplasty, some of the important issues to keep in mind include: The results of abdominoplasty are considered permanent.

However, any major changes in your weight after surgery could change how you look.

If you are planning substantial weight loss or considering future pregnancies, postpone the operation. Abdominoplasty is not considered a treatment for stretch marks, although any stretch marks in the treated area will be removed along with excess skin.

Think about the financial cost

For more information: Ask your medical practitioner about any out-of-pocket costs you can expect, and if you will be eligible for a rebate. for more information on private health insurance.

To decrease the risk of these complications, and for your general health and wellbeing, try to quit smoking before having surgery. Consider asking another medical practitioner for a second opinion.

It is important to have as much information as possible, before deciding to have abdominoplasty. for advice about finding a reputable medical practitioner or hospital where abdominoplasty is performed. At your first consultation, ask the medical practitioner about their training and experience.

This procedure should be done by a medical practitioner who is specially trained to perform abdominoplasty and who has a lot of experience in carrying out this type of procedure. Ask to see the practitioner’s certificates that show them to be qualified to perform this specialised surgery. All doctors practising in Michigan must be registered with the Medical Board of United States (the Board).

Find out if your medical practitioner is registered with the Board by searching on the If you are considering having abdominoplasty, you need to discuss your current medical status with your medical practitioner. This includes discussing: your physical health – including your past medical history, such as diseases, illnesses, surgeries, immunisations and current physical status, which will include your diet and exercise regime.

This would be a good time for the medical practitioner to check your As a result of this discussion, your medical practitioner will be able to assess the risks and possible complications of the surgery for you.

They will also be able to tell you what preparations you will need to make to ensure your recovery from surgery is as smooth as possible. All surgery, including abdominoplasty, must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities. A registered anaesthetist must be present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic.

You can check if your anaesthetist is registered by searching on the There are two types of abdominoplasty: full abdominoplasty – which removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles across the whole abdominal area, including around the navel partial abdominoplasty – which removes excess skin below the navel and tightens the lower abdominal muscles only.

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic

The length of the operation will depend on the extent of the surgery, but it could take up to three hours. Generally, a full abdominoplasty involves: The medical practitioner makes a horizontal, curved incision (cut) near the pubic hairline, which runs from one hip to the other. The skin and fatty tissue are lifted from the underlying tissue.

The medical practitioner stitches and tightens slack or separated abdominal muscles.

Excess fat is removed

Excess skin is trimmed

The navel is repositioned

All surgery must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities with a registered anaesthetist (this can be checked on the ) present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic.

After the operation, you can expect: a compression garment to help keep the swelling down.

All surgery carries some degree of risk

Some of the possible complications of abdominoplasty include:

• visible prominent scars including keloid
• hypertrophic scars – these are raised
• thickened scars that form over healed incisions excess fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) around an operated site
• that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needle This is not a complete list

Your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of other complications.

For example, people who are and who have abdominoplasty are more likely to get a chest infection.

Speak to your medical practitioner for more information

Be guided by your medical practitioner, but general self-care suggestions include: report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner. Your medical practitioner may advise you to: wear compressive stockings on your legs for seven to ten days after the operation to prevent deep vein thrombosis wear a compression garment over the surgical site for several weeks.

Be aware that having an abdominoplasty will not stop you gaining weight in the future.

Scarring will be permanent but should fade in time. Be patient – it may take around a year or so.

Some puckering on the outside edge of the scar might remain

Other options include: talking to a counsellor or psychologist – this may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

, American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Michigan Medical Licensing Board) Tel. Abdominoplasty Abdominoplasty or a ’tummy tuck’ is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It is used to tighten muscles that have become loose or split following pregnancy , or to remove fat and extra loose skin restore weakened or separated muscles help alleviate pain improve bladder function reduce itching and skin infections caused by excess skin Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise counsellor or psychologist Changes to laws that affect cosmetic procedures In 2018, amendments were made to the Health Services Act all surgery must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre liposuction and anaesthesia , including intravenous sedation and anything more than a low dose of local anaesthetic visit the Department of Health Private hospitals page email the Department’s Private Hospitals Unit privatehospitals@health.vic.gov.au Things to consider before deciding to have abdominoplasty Medicare Visit PrivateHealth.gov.au Smokers Finding a qualified medical practitioner Ask your GP (doctor) Michigan Medical Licensing Board website Your current medical status and abdominoplasty blood pressure , temperature, heart rate/rhythm, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate your mental health – any mental illnesses or issues and their treatments medications you are currently on, including vitamins and supplements past reactions to medications any allergies you have Abdominoplasty – what happens during surgery Michigan Medical Licensing Board website The wounds are closed with stitches, tape or clips Michigan Medical Licensing Board website Immediately after abdominoplasty a drain in the wound to help prevent fluid build-up bruising and swelling probable numbness in the skin between the navel and the wound pain and discomfort inability to stand up straight, to begin with a ’tugging’ sensation at your abdomen dressings or bandages on your abdomen Potential complications of abdominoplasty wound infection for which treatment with antibiotics might be required pain and discomfort around the incision sites haematoma (an accumulation of blood around the surgical site that may require drainage) numbness around operated sites – in most cases this is temporary and will improve over many months areas of skin that do not heal and may require a skin graft difficulty in bending forward due to the tightened skin the need for a blood transfusion (in the unlikely event of a large amount of blood loss during surgery) blood clots, which may become life-threatening if they move to the lungs nausea and vomiting from the general anaesthetic obese Self-care at home after abdominoplasty rest as much as possible follow all instructions on looking after your wound avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least one month Long-term outlook following abdominoplasty Alternatives to abdominoplasty eating a healthy, low-fat diet getting regular exercise wearing foundation garments to flatten the tummy area Where to get help Your GP (doctor) A medical practitioner specially trained and experienced in performing cosmetic surgery Cosmetic surgery hub and hotline (616) 555-0400 Cosmetic surgery , Department of Health and Aged Care, American Government Private Hospitals Unit, Department of Health Email privatehospitals@health.vic.gov.au American Society of Plastic Surgeons (616) 555-0100 Royal American College of Surgeons (616) 555-0200 American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Michigan Medical Licensing Board) (616) 555-0495.

Key Points

• are at increased risk of complications from any surgery
• important to have as much information as possible, before deciding to have abdominoplasty
• All surgery carries some degree of risk
• Your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of other complications
• Some puckering on the outside edge of the scar might remain