Body contouring surgery
Body contouring surgery involves a range of aesthetic plastic surgery procedures designed to improve your body shape.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
An abdominoplasty is the removal of excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen and the tightening of the muscles on the abdominal wall.
An abdominoplasty produces excellent results for patients by minimising the effects of pregnancy and weight fluctuations resulting in a firmer, flatter abdomen. In most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
The procedure
Your surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area and a second incision is made to free the naval from surrounding tissue. Your surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs creating a skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into a new position.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the incisions.
With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the naval may not be moved. The skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
Duration of surgery
Abdominoplasty surgery lasts from 1–5 hours depending on the technique used.
Brachioplasty (arm reduction)
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat deposits from the underside of your upper arm. It can reduce arm circumference and tighten loose and flabby skin for a firmer, smaller appearance.
The procedure
Small incisions are made in the armpit and elbow so excess fat can be removed using ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty. Excess skin is then removed to reduce the circumference of the arm.
Duration of surgery
Surgery lasts 1–2 hours.
Thigh, buttock and lower body lifts
A thigh, buttock and lower body lift repairs the effects of sagging skin and excess fat in the lower body to appear firmer and more shapely.
The procedure
Thigh, buttock and lower body lifts involve an excision of stretched skin.
Duration of surgery
Surgery can last 1–6 hours.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the removal of unwanted fat from specific areas of the body and it can remove areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight loss methods. After liposuction you will feel more comfortable in your clothing and this can be maintained by eating a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The procedure
There are several liposuction techniques available including:
- SAL in which fat is removed from the body by aspiration using vacuum suction. SAL may be dry, wet or tumescent depending on the volume of saline (salt solution) injected into the operation site before the procedure is commenced.
- UAL uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy the fat cells before SAL is utilised to remove the liquefied fat and to smooth the edges of the treated areas.
- MAL uses an oscillating shaver driven by a motor to shave the fat which is vacuumed away as in other methods.
Liposuction can remove up to 5 litres of fat with relative safety during one session. It may be performed under local anaesthetic, twilight sedation or general anaesthetic depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Fluid is lost along with the fat, and this will be replaced during the procedure and you will be carefully monitored immediately after surgery.
Repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve the ultimate result in some patients.
Duration of surgery
The time required to perform liposuction varies depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed and the technique used. The duration of your surgery should be discussed with your surgeon.
Side effects of body contouring surgery
Most body contouring surgery will cause some degree of bruising and swelling, lasting as long as two or three weeks or more. Liposuction patients experience swelling and bruising persisting several weeks before skin discoloration fades. Abdominoplasty patients often feel tightness in the lower abdomen accompanied by diminished sensation that persist for several months.
It is important that you gain adequate understanding of the particular side effects or possible side effects of your procedure at your consultation. Should you not understand your plastic surgeon’s explanation you should ask for more information until you are satisfied you understand what is involved.
Revisional surgery
In most circumstances body contouring surgery need not be repeated. However, as with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the surgery you are having, you may be placed under twilight sedation, local or general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss your requirements during consultation.
Returning to Normal Activities
Returning to your normal activities after surgery is an individual matter. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on the likely time depending on your individual schedule. They will also advise you on matters of special care, bathing and showering. Most patients are able to return to work between a few days and two weeks, but others may require a longer period of convalescence based on the nature and extent of their procedure. Normal activities can usually be resumed after six weeks.