Patients who are thin or average build can have loose abdominal skin and NO excess fat. These people can still enjoy the benefits and results of the operation. Just like the overweight person, the thinner patient can enjoy the flatter and more defined abdomen after a tuck.
A full tummy tuck corrects sagging skin and loose muscles over the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is for women whose loose skin, lax muscles, and fat deposits are concentrated below the belly button. The choice, ultimately, comes down to your needs and goals for the procedure.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
If Your BMI Is Over 40:
Unfortunately, you are not an ideal candidate for either liposuction or a tummy tuck. In fact, most plastic surgeons are reluctant to take on patients with BMIs over 40 for any kind of procedure, due to the risk of complications discussed above.
Typically the cost for a tummy tuck is anywhere between $9,000 (AUD) – $29,000. With no medicare rebates or private hospital cover typically the total out of pocket cost is between $18,000 and $29,000. If you have top private health cover, hospital fees of around $7,000 – $8,000 may be fully or partially covered.
2022 Melbourne Tummy Tuck price ranges
$10,500 – $15,000 for a low-cost cheaper Tummy Tuck surgery – sometimes a mini tummy tuck “skin-only” with no muscle repair. $15,000 – $18,000 for mid-range Tummy Tuck surgery.
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. Compared to a traditional tummy tuck, liposuction is a less invasive treatment that might be a good alternative for qualified patients.
Extended Tummy Tuck
This is considered the best type of tummy tuck for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are looking to refine their body contours. The surgery involves a longer incision as the scope is larger, but recovery times tend to stay the same as a traditional abdominoplasty.
Which is Right For Me: a Tummy Tuck or Lipo? If loose skin is a concern for you, a tummy tuck will give you the best results. If you simply have small pockets of fat around your midsection that you'd like to address, liposuction is probably the best option for you.
There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.
Will my stomach be smaller after a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty surgery does not impact the size of the stomach or intestines themselves. Instead, the tummy tuck is used to address a number of cosmetic and structural concerns that typically result from aging, pregnancy, and weight loss, including: Loose skin.
Expect to be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck
It is important that you be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck. Most surgeons will recommend patients be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight.
Medicare only covers tummy tuck surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can get coverage under Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by their GP. You need to have a valid medical referral and meet the strict criteria.
The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck will have minimal amounts of loose skin or muscle tissue that they'd like to have tightened to create a firmer, more toned look. Thus, men and women with very thin, slender builds, or those who are very active and physically fit can typically benefit from a mini abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
The tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, requires approximately two weeks off work for full recovery. Most people can work at a computer after about four to five days, but plastic surgeons usually recommend two weeks to avoid any unnecessary stress on the body.
What do you have to demonstrate to get a Medicare number for a tummy tuck? For weight loss patients - for Medicare item number 30177 to apply you must demonstrate: That you have had significant weight loss defined as 5 BMI points or more (unrelated to pregnancy).
According to RealSelf's regularly updated tummy tuck patient reviews, 96% of patients report that the procedure is worth the cost, scarring, and downtime. Most women report having gotten their tummy tuck after losing a substantial amount of weight or after having children and losing pregnancy weight.
If you are overweight, but not considered obese, you may still qualify for tummy tuck surgery. You will see optimal results if you are already close to your ideal weight. However, even if you aren't yet at your goal weight, it may still be a good idea to meet personally with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr.
Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.
Not only does a tummy tuck not remove large amounts of stubborn fat, but losing a significant amount of weight after your procedure could leave you with more excess skin. Many people choose to combine liposuction with their tummy tuck to address excess fat and skin at the same time.
During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.