Dr Gary Avery, Director of Avery Plastic Surgery, member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon explains how weight loss surgery can be life changing for people who have struggled with being overweight.
Losing significant amount of weight is a triumphant feat, but often the results of this hard work are hidden under folds of excess skin that has lost its elasticity. Body contouring surgery to remove this excess skin and restore a person’s shape can achieve amazing results.
The best thing about body contouring surgery is that it can be tailored to suit an individual’s specific problem areas.
It would be recommended that a person waits at least six months after reaching their ideal weight in order to stabilise their system before having the surgery.
After all, surgery is a big investment and we want the results to last for our patients.
What’s involved?
The abdominoplasty involves surgically removing the excess fat and skin from the abdomen, along with tightening the abdominal muscles.
Scars from a tummy tuck can vary depending on whether or not the navel is relocated and how well your skin copes with scarring.
Generally, the scar should be hidden when wearing underwear or a swimsuit, and will fade with time.
Many people choose to combine a tummy tuck with procedures such as a breast reduction, breast augmentation, or breast lift to fully address their concerns.
A lower body lift involves removing the excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and the lower back, which can benefit those people who have experienced greater weight fluctuations.
Excess skin can also be removed from the arms (arm lift) and inner thighs.
How long will the recovery be?
The length of recovery will depend on what procedures are conducted, however most patients are back to their pre-surgery fitness levels by 6-8 weeks post-surgery.
I recommend a hospital stay up to four nights, and 2-4 weeks off work to ensure a full recovery and that scars have the best chance of healing properly.
Patients can be assured that all of our procedures take place in an accredited hospital, with appropriately trained support staff and anaesthetists.
Dr Avery has operated in the Hunter Region for the past five years and this year opened a solo practice at Suite 1, Ground Floor, 31-33 Watt Street, Newcastle. His specialities include all cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. For more information, ring (02) 4002 4150, email [email protected] or visit averyplasticsurgery.com.au.
