Achieving your desired physical appearance can be challenging with diet and exercise alone, especially when dealing with stubborn fat deposits, loose skin, or weakened abdominal muscles due to changes after pregnancy or weight loss. Hi-Def abdominoplasty with 360 liposuction offers a comprehensive surgical approach that addresses these concerns by contouring the body from all angles.
In this article, Dr Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney combines the benefits of a traditional tummy tuck with the precision of high-definition liposuction.
What is Hi-Def Abdominoplasty with 360 Liposuction?
Hi-Def abdominoplasty with 360 liposuction is an advanced surgical technique designed to contour the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and thighs. Unlike traditional tummy tucks that focus solely on the front of the abdomen, this procedure employs a 360-degree approach to address the entire midsection and lower back regions.
Key Features of the Procedure
- Comprehensive Contouring: Extends fat removal and skin tightening beyond the front of the abdomen to include the flanks, back and thighs, ensuring harmonious body proportions.
- High-Definition Liposuction: Utilizes precision techniques to remove fat and enhance natural contours, creating visible muscle definition.
- Muscle Repair: Restores core strength and stability by repairing abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), a common issue after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Targeted Skin Removal: Removes excess, sagging skin for a smooth abdominal contour.
Who is a Candidate for Hi-Def Abdominoplasty with 360 Liposuction?
The ideal candidate for this advanced body contouring procedure meets specific criteria to ensure optimal results and safety:
- Good Skin Quality: Should have good skin elasticity and minimal damage from stretch marks. Healthy skin is essential for achieving the defined contours of high-definition procedures, as it allows the skin to retract smoothly over the newly sculpted areas.
- Muscle Separation: Individuals experiencing diastasis recti, a condition where abdominal muscles have separated, often due to pregnancy or significant weight changes.
- Excess Fat Deposits: Stubborn fat in the abdomen, flanks, or back that do not respond to diet and exercise.
- Stable Weight: A Body Mass Index (BMI) below 29 and committed to maintaining a healthy weight, with continued weight loss after surgery to enhance and preserve the results.
- Non-Smokers and Non-Vapers: Individuals who do not smoke or vape, as nicotine can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s important to avoid all nicotine products before and after surgery to promote optimal recovery.
During your consultation, Dr Turner will evaluate your goals and physical condition to determine if this procedure aligns with your aesthetic aspirations and health profile.
The Procedure: A Step-by-Step Overview
Hi-Def abdominoplasty with 360 liposuction is a complex procedure performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 2-4 hours to perform, and Dr Turner recommends patients rest in hospital for 3 to 4 days to rest, recover, and receive initial post-operative care.
- Incision Placement
Strategic incisions are made to minimize visible scarring:
- Abdominoplasty Incision: A horizontal incision is placed in the lower abdomen, typically along the bikini line, to allow access for muscle repair and skin removal.
- Liposuction Incisions: Small, discreet incisions are made in the flanks and back to facilitate 360-degree liposuction.
- High-Definition Liposculpting
High-definition liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from the abdomen, flanks, back and thighs:
- Fat Removal: Excess fat is sculpted to enhance natural muscle contours, creating a more defined appearance.
- Precision Technique: Advanced power assisted liposuction equipment allows for meticulous shaping, ensuring smooth contours.
- Muscle Repair
If abdominal muscles are separated:
- Diastasis Recti Correction: The rectus abdominus muscles are sutured together, restoring core strength and creating a flatter abdomen.
- Improved Posture: Repairing muscle separation can also alleviate back pain and improve posture.
- Excess Skin Removal
Loose, sagging skin is carefully removed:
- Skin Excision: Excess skin is trimmed away to eliminate wrinkles and folds.
- Skin Redraping: Remaining skin is smoothly redraped over the newly contoured abdomen and back.
- Umbilicus Repositioning: If necessary, the belly button is repositioned for a natural appearance.
The combination of these steps ensures a comprehensive transformation, addressing fat removal, skin tightening, and muscle repair for optimal results.
Recovery Process
Recovery from Hi-Def abdominoplasty requires commitment and patience. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days for close monitoring and initial recovery support. During the first week, rest is crucial; light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activities should be avoided. By the end of two weeks, patients can typically return to light activities and may resume work if it doesn’t involve physical strain. Around six weeks after the surgery, a gradual resumption of exercise and full activities is recommended, though high-intensity workouts should be delayed until cleared by Dr Turner. In the long term, swelling and scars will continue to improve over several months, gradually revealing the final results.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Turner will monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking and alcohol can enhance the healing process. By closely following post-operative care instructions, you can ensure a smoother recovery and achieve your desired outcome.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, Hi-Def abdominoplasty comes with potential risks.
- Scarring: Though incisions are strategically placed, scars may take time to fade and mature. Proper scar care can minimize their appearance.
- Infection or Fluid Retention: Adhering to wound care instructions and attending follow-up visits reduces these risks.
- Changes in Sensation: Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the treated areas is common and typically resolves over time.
- Blood Clots: Early mobilization and compression garments help prevent this complication.
- Anaesthesia Risks: As with any surgery involving anaesthesia, there are associated risks, which are minimized under professional care.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces the likelihood of results that don’t meet expectations.
Next Steps
Hi-Definition abdominoplasty with 360 liposuction is a new technique for those seeking a contoured midsection by combining high-definition liposuction with tummy tuck surgery.
To Learn more about Hi-Def abdominoplasty with Dr Turner
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact us at 1300 437758 or visit drturner.com.au to book your appointment.
- Prepare for Surgery: Follow any preoperative guidelines provided, such as avoiding certain medications and arranging for post-surgery care.
- Plan for Recovery: Set aside time for rest and healing and arrange for assistance during your initial recovery phase if needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs.