29Aug30/07/2024

How To Prepare for Abdominoplasty Surgery

If you’re thinking of having an abdominoplasty, it can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the process – from preparing for your surgery to navigating through your recovery. When it comes to preparation, some key steps include doing your research, taking good care of your health, and following your personalised instructions.

When you have your consultation with Dr Hunt, you’ll receive your personalised preparation instructions – tailored to your individual health needs, and the details of your surgery. For now, read on to learn about the basics of abdominoplasty preparation, so that you can know what to expect before your consultation.

Choose a highly experienced surgeon

When you are choosing a surgeon for any procedure, you should always do some research to learn about their qualifications and experience. Your surgeon should be a qualified Plastic Surgeon and have sufficient experience performing the procedure you are interested in.

Dr Hunt is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has treated thousands of patients and performed a wide variety of surgeries, including abdominoplasty. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. You can learn more about Dr Hunt here.

Get personalised preparation instructions

Once you have decided to undergo an abdominoplasty with Dr Hunt, you will have a consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate, discuss the details of your surgery, and receive personalised instructions – including your preparation instructions!

Your abdominoplasty will be a personalised, highly tailored procedure. The steps of your procedure (such as where incisions will be placed, the amount of tissue that will be removed and if the underlying muscles will be attended to), need to suit the condition of your abdomen, match your preferences for your results, and consider any other personal needs (such as health requirements).

Basically, because your procedure will be highly personalised, your preparation steps will need to be suitable for the particular details of your surgery. Your preparation instructions will also be largely based on your current health, health history, and lifestyle factors.

For example, before abdominoplasty, some patients may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements. Candidates may also need to quit smoking, undergo particular pre-op tests, and more.

Make any required adjustments to medications or lifestyle habits

After you have had your consultation, you will know if you need to stop taking any medications or supplements, undergo any tests, or make any other adjustments.

As Dr Hunt will explain, it’s important to follow these instructions, as some medications and supplements can thin the blood and raise the risk of excessive bleeding. If you can’t stop taking your medications, you may be able to switch to an alternative – it will depend on your individual situation.

Smoking can also hinder the body’s healing process, increasing the chance of encountering complications. If you’re instructed to quit smoking, you’ll be told how soon to quit before your surgery. You will likely need to continue to avoid smoking after your surgery, while your body recovers.

Take care of your general health

In the weeks before your surgery, you should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your health.

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help prepare your body for surgery and help set yourself up well for recovery. Staying hydrated is also important. Regular exercise can improve your overall health and fitness, but before surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities or any new exercise routines that might cause injury.

If you notice any changes in your health before your surgery, you’ll need to let Dr Hunt know. It’s important to ensure that you’re in good health and at a sufficient level for surgery.

Make arrangements for your recovery

As well as preparing for your abdominoplasty, preparing for your recovery after the procedure will help to make the process a little easier.

One of the most important aspects of preparing for your recovery is arranging for someone to help! You’ll need someone to drive you home after the surgery, and possibly stay with you at home for at least the first 24 hours.

It’s also a good idea to prepare your home for your recovery. You could arrange a comfortable space where you can rest and recuperate, with easy access to any items you will need. Make sure you have plenty of pillows to support your body and elevate your legs.

So that you can continue caring for your general health during recovery, you could stock up on easy-to-prepare meals, or consider cooking and freezing meals ahead of time. This way, you won’t have to worry about cooking while you’re recovering.

While providing you with preparation instructions, your consultation will also cover recovery instructions, so you can decide what you would like to organise ahead of time.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt: Abdominoplasty Procedures in Sydney

For quality results, an abdominoplasty will always need to be performed by a highly experienced and qualified plastic surgeon.

As well as training at well-respected universities in Sydney (Australia) and Texas (United States), Dr Hunt has gained over 20 years of experience performing a variety of procedures.

He is a member of and spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). With international experience, he is also a member of the International Society of Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and a corresponding member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

With a deep knowledge of plastic surgery, Dr Hunt is a Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at the IMG Royal Australasian College Surgeons. He also works as a Consultant Surgeon at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

When you see Dr Hunt for an abdominoplasty consultation, he will aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the results you want to achieve. Together, you can discuss the details of your surgery plan, and what steps you should take to prepare for your procedure.

If you’re ready to organise your consultation, please contact our team!

22Jan23/01/2024

By Clinic staff

Is a Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty Worth It

Fleur de lis abdominoplasty is a type of abdominal surgery, usually for people with excess skin across their abdomen. If you’re wondering whether a fleur de lis abdominoplasty is worth it, there are a few things to consider. In this article, we will go through some of the important things to think about when planning this abdominal surgery.

You should keep in mind that the best way to find out if you’re a candidate for the surgery is to speak to a professional. Dr Hunt is a well-qualified and certified plastic surgeon in Sydney. He can help you understand the procedure and whether it’s right for your goals and health.

What is a fleur de lis abdominoplasty?

So what actually is fleur de lis? Fleur de lis abdominoplasty is a procedure that is often undergone after weight loss or pregnancy. It is so named because of the shape of the incision – a three-pronged shape that resembles a symbol called the fleur-de-lis, or ‘lily flower’ in English.

The surgery aims to remove a large amount of abdominal tissue from the abdomen. This usually involves excising a portion of skin and fat from both the upper and lower torso.

Although there are many reasons why someone might choose this procedure, it’s commonly done to remove loose skin after massive weight loss. It can also be done for women who have excess abdominal skin after pregnancy. Post-pregnancy patients should have completed their families and finished breastfeeding before seeking surgery.

How does the procedure differ from ordinary abdominoplasty?

Fleur de lis abdominoplasty differs from traditional abdominoplasty surgery. It involves a larger incision that addresses excess tissue on both the upper and lower abdomen. In contrast, the traditional procedure only removes tissue from the lower abdomen.

This means a fleur de lis abdominoplasty is often better suited to people who not only have loose skin on the lower torso, but who also want to remove tissue from the upper portion of the abdomen.

There are many different types of abdominoplasty, including the following:

‘Mini’ abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty
Circumferential (belt lipectomy)
Fleur de lis

If you’re not sure which type of surgery would suit you, it may be of benefit to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr Hunt in Sydney.

Who is a candidate?

If you’re wondering whether the procedure could be right for you, it’s important to know that not every person is a candidate. There are certain requirements for candidates to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit for the procedure.

Candidates for fleur de lis abdominoplasty should:

Have good physical health, with no severe medical conditions
Be prepared to avoid blood-thinning medications
Be prepared to follow aftercare and recovery instructions
Have a significant degree of excess tissue on the upper and lower abdomen
Be willing to quit smoking for several weeks prior to and after surgery

Women seeking the procedure should also not be planning to have more children in the future. This is because future pregnancies can reverse the outcomes of surgery and lead to more risks if subsequent surgeries are done.

Is it worth it? – Things to consider

Here are some things to think about if you’re considering getting this procedure:

Cost– Although some patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate (if they meet certain criteria), all patients will have at least some out-of-pocket costs. You should consider this before surgery and discuss the cost with your chosen surgeon.
Recovery– You should also be prepared for the recovery process. Since fleur de lis is an extensive surgery, the recovery will also be extensive. You should prepare yourself with the proper support and ensure that you are able to follow all of the aftercare instructions.
Risks– Even if you choose a good surgeon and take all the appropriate steps during recovery, there’s always the risk that something could go wrong. You should make sure that you understand the potential complications and ask your surgeon about these before making your decision.

Reasons to choose Dr Hunt for Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty in Sydney

Only you can truly answer whether you think fleur de lis abdominoplasty will be worth it in your case. To make an informed decision, it’s vital to be educated on the topic and consult with a professional plastic surgeon who can guide you. Dr Jeremy Hunt is available for consultations and to answer any questions you might have about this surgical procedure.

Dr Hunt will examine your condition, ask you about your motives and goals, and help you understand your options. This consultation process is important, as it gives you the chance to get personalised advice that takes your personal circumstances into account. Read more about fleur de lis abdominoplasty surgery, or get in touch with our team in Sydney.

08Feb22/01/2024

By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Buttock Augmentation for Post Weight Loss Patients – Using Flap Technique

With increasing numbers of patients undergoing significant weight loss either through diet & exercise or bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, Dr Hunt has developed experience in reconstructing the abdominal and lower body contour in these patients. Combining a buttock augmentation flap with body lift (torsoplasty / belt lipectomy) surgery can help achieve the desired contours.

Solving problems of body lift (belt lipectomy) surgery

A popular procedure for post-weightloss patients known as a lower body lift or belt lipectomy provides removal of excess skin circumferentially. It can help with 360 degree body contouring. Over time and with ongoing follow-up with our patients and their results, we found that patients often end up with a flat appearance at the buttocks, which can be an aesthetic worry for some patients.

From this, the buttock augmentation flap has become an important part of Dr Hunt’s approach to this procedure.

360° Body Contouring

As a Specialist Plastic surgeon and aesthetic cosmetic surgeon, Dr Hunt appreciates that patients want to look good from all angles, that is, from front to back and the sides, and to achieve this, the patients might undergo a form of 360° body contouring, be it with liposuction, abdominoplasty or body lift (belt lipectomy), often with a buttock augmentation. As part of this, the buttock is an important aesthetic element and has certainly increased its profile.

Why is the buttock augmentation flap done?

Sometimes, when patients undergo a circumferential lower body lift or belt lipectomy, they can end up with a flat buttock appearance that they don’t want. The removal of excess skin over an area that has already lost volume due to weight loss can result in this appearance. This can be a problem aesthetically, and it can also cause problems as there is nothing for patients to hang their trousers on. With the evolution of surgical techniques, we have developed a method to reduce this problem and give patients a better chance at getting a result they’re pleased with.

Case 1 – Body lift (belt lipectomy) Patient – NO Buttock Augmentation

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Lower body lift (belt lipectomy) alone can produce a flatter appearance, compared to the surgery done with buttock augmentation flap.

Options for Buttock Augmentation of Body lift (Belt Lipectomy) Patients

1. Buttock implant

A buttock implant made of silicone is an option. However, it is quite often fraught with difficulties as the implant can become displaced or malpositioned, and patients often do not desire an implant.

Please Note – Dr Hunt does NOT perform Buttock Implants

2. Fat transfer to the Butt (Bilateral Buttock Augmentation)

The fat transfer or bilateral buttock augmentation, also known as the Brazilian butt lift, was particularly popular until it was identified that it carried a significantly high risk of complications and potential death. The issue is that when the fat transferred enters the circulation and becomes lodged in the heart or lungs, this can be fatal. The popularity of this procedure has decreased in recent times due to the high-risk profile.

Please Note – Dr Hunt does NOT perform Brazilian Butt Lift (Bilateral buttock augmentation)

3. Buttock Autologous Fat Flaps

When doing a circumferential lower body lift (belt lipectomy), the excess tissue above the beltline on the lower back will be discarded. The option exists to utilise this excess fat, though as a form of buttock implant made from the patient’s own tissue, and has the advantage as it has a fully intact blood supply, increasing the chances that it will survive the procedure.

This Autologous Buttock Augmentation Flap is Dr Hunt’s preferred choice following abdominal contouring after massive weight loss.

Case 2 – Body Lift Patient With Buttock Augmentation Flap

Lower body lift (belt lipectomy) with buttock augmentation flap – following weight loss, the lost volume and shape of the buttock is reconstructed with the autologous buttock augmentation flap.

Dr Hunt’s philosophy and evolution in butt augmentation flap surgery

As surgeons and scientists, we have performed research using three-dimensional cameras on patients’ shape and volume before surgery, during the operation, and in long-term follow-up. We have published our results internationally and presented them at multiple international meetings.

Buttock augmentation represented in a 3D image of an actual patient

The flap aims to elevate the buttock and increase projection and volume.

Who is a candidate for Butt Augmentation Flap?

Patients who have undergone massive weight loss with the descent of the buttocks might be candidates for a buttock augmentation flap. We also find that with signs of ageing, there can be the descent of the buttock, and patients who are considering an abdominoplasty, including surgery on the outer thighs and buttock, can also be candidates for the procedure.

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.

Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us

If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Tag: body contouring