Abdominoplasty is not a single operation, but rather a range of procedures tailored to the amount and distribution of excess skin, abdominal wall changes and body contour concerns.

Dr Alex Cameron performs several types of abdominoplasty, including:

• extended abdominoplasty
• standard abdominoplasty
• circumferential abdominoplasty
• male abdominoplasty.

An extended abdominoplasty is generally most appropriate for patients whose excess skin and tissue extends beyond the front of the abdomen into the flanks or sides of the body.

Patients with more extensive skin excess involving the lower back and buttocks may also wish to consider a circumferential abdominoplasty, which provides more complete 360-degree trunk contouring

During consultation, Dr Cameron will assess your anatomy and discuss the most appropriate procedure for your goals and body shape.

An extended abdominoplasty may be appropriate for patients with:

• loose lower abdominal skin extending into the flanks
• abdominal muscle separation
• contour irregularities around the waistline
• skin irritation or recurrent rashes
• discomfort with movement or exercise
• changes following pregnancy or major weight loss.

Many patients suitable for an extended abdominoplasty have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess tissue extending beyond the central abdomen.

Without an extended approach, residual tissue excess or contour irregularities — sometimes referred to as “dog ears” — may persist around the flanks.

Repair of rectus diastasis during surgery can also improve abdominal wall support and core stability. Many patients report feeling more supported during activities such as Pilates, gym training and everyday movement following recovery.

Good candidates for surgery are generally medically well, at a stable weight and able to safely recover from a major operation.

Factors that can affect suitability include:

• smoking
• obesity
• unstable weight
• poor nutritional status
• poorly controlled medical conditions
• previous abdominal surgery
• future pregnancy plans.

If these factors are relevant to you, the Morphē team will work with you before surgery to help optimise your preparation and recovery. This may include support from our dietitians, endocrinologist, obesity physicians, physiotherapists or psychologist where appropriate.

Preparation for surgery focuses on improving healing, reducing complications and supporting the best long-term outcome possible.

At Morphē, this may include:

• nutritional optimisation
• smoking cessation support
• weight stability assessment
• physiotherapy input
• medical optimisation before surgery
• psychological support where required.

Because extended abdominoplasty involves repair of the abdominal wall, physiotherapy-based “prehab” is often helpful in preparing the core muscles for surgery and recovery.

During your consultation, Dr Alex Cameron will assess:

• the amount and distribution of excess skin
• abdominal wall laxity
• rectus muscle separation
• skin quality
• previous abdominal scars
• flank contour
• fat distribution
• the contour of the mons and surrounding trunk.

The aim is not simply to create a flatter abdomen, but to improve contour, support and overall body balance in a way that suits your anatomy and lifestyle.

An extended abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes approximately 3-5 hours.

Most patients stay in hospital for two to four nights following surgery.

An incision is placed low on the abdomen and extends further toward the flanks than a standard abdominoplasty. This allows excess skin and tissue around the sides of the body to also be addressed.

During surgery:

• excess abdominal skin and fat are removed
• the abdominal wall muscles are repaired where required
• the belly button is repositioned
• the remaining abdominal skin is tightened and reshaped.

In most patients, internal sutures are used to repair rectus diastasis and improve abdominal wall support and contour.

Depending on your anatomy and goals, surgery may also include:

• liposuction
• contouring of the mons pubis
• flank contouring
• repair of small hernias where appropriate.

The operation is carefully planned to balance contour improvement, scar placement, abdominal wall function and long-term tissue support.

Drains are usually required temporarily following surgery to reduce fluid accumulation during healing. These are commonly removed before discharge from hospital, although some patients may occasionally go home with drains in place for a short period.

A negative pressure dressing system, such as Prevena, may also be used to support wound healing and reduce tension on the incision during the early recovery period. A compression garment is usually worn continuously for approximately six weeks following surgery.

Dr Cameron performs extended abdominoplasty procedures at Burnside Hospital or St Andrew’s Hospital.

Extended abdominoplasty is highly effective at removing excess skin from the lower abdomen and flanks while improving overall trunk contour.

Most patients notice:

• a flatter abdominal contour
• improved waist definition
• reduction in skin overhang
• smoother contour through the flanks
• improved abdominal wall support
• better clothing fit
• improved comfort with movement and exercise.

Repair of rectus diastasis may also improve core strength and abdominal wall stability.

The degree of contour improvement depends on factors such as residual fatty tissue, skin quality, body shape and underlying anatomy. Patients following major weight loss may also have reduced skin elasticity and tissue support, which can influence both scar quality and long-term contour stability.

The procedure can also improve the contour of the mons pubis and lower abdominal transition zone following pregnancy or weight loss.

While surgery can create substantial improvement, future weight changes, pregnancy and natural ageing can still influence the long-term result over time.

Recovery following an extended abdominoplasty is significant, and patients should plan for a gradual recovery over several weeks.

Most patients experience tightness, swelling and discomfort during the first one to two weeks after surgery. The first 24–48 hours are often the most uncomfortable period due to the abdominal wall repair and muscle tightening.

Pain is initially managed in hospital and then transitions to simple pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication, together with stronger prescription pain relief where required.

Many women describe the discomfort as similar to, but generally less severe than, recovery after a caesarean section.

Walking is encouraged early after surgery, although patients are usually slightly bent forward initially while the abdomen heals.

Swelling is expected and can take six to twelve months to fully settle. Temporary firmness, asymmetry or loss of abdominal definition during healing is common and gradually improves over time.

Extended abdominoplasty scars are permanent, although they are positioned to be concealed beneath most underwear or swimwear. Scars typically soften and fade significantly over twelve months.

We will guide you through scar care, which may include silicone therapy, scar massage, taping, sun protection and occasionally laser treatment.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery, and Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns.

As a general guide, most patients are able to return to regular activity as follows:

• Walking and gentle mobilisation: encouraged early
• Desk-based work: usually 4–6 weeks
• Light exercise: around 4 weeks
• Gym and core exercise: around 6–8 weeks
• Swimming: around 6 weeks
• Heavy lifting or physical work: around 6–8 weeks
• Driving: usually 2–4 weeks, provided you are comfortable moving and not taking sedating pain medication.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care, and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

General risks associated with body contouring surgery will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Risks specific to extended abdominoplasty may include:

• Seroma. A seroma is a collection of fluid beneath the abdominal skin. This occurs in a small percentage of patients and is more common after significant weight loss. Drains, compression garments, Prevena dressings and careful surgical technique all help reduce this risk. If a seroma occurs, it may require drainage in the clinic.
• Wound healing issues. Small areas of delayed healing are relatively common, particularly around the belly button or areas of increased tension. Significant wound healing problems are uncommon with appropriate preparation and aftercare.
• Scarring. Extended abdominoplasty scars are permanent but are positioned to be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear where possible. Scar quality varies between individuals, and some scars may initially appear red or raised before fading over time.
• Swelling. Swelling is expected following surgery and gradually improves over six to twelve months. Compression garments and lymphatic massage help support this process.

Risks specific to extended abdominoplasty may include: (cont.)

• Altered sensation. Temporary numbness around the lower abdomen and upper thighs is common and usually improves over three to six months. Some permanent altered sensation may persist.
• Asymmetry or contour irregularity. Minor asymmetry is common and often improves as swelling settles. In some patients, skin may gradually stretch again over time, leading to mild recurrent looseness.
• Venous thromboembolism. Abdominoplasty carries an increased risk of blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Careful perioperative management and early mobilisation are important in reducing this risk.
• Need for revision surgery. Further surgery is occasionally required to improve contour, scarring or residual skin excess.