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:

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

A standard abdominoplasty is generally best suited to patients whose excess skin and contour concerns are mainly concentrated at the front of the abdomen.

Patients with more significant excess skin extending into the flanks, lower back or around the body may be better suited to an extended or circumferential abdominoplasty.

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

A standard abdominoplasty may be appropriate for patients with loose lower abdominal skin, abdominal muscle separation or persistent abdominal contour changes following pregnancy or weight loss.

Many patients are also bothered by the functional effects of excess abdominal tissue, including:

• skin irritation or recurrent rashes
• discomfort during exercise
• difficulty with clothing fit
• heaviness or pulling of the lower abdomen
• reduced core stability
• discomfort associated with rectus diastasis.

Rectus diastasis refers to stretching and separation of the rectus abdominal muscles, often called the “six-pack muscles”. This commonly occurs during pregnancy as the abdominal wall expands to accommodate the baby. In some patients, the muscles do not fully return together afterwards.

Repairing rectus diastasis during abdominoplasty can improve core support and abdominal wall stability. Many patients report improved comfort during activities such as Pilates, gym training and daily movement following surgery.

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 an abdominoplasty focuses on improving healing, reducing complications and supporting the best functional and aesthetic outcome possible.

At Morphē, this may include nutritional optimisation, smoking cessation support, weight stability assessment, physiotherapy input and optimisation of any underlying medical conditions prior to surgery.

Because an abdominoplasty involves repair of the abdominal wall, preparation often also includes physiotherapy-based “prehab” to help optimise core muscle function before surgery and recovery afterwards.

During your consultation, Dr Alex Cameron will assess:

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

The goal is not simply to create a flatter abdomen, but to improve abdominal contour, skin excess and core support in a way that suits your body and lifestyle.

A standard abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes approximately 3-5 hours. Most patients stay in hospital for 2-3 nights following surgery.

The operation involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, tightening the abdominal wall where required, and repositioning the remaining abdominal skin to create a smoother contour.

In most patients, the abdominal muscles are repaired using internal sutures to correct rectus diastasis and improve abdominal wall support.

The scar is usually positioned low on the abdomen so it can generally be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. The belly button is also repositioned as part of the procedure.

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

• liposuction to improve contour
• contouring of the mons pubis
• limited flank contouring
• repair of small hernias where appropriate.

The surgical plan is tailored to balance contour improvement, scar placement, abdominal wall function and long-term tissue support.

Dressings are applied at the end of surgery and drains are usually required temporarily to reduce fluid accumulation during early healing. A compression garment is usually worn continuously for approximately six weeks following surgery.

A negative pressure dressing system, such as Prevena, may also be used in selected patients to help support wound healing and reduce tension on the incision.

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

A standard abdominoplasty can significantly improve lower abdominal skin excess, abdominal contour and abdominal wall support.

Most patients notice:

• a flatter lower abdomen
• improved waist definition
• reduced skin overhang
• improvement in abdominal muscle separation
• better clothing fit
• reduced skin irritation and chafing
• improved confidence and comfort with movement.

Repair of rectus diastasis may also improve core strength and abdominal wall stability. Many patients describe feeling more supported during exercise and everyday activities following recovery.

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

While abdominoplasty can create substantial improvement, it does not stop the natural ageing process. Future pregnancy, weight changes and skin quality can still influence the long-term result over time.

Recovery following an abdominoplasty is more significant than many smaller cosmetic procedures, and patients should plan for a gradual recovery process 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, particularly when standing fully upright due to tension on the abdominal wall repair.

Pain is managed with a combination of simple analgesics such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication, together with stronger prescription pain relief where required.

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 contour irregularity during healing is common and generally improves gradually over time.

Abdominoplasty scars are permanent, although they usually soften and fade significantly over time. Scar maturation continues over approximately 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 2–4 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 2–3 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 abdominoplasty may include:

• Scarring. Abdominoplasty scars are permanent. Although they are positioned as low as possible, some patients develop widened, thickened or stretched scars.
• Wound healing issues. Small areas of delayed healing are relatively common, particularly at points of increased tension. Smoking, obesity and previous surgery increase this risk.
• Seroma. Fluid collections beneath the abdominal skin can occur following surgery and may require drainage.
• Swelling. Swelling is expected and gradually improves over many months following surgery.
• Altered sensation. Temporary numbness of the lower abdomen is common and may take many months to improve. Some permanent numbness can persist.

Risks specific to abdominoplasty may include: (cont.)

• Asymmetry or contour irregularity. Minor asymmetry is common and perfect abdominal symmetry is not achievable.
• Residual skin laxity. Skin quality varies between patients, and some looseness or recurrent tissue descent can occur over time.
• 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.
• Abdominal wall tightness. Tightness across the abdomen is expected during healing and gradually improves over time.
• Need for revision surgery. Further surgery is occasionally required to improve contour, scarring or residual skin excess.