Many men suffer with an excess of fat around their midriff. The “beer belly” or “beer gut” is thankfully not in fashion today, but we still age and as our growth hormone levels decline, we tend to find that spare tyre creeping up on us.
The abdomen and hips are the two areas most men find problematic, and just can’t seem to shift. If the problem is predominantly on your hips, then liposuction is usually the best procedure to remove this.
If you have the typical “pot belly” it may be that you have excessive intra-abdominal fat (inside the muscle wall). This type of fat deposit can’t be operated on and is in fact dangerous to your health, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke etc. In this case you should see your doctor and embark on an exercise and diet regime.
If your problem is an excess of fat in front of the muscle (abdominal wall), with a general protuberance of the belly, then you may find that abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the procedure for you. If you’re not sure, Dr McGovern can discuss this with you on examination.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with slight obesity or huge shifts in weight, can also be improved. Abdominoplasty is also suitable for men who have undergone massive weight loss and are left with loose skin.
If you intend to lose a lot of weight, you should ideally postpone the surgery until you have achieved your desired weight, and have been at this stable weight for a period of 3 months.
If you have scarring, from previous abdominal surgery, this may interfere with abdominoplasty. Dr McGovern will be able to advise you.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year Australia wide. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally very pleasing.
Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with these procedure.
Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur.
Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. We routinely use compression stockings peri-operatively for tummy tuck surgery to reduce your risk of blood clots.
Smoking greatly increases your risk of problems. If you smoke, we will ask that you stop completely for 3 weeks before and for at least this time after surgery.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr McGovern’s instructions before and after abdominal surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity. We also recommend that you boost your immune system prior to surgery with nutritional supplements as mentioned earlier. We very rarely see problems post surgery in men who have prepared themselves with nutritional supplements prior.
In your initial consultation, Dr McGovern will evaluate your general health, and look at the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and assess your skin tone to ensure you are a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery. Be sure to tell him if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
If your problem area is limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called mini-abdominoplasty, rather than a full abdominoplasty.
If your problem extends to the hip area, then abdominoplasty alone will not improve this. Dr McGovern may discuss additional liposuction to remove the fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. In some cases liposuction alone is all that’s required. All of this will be explained to you at your consultation with Dr McGovern.
Abdominoplasty is performed at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital with at least an overnight stay. Plan to stay 2 nights if possible.
Mini-abdominoplasty can be done as a day procedure. Both procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the operation.
In most cases, health insurance policies and Medicare will contribute to the cost of abdominoplasty or mini-abdominoplasty. Our theatre booking staff can help you with this information.
Preparing for your surgery is important. Dr McGovern and his team will give you step by step instructions on everything- from guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Do not go on a stringent diet, as thish can inhibit your ability to heal.
If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery may need to be postponed. Notify your surgeon’s friendly staff.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for at least one week following abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss solution or alternative. If your BMI (body mass index) is not within normal range,Dr McGovern will suggest getting this down to your ideal before proceeding with tummy tuck surgery.
If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon and his extremely attentive staff at your consultation.
