What an Abdominoplasty Can Achieve
Pregnancy, weight loss and ageing can result in loose abdominal skin, stubborn pockets of fat and separation of the underlying abdominal wall muscles that do not respond to diet or exercise alone. An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, addresses these concerns by removing excess tissue and restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall.
The aim of surgery is to create a flatter, firmer abdominal profile with improved contour and silhouette. Repair of muscle separation may also enhance core strength and stability.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to discuss yourgoals and expectations, and develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
The approach depends on the amount of redundant skin and fat present, as well as the degree of muscle separation. A full abdominoplasty addresses both the upper and lower abdomen and includes musclerepair and repositioning of the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty is suitablewhen changes are confined to the lower abdomen. In cases of significant excess skin both vertically and horizontally, a Fleur-de-Lis technique may be recommended.
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and may be undertaken alone or combined with procedures such as liposuction or breast surgery where appropriate.
Recovery and Aftercare
An abdominoplasty typically involves a hospita lstay of up to three nights. Initially, you may walk slightly flexed at the waist, gradually returning to an upright posture over one to two weeks.Abdominal tightness and discomfort are common and are often described as similar to muscle strain.
A compression garment is recommended for approximately six weeks to assist healing and shaping. You will also be guided through a structured scar management programme to optimise long-term scar maturation.
Return to work depends on the physical demands ofyour role. Desk-based work is often possible within two to three weeks, while more physically demanding roles require a longer recovery period.
Is an Abdominoplasty Right for You?
You may be suitable for an abdominoplasty if your concerns include loose skin, muscle separation or changes in abdominal contour following pregnancy or weight loss.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of the surgical approach most appropriate for you.
Abdominoplasty in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
Anabdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repair separation of the abdominal musculature. The goal is to improve abdominal contour and silhouette while restoring core support and stability.
A full abdominoplasty addresses both the upper and lower abdomen and includes repair of muscle separation and repositioning of the belly button.
A mini abdominoplasty is suitable when excess skin and fat are limited to the lower abdomen only and does not require repositioning of the belly button.
Both procedures may be combined with liposuction where appropriate.
A Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty is a more extensive form of tummy tuck designed for patients with significant excess skin both vertically and horizontally, most commonly following major weight loss.
In addition to the standard horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, a vertical incision is made along the midline of the abdomen. This allows excess skin to be removed in two directions, improving waist definition and overall abdominal contour where a standard full abdominoplasty may not achieve the same result.
As with a full abdominoplasty, the procedure usually includes repair of abdominal muscle separation and repositioning of the belly button. While this technique results in an additional vertical scar, it is carefully planned and discussed during your consultation to achieve the best balance between contour improvement and scarring.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey and helps support the best possible outcome. During your consultation, Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, goals and expectations to help plan your surgery safely and effectively.
The best results are achieved when your weight has been stable and within a healthy range for approximately three months prior to surgery. Patients must be nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping, and all nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to three nights, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery needs.
Drains are usually placed in the abdomen to reduce the risk of fluid build-up (seroma). They are temporary and are removed during your early recovery.
Yes. An abdominoplasty may be combined with procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation, or other body contouring procedures. This can be discussed as part of your personalised surgical plan during your consultation.
Scarring is a common concern for patients considering abdominoplasty, and it is important to review a range of post-operative photographs to understand the natural variation in scar appearance and healing.
A full abdominoplasty results in a low horizontal scar across the lower abdomen and a scar around the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty involves a shorter lower abdominal scar and does not require a scar around the belly button. A Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty includes the same lower abdominal and belly button scars as a full abdominoplasty, with the addition of a vertical midline scar. This allows more extensive skin removal where required. In all cases, scars are carefully planned and positioned as low as possible, so they are typically concealed by underwear.
Scars are initially more noticeable but usually fade and soften over 12–18 months. Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal scar maturation and long-term aesthetic outcome.
Scarring is a common concern for patients considering abdominoplasty, and it is important to review a range of post-operative photographs to understand the natural variation in scar appearance and healing.
A full abdominoplasty results in a low horizontal scar across the lower abdomen and a scar around the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty involves a shorter lower abdominal scar and does not require a scar around the belly button. A Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty includes the same lower abdominal and belly button scars as a full abdominoplasty, with the addition of a vertical midline scar. This allows more extensive skin removal where required. In all cases, scars are carefully planned and positioned as low as possible, so they are typically concealed by underwear.
Scars are initially more noticeable but usually fade and soften over 12–18 months. Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal scar maturation and long-term aesthetic outcome.
No. Dissolvable sutures are used.
Depending on the nature of your work, you may require two to three weeks away to recover. Heavier physical activity should be avoided for approximately six weeks.
Driving is usually safe once you can comfortably turn the steering wheel, check blind spots, and perform an emergency stop without discomfort. This is typically around ten to fourteen days after surgery.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. More strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately six weeks. Core-strengthening exercises should be avoided for around twelve weeks. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
Abdominoplasty is a well-established procedure, but as with all surgery, there are risks involved. These include pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, asymmetry, changes in sensation, partial or complete loss of the belly button, and the potential need for revision surgery. These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation.
In some cases, a previous caesarean section scar can be excised at the time of anabdominoplasty. This depends on the position of the scar and the amount and quality of abdominal tissue available. If the scar is very low or the tissues are tight, removal may not be possible.
Yes. Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a number of factors, including anatomy, tissue quality, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks, and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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