Abdominoplasty With Dr Hertess On the Gold Coast

Dr Isolde Hertess performs abdominoplasty for suitable patients on the Gold Coast, with planning based on your anatomy, your health, and what can be done safely. The aim is to provide clear information about the procedure, including scars, recovery, and risks, so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty reshapes the abdomen by addressing excess lower abdominal skin and tissue. The surgery usually involves an incision across the lower abdomen, although the exact placement depends on your anatomy and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.

Abdominoplasty may also include tightening of the abdominal wall. After pregnancy or weight change, the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles can stretch, and this can contribute to a “soft” or widened midsection even when weight is stable. Tightening can change support and abdominal shape, but results vary, and changes over time can still occur.

Types of Abdominoplasty

The most suitable type of abdominoplasty depends on where the excess skin is located, the amount of tissue involved, and whether abdominal wall tightening is required. During consultation, options may be discussed, such as:

Full Abdominoplasty

A full abdominoplasty addresses the lower abdomen and usually involves repositioning the umbilicus (belly button). It may also include abdominal wall tightening if there is separation or laxity that can be safely addressed. This option is often considered when there is excess skin across the lower abdomen and a broader change in contour.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty is sometimes considered when excess skin is limited to the area below the belly button and when the upper abdomen does not require the same level of reshaping. Not all patients are suitable for a mini approach, and a careful assessment helps clarify what is realistic.

Extended Abdominoplasty

An extended approach may be discussed when excess skin and tissue extend further to the sides, beyond the central abdomen. This can involve a longer incision to allow a more comprehensive reshaping of the lower abdominal and side areas, depending on anatomy and tissue distribution.

Planning Abdominoplasty With Dr Isolde Hertess

Abdominoplasty planning is detailed because it involves both aesthetic and safety considerations. Dr Hertess will usually discuss the points below so you understand what surgery involves and what recovery can look like.

Scar Placement and Scarring

Abdominoplasty involves scars. The main scar is usually placed low across the abdomen, and a full abdominoplasty often includes a scar around the umbilicus. Scars can remain visible, and scar appearance varies between patients.

Abdominal Wall Tightening

If abdominal wall tightening is included, it will be explained in clear terms, including what it may change and what it may not change. Tightening can change abdominal shape, but it does not prevent future stretching from pregnancy or weight change, and results can vary.

Combining With Other Procedures

Some patients ask about combining procedures, such as abdominoplasty with breast surgery. This may be discussed in selected cases, but suitability depends on health factors, operative time, and safety. If combining procedures is not suitable, staging may be recommended.

Health Factors That Affect Healing

To ensure a safer procedure, it is important to provide a clear medical history, as certain factors can affect surgical planning. Smoking or vaping, in particular, increases the risk of complications such as problems with wound healing. Additionally, some pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, and any history of previous abdominal surgery must be considered.

Hospital and Anaesthetic

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting. Planning also covers time away from work, activity limits during recovery, and follow-up care.

During consultation on the Gold Coast, Dr Hertess ensures patients have clear information about what surgery can address, what is likely to vary during healing, and what risks need to be considered.

Recovery After Abdominoplasty

Recovery time varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of surgery. Swelling, tightness, bruising, and tiredness are common early on, and you will be given aftercare instructions about activity limits while you heal. In addition, you will also be advised on time away from work, especially if your job is physical, and when you can return to lifting, exercise, and higher-intensity activity.

During recovery, you may be advised to do gentle walking to support circulation and to wear a compression garment if recommended. Follow-up appointments are important because they allow healing to be checked and advice to be adjusted. If drains are used, this will be explained before surgery, including how long they may stay in place and how to care for them. It is also normal to notice changes in sensation or numbness around the lower abdomen, and these can take time to settle as healing progresses.