Corset

Abdominoplasty

Corset Abdominoplasty, also known as Corset Trunkplasty or Corset body lift, is a specialised surgical procedure.

You may have heard of abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a ‘tummy tuck’, but are you familiar with its more precise counterpart, corset abdominoplasty? This surgical procedure is offering a unique approach to abdominal contouring. Corset Abdominoplasty, also known as Corset Trunkplasty or Corset body lift, is a specialised surgical procedure aimed at individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with excess, sagging skin around the abdominal area. Unlike traditional tummy tucks, this innovative technique employs a 3-vector plication method to tighten not just the vertical rectus muscles but also the oblique muscles on the sides of the abdomen. The result is a comprehensive realignment and ‘corseting’ of the abdominal muscles, which creates a more defined waistline.

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Before we delve into the specifics of corset abdominoplasty, it’s crucial to understand the broader concept of abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of your abdomen. It does this by removing excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdomen to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Abdominoplasty is often sought after by those who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy, resulting in sagging or loose skin. It’s also an option for those who struggle with stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. Remember, abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Instead, it’s a body contouring method that enhances your abdominal area’s aesthetics.

What Is Corset Abdominoplasty?

Now that you know what abdominoplasty is, let’s explore the specific procedure of corset abdominoplasty. As the name suggests, corset abdominoplasty is a type of tummy tuck that mimics the effect of wearing a corset. This procedure creates a more defined waistline and a flatter abdomen, offering a superior aesthetic outcome compared to conventional tummy tucks.

Corset abdominoplasty involves an additional step of suture plication, creating a ‘corset’ pattern across the stomach muscles. This additional step enhances the waist tightening effect, giving you a more hourglass figure. Unlike traditional abdominoplasty, corset abdominoplasty targets both vertical and horizontal abdominal muscles, ensuring an all-around contouring result.

Corset Abdominoplasty offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for individuals looking to improve the appearance and function of their abdominal area. Here are some of the advantages:

1. A More Defined Body Contour

One of the most significant benefits of Corset Abdominoplasty is the improved body contour it provides. By tightening both the vertical and horizontal abdominal muscles, the procedure creates a more defined waistline.

2. Muscle Repair

Corset Abdominoplasty is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced muscle separation due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or ageing. The procedure helps to repair and suture these separated muscles, restoring both function and appearance.

3. Excess Skin Removal

For individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or have excess skin due to ageing or pregnancy, this procedure effectively removes the sagging skin, leaving a smoother and firmer abdominal area.

4. Improved Posture

The tightening of abdominal muscles can also lead to improved posture. A stronger core supports the spine better, potentially alleviating back pain and improving overall posture.

5. Long-Lasting Results

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of a Corset Abdominoplasty can be long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight and regular exercise can help you enjoy the benefits of the procedure for many years.

6. Customisable

The procedure can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to remove excess skin, tighten muscles, or achieve a more defined waistline, Corset Abdominoplasty can be customised to deliver the results you desire.

7. Potential for Combined Procedures

Corset Abdominoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation.

8. Improved Comfort and Mobility

By removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal area, many people find that they experience less skin irritation and improved mobility, making everyday activities more comfortable.

So, who is a good candidate for a corset abdominoplasty? Generally speaking, you are a good candidate if you are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are at a stable weight. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those with a wide waistline or a protruding abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.

Women who have gone through multiple pregnancies may find corset abdominoplasty helpful. Moreover, those who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin can also benefit from this procedure.

The corset abdominoplasty procedure begins with an incision in the lower abdomen, similar to a traditional abdominoplasty. The skin is then lifted, exposing the underlying muscles. Dr Jake Lim will then tighten these muscles using sutures, creating a ‘corset’ effect.

The next step involves removing excess skin and fat. Once this is done, the skin is re-draped over the newly sculpted abdominal area, and the incision is closed. The entire procedure can take a few hours and is performed under general anaesthesia.

Preparing for a Corset Abdominoplasty

Before undergoing corset abdominoplasty, it’s essential to prepare. Start by discussing your goals and expectations with Dr Lim. He will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do before the surgery.

Generally, you will be advised to quit smoking and avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding. You may also need to undergo a few lab tests to ensure you are in good health for the surgery.

After the surgery, you should expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Dr Lim will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your surgical site and manage pain.

Most people can return to non-strenuous work within two weeks, while full recovery can take several weeks. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activity and follow a healthy lifestyle to ensure optimal results.

Like any surgical procedure, corset abdominoplasty comes with potential risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, poor healing, and changes in skin sensation.

Dr Lim’s 2023 Abdominoplasty Guide

Abdominoplasty Guide
Abdominoplasty Guide

Pre and Post-Operative Care

  • You must fast prior to your procedure — do not eat, drink (even water) or chew anything for at least six hours before your procedure. The hospital will ring you the day before your procedure to confirm your admission time.
  • If you have a gastric band or sleeve, you will need to have a fluid diet the day before your surgery and fast for at least eight hours on the day of your procedure.
  • Notify Dr Lim of any medications that you are currently taking.
  • Do not take any medication that contains aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory or herbal medication for two weeks before your procedure. Aspirin thins the blood, which can result in unnecessary blood loss during your procedure.
  • Do not smoke for eight weeks before and eight weeks after your procedure. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and may delay the healing process.
  • Do not drink any alcohol for two days before and two days after your procedure as it can interfere with the anaesthetic you will be given on the day.
  • Vitamin C may help reduce your healing time and is recommended for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
  • Do not wear any nail polish, make-up or jewellery to the hospital and leave any valuables at home.
  • You will need comfortable, loose clothing, like a tracksuit, to wear home from the hospital. This will prevent pressure on your abdomen, which will still be tender
  • Dr Lim will normally visit you in the hospital the morning after your procedure. You will be assisted to sit up or get out of bed. The physiotherapist may attend to assist you.
  • When you wake up you will have a firm binder around your abdomen and two drains. The drains will be removed about a week after your surgery, or when the amount of drainage fluid has reduced. You will be discharged once you are feeling well and you are mobile. You will need to wear the abdominal binder for six weeks — Dr Lim will advise you on this in more detail.
  • General anaesthetic can take a few days to recover from — it can be quite normal to feel a little slow or out of sorts for a few days.
  • You will need to walk in a hunched over position for the first few days and slowly straighten up as your pain subsides. You will also be more comfortable laying with your knees bent and your back and head supported by a few pillows. In some cases, sleeping on a recliner can be more comfortable.
  • While you are in hospital you will be given medication for the pain. The amount of pain you feel after the operation varies from person to person. If you are concerned about the amount of pain you are in, or you feel you cannot control the pain, you should inform the nursing staff while in hospital, or call My Klinik if you are at home.
  • It is crucial that you finish the course of antibiotics you are prescribed to prevent any post-op infection.
  • While in hospital and at home, you will need to keep your bowels regular. This may involve taking an aperient prescribed by Dr Lim and drinking lots of water. Prune juice may also assist. If you have any trouble, please do not try and strain — inform the nursing staff and medication can be given to assist you.
  • Avoid over exertion and activity for the first six weeks. Take care not to bump, strain or place any pressure on the surgical area. This includes lifting small children.
  • Prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs with frequent gentle walks and mild foot and leg exercises. You will be given small injections to assist with this while you are in hospital. You will be given leg compression stockings that should be worn for three weeks after discharge.
  • Your stomach area may feel quite unusual for the first few weeks. It may feel tight and there may be reduced sensitivity in that area. This should return after a few weeks.
  • Dr Lim will remove any remaining sutures at your one-week post-op checkup.
  • Healing is different for each patient — it is recommended that you take two to three weeks off work. Most people feel well recovered after four to six weeks.
  • Do not smoke for eight weeks after your procedure as this may slow the healing process and affect wound healing.
  • My Klinik nursing staff will contact you to make sure that you are feeling comfortable and to confirm your one-week post-op checkup with Dr Lim.
  • Contact My Klinik if any of the following develop:
    • A temperature higher than 38°C or chills
    • Heavy bleeding or fluid from the incision or drain site
    • Severe sudden pain or tenderness
    • Redness around the incisions that is spreading.
  • Dr Lim and the nursing staff are available to you as you recover — should you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact My Klinik. For after-hours concerns, please contact the hospital where you had your surgery and they will be able to contact Dr Lim as required.

Corset Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) FAQs

Corset Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and reshape the abdominal area. Unlike traditional tummy tuck – abdominoplasty, this procedure focuses on both the vertical and horizontal muscles of the abdomen, creating a ‘corset-like’ effect. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies and are left with excess skin and weakened muscles.

Good candidates for Corset Abdominoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health but have excess skin and fat around the abdominal area that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s also suitable for those who have experienced muscle separation due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations.

Your first consultation with Dr Lim will take around 45 minutes and you are most welcome to bring a support person with you. Due to social distancing measures as a result of COVID-19, the support person may not be able to enter the rooms (depending on the number of persons in the rooms at that particular time).

Dr Lim will take the time to discuss the procedure with you, the changes you desire, and any other issues related to the appearance of your abdominal area that you feel are important to you. This will help Dr Lim understand your expectations and determine if they are achievable.

Dr Lim will explain the risks of surgery and discuss the tummy tuck procedure with you. Your abdominal area will be assessed, and a few measurements and photographs will be taken to plan the procedure.

You do not have to make the decision to proceed with the surgery at this initial consultation. You will be given a written quotation and information to take home to read.

Dr Lim will examine your abdomen and consider factors such as the size and shape of your abdominal area and the quality of your skin.

Please come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you have, medications you are currently taking, allergies you have, other medical treatments you have received and any previous surgery you have had.

A second consultation is required if you wish to proceed with surgery.

While both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the abdomen, Corset Abdominoplasty focuses on tightening the muscles in both the vertical and horizontal directions. This creates a more defined waistline and a flatter tummy, giving a ‘corseted’ appearance. Traditional tummy tucks generally only address the lower abdomen.

Dr Lim performs all abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) at the fully accredited Westmead Private Hospital. Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and you can expect to be in hospital for about three days.

Please contact the hospital a day before surgery to confirm your admission and fasting time. On entering the hospital, you need to report to the admissions desk and the staff will direct you through the admission process. Dr Lim and the anaesthetist will both see you prior to surgery and Dr Lim will make some markings on your abdominal area.

After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery room where you will be closely monitored until you are fully awake and returned to your rooms.

You will have a firm binder around your abdomen and you will have two surgical drains. You will have calf compressors (inflatable devices) and TED or compression stockings on both legs, as well as anticoagulant injections to reduce the risk of blood clots/deep vein thrombosis. You will have a drip in your arm and be connected to a machine to give you pain relief, fluids and medication.

The first days after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable and painful, particularly when you are moving around or coughing. Like most operations, it is not painless; you will be prescribed pain medication during this period and Dr Lim will provide a prescription for you upon discharge. It is also normal to feel tired and a little slow for a day or two following a general anaesthetic.

You will be assisted out of bed the morning after surgery. We prefer you to stay out of bed for a few hours and gently mobilise over the next few days. The physiotherapist may assist you with this while you are in hospital.

Everyone is different, so the recovery period following this procedure varies from person to person — most patients are back to their normal routine in approximately four to six weeks. Movement must be restricted for the first two weeks.

Your abdominal area will be sensitive for two to three weeks following surgery and should be handled according to your own level of comfort.

Returning to work depends on the demands of your job — you may be able to return to light work within three to four weeks. Dr Lim will discuss your individual situation with you before and after your surgery.

We endeavour to make sure our patients are as informed as possible. While some of the potential risks seem frightening, it is important for you to be aware that they can occur. During consultation, Dr Lim will take you through the risks involved.

Some of the possible complications are:

  • Infection
  • Temporary or permanent numbness around operated sites
  • Accumulation of blood (haematoma) around the surgical site which requires drainage
  • Keloids and hypertrophic (or raised) scars
  • Areas of skin that do not heal and may require a skin graft.

Dr Lim will monitor your progress carefully and our staff will stay in contact with you during the post-operative period. You will be seen at frequent intervals over the first six months.

Your relationship with Dr Lim and the nursing staff does not end once you have had the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns after your operation, you are always welcome to call My Klinik.

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About Dr Jake Lim

Highly qualified and experienced specialist plastic surgeon Dr Jake Lim focuses on facial plastic, cosmetic breast and body contouring after significant weight loss

Dr Lim creates the best possible plastic surgery results for his Australia-wide and international patients.

Dr Lim is passionate about making sure each and every patient has access to the right information about available treatments and procedures and is able to make well-informed decisions.

At My Klinik, patient safety, education and achieving optimal results are our top priorities.

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