How can I fix the appearance of my stomach?

You have finally lost the weight and adopted a healthier lifestyle, but you’re finding yourself now unhappy with the appearance of your skin. Alternatively, you’re finding it hard to lose that stubborn fat in your lower stomach region. Or you might also be experiencing the following:

• weakened or separated muscles
• pain
• diminished bladder function
• itching and skin infections caused by excess skin
• change the shape and tone of the abdomen to create a firmer and smoother profile.

So what are your options?

Many clients come to Azurite seeking improvement of their stomach appearance in some way – but are unsure of what they require. So what the options, and what is the difference?

Generally, there are three options: simple liposuction, a mini tummy tuck with or without liposuction and finally a full tummy tuck (usually with liposuction in our packages). 

Liposuction only – This is generally only suitable for younger patients who have not been pregnant before, who have good quality elastic skin and whose main problem is a small excess of fat. These patients typically find themselves with a little potbelly – a slight excess of fat in the lower stomach. During the procedure, small incisions are made, excess fat is removed, and the wounds are closed. 

Whereas, a mini tummy tuck is a slightly more advanced procedure and treats the abdominal area below the level of the belly button only, and, to a small degree, above. A Mini Tummy Tuck is a more superficial surgery, it doesn’t involve going into any tummy cavities or the tightening of muscles. It is, therefore, less invasive than a full tummy tuck. 

Mini-Abdominoplasty may not be suitable for women who:

• Have significant amounts of loose skin and fat that require a conventional tummy tuck, or a more extensive body lift.
• Have not completed their families, i.e. Are still planning more children
• Have not lost the weight they want to lose
• Have fluctuations in their weight
• Are very overweight or obese (BMI >35)
• Have multiple medical problems
• Have various cars on their tummy, or have had a gallbladder removal through a large incision (open cholecystectomy)
• Are on blood-thinning medication
• Are actively smoking
• Will not accept the scar of a mini tummy tuck

Full tummy tuck

The perfect candidate is a woman with prior pregnancies which have stretched her abdominal muscles past the point of repair by regular exercise. 

Full Tummy Tuck handles not only below the belly button but above it significantly at the top of the abdomen just below your chest. The surgery for a Full Tummy Tuck is a larger and more complicated procedure than a Mini Tummy Tuck, as it involves repairing muscle separation, which can be apparent after pregnancy. With a full tummy tuck, you can expect large amounts of excess skin removed as well as fat from the middle and lower abdomen, along with tightening of the abdominal wall. Women with large amounts of abdominal fat will require additional liposuction to ensure the desired results. 

What if I can’t afford it now?

If you’re eligible under Australian ATO government standards – you can utilise your superannuation for early release to make the payment learn more. Send us a message if you want to find out the next steps.