Dr Lewis Blennerhassett - Specialist Plastic Surgeon Perth
Skilled in abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery), Dr Lewis Blennerhassett is a respected and highly trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He has performed abdominoplasty surgery for more than 25 years.
His work is focused on being meticulous and precise – prioritising safety and standards. His tummy tuck surgery in Perth is performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped Perth hospitals. His anaesthetists are highly qualified, experienced and skilled.
Abdominoplasty care/tummy tuck surgery offered by Dr Blennerhassett is highly individualised and based on your needs. After a comprehensive and thorough discussion with you, he will personally work with you on your operation plan.
*Dr Lewis Blennerhassett (MED0001532372), registered medical practitioner
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery
What is a tummy tuck procedure?
The medical name for a tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty, a procedure to remove and tighten loose skin on the abdomen and improve shape and tone.
It is usually combined with surgery to repair or tighten the rectus muscles (the six-pack muscles, that may have weakened or separated due to pregnancy and child birth) and procedures to remove excess fat – such as liposuction.
All this is usually done via a low incision, if possible, low enough to be covered by bathers or other clothing. In addition, an incision around the bellybutton (umbilicus) is commonly required.
The aim is to place scars along skin lines and creases.
While your procedure will be individualised, in general, there are several different types of tummy tucks:
His work is focused on being meticulous and precise – prioritising safety and standards. His tummy tuck surgery in Perth is performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped Perth hospitals. His anaesthetists are highly qualified, experienced and skilled.
Abdominoplasty care/tummy tuck surgery offered by Dr Blennerhassett is highly individualised and based on your needs. After a comprehensive and thorough discussion with you, he will personally work with you on your operation plan.
*Dr Lewis Blennerhassett (MED0001532372), registered medical practitioner
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery
What is a tummy tuck procedure?
The medical name for a tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty, a procedure to remove and tighten loose skin on the abdomen and improve shape and tone.
It is usually combined with surgery to repair or tighten the rectus muscles (the six-pack muscles, that may have weakened or separated due to pregnancy and child birth) and procedures to remove excess fat – such as liposuction.
All this is usually done via a low incision, if possible, low enough to be covered by bathers or other clothing. In addition, an incision around the bellybutton (umbilicus) is commonly required.
The aim is to place scars along skin lines and creases.
While your procedure will be individualised, in general, there are several different types of tummy tucks:
- Mini
- Full
- Liposuction only
- After significant weight loss
- Repair of abdominal muscles
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Is tummy tuck surgery right for you?
There are several groups of women who commonly seek abdominoplasty:
Keep in mind that while the results of the procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight.
Women considering future pregnancies – you will be advised against abdominoplasty if you are contemplating further pregnancies.
What will a tummy tuck do?
While abdominoplasty can be a cosmetic procedure, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons states that an abdominoplasty may also be partly a reconstructive procedure that is necessary to:
A abdominoplasty/tummy tuck will not correct stretch marks, however some of the stretch marks in the lower abdomen may be removed with the skin excision
There are several groups of women who commonly seek abdominoplasty:
- women who have had children and subsequently have a degree of loose skin and/or stretched muscles that require tightening.
- those with excess skin and fat in the low abdomen (sometimes called an apron). This apron may be uncomfortable, causing a rash or excessive sweating, or may make it difficult to find clothing that fits correctly.
- those with excess skin on the abdomen following significant weight loss.
Keep in mind that while the results of the procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight.
Women considering future pregnancies – you will be advised against abdominoplasty if you are contemplating further pregnancies.
What will a tummy tuck do?
While abdominoplasty can be a cosmetic procedure, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons states that an abdominoplasty may also be partly a reconstructive procedure that is necessary to:
- Correct abdominal abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, extensive weight loss, trauma, tumours or other disease
- Correct or relieve structural defects of the abdomen
- Improve function of abdominal muscles
- Change the appearance of the abdomen
- Repair an abdominal hernia that has followed previous abdominal surgery
- Remove a large apron of fat, called a “pannus”, that can cause chronic dermatitis, skin infection, difficulty in walking and difficulties with hygiene. The surgical removal of a pannus is called an “apronectomy”
A abdominoplasty/tummy tuck will not correct stretch marks, however some of the stretch marks in the lower abdomen may be removed with the skin excision
Tummy Tuck Risks - Abdominoplasty Risks
From the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://plasticsurgery.org.au/)
Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur, states the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Some risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may include:
Does a tummy tuck require anaesthesia?
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep for the procedure. Dr Lewis Blennerhassett ensures his abdominoplasty procedures are performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped hospitals, with highly qualified skilled anaesthetists.
Most of these procedures take approximately three hours. In most cases, you will stay in hospital for three to four nights after the surgery.
How much is a tummy tuck in Perth?
Following your consultation, Dr Blennerhassett’s practice staff will be able to advise you of the costs associated with your individualised treatment plan for an abdominoplasty. Please contact Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 9381 6977.
The costs will depend upon whether you are able to claim this procedure with your private health insurance.
Medicare may cover some of the costs of an tummy tuck if you meet certain criteria, such as if you have a separation of your rectus muscles or if there has been significant weight loss.
This can be determined during your consultation with Dr Blennerhassett and may require an application to Medicare.
In general, your costs associated with an abdominoplasty procedure may include:
What do I need to do before a tummy tuck?
Referral needed
You will now need to first obtain a referral for cosmetic surgery from your GP. We will also get you to complete a screening questionnaire. The changes are new rulings from the Medical Board and AHPRA. They are being introduced across Australia to further support high quality care. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision, needing planning and consideration.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with these changes, our lovely staff members are ready on standby to help out. Pls phone Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 93816977
Consultations
With extensive experience in tummy tuck surgery in Perth, Dr Lewis Blennerhassett personally oversees your care from your first consultation through to full recovery.
First Consultation - At your first visit, he will listen to your needs, discuss your requirements, concerns and risks, and an operative plan will be formulated specifically for you.
Once an operative plan has been formulated, an accurate estimate of the costs involved will be given to you. This will take into account the cost of the operation, the anaesthetic and also the hospital fees.
Second Consultation with Dr Blennerhassett - this will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may not have thought of at the first visit and ensure all information about the requirements of surgery is fresh in your mind.
After your second appointment - if you want to go ahead with your surgery - we will make arrangements to book a date for the surgical procedure. Our practice staff - Tara, Domenica and Paula - will be able to assist with finding a suitable date.
We will also start your paperwork (allowing for a seven-day cooling off period required by the Medical Board).
You will be provided with an invoice for the payment of the surgical fee to sign and agree to.
Please note for security purposes - we will NEVER email you to advise a change in payment details, including a change in bank account. Please call our office directly if there are any issues with payment details and beware of fraudulent scam emails.
It’s important to share your travel plans with Dr Blennerhassett and the practice staff.
The five main reasons for this are;
* So we can check the timing of your surgery is appropriate and allows ample time for recovery
* Discuss what holiday activities and exercise you will be able to do
* Check if the surgical wound will be sufficiently healed for you to be able to spend long periods in the car, to fly (possible risk of bleeding or DVT) or swim in the pool or ocean (possible increased risk of infection).
* Discuss if you will have adequate back up medical support
* If either your surgery or holiday has to be rescheduled, then we can do so early on
What do I need to do after a tummy tuck?
During the recovery period, Dr Blennerhassett will be contactable to answer your questions. His mobile number will be provided to you during the pre-surgery consultation.
Drains – these will be removed before you leave hospital.
Types of dressings – we aim to keep dressings as simple for you as possible. You will be given instructions on how to manage these.
All dressings changes are carried out by his highly experienced nurses and his practice staff are friendly and supportive.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
No heavy physical activity for six to eight weeks - such as lifting, sport, yoga, swimming, gym, bike riding, martial arts, rock climbing, parachuting and scuba diving.
Gentle walking is encouraged straight away.
Return to office-type work at approximately three weeks.
Return to heavy physical work at around 6 to 8 weeks (Dr Blennerhassett will advise individually on this)
Tummy tuck words to know
Source – from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
From the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://plasticsurgery.org.au/)
Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur, states the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Some risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may include:
- Wound infection (treatment with antibiotics may be needed)
- Pain and discomfort around the incisions
- Haematoma (an accumulation of blood around the surgical site that may require drainage)
- Visible and prominent scars including keloid and hypertrophic scars. These are raised, red and thickened scars that may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
- Numbness around operated sites. In most cases this is temporary and will improve over many months
- Areas of skin that do not heal and may require a skin graft
- Difficulty in bending forward due to the tightened skin. Other movements may also feel constrained
- Excess fluid accumulation under the skin (known as a seroma) around an operated site that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needle
- In the unlikely event that blood loss during surgery has been large, a transfusion may be needed
- A blood clot in a leg or the chest (deep venous thrombosis) that will require further treatment. It is rare that a clot can move to the lungs and become life threatening
- Nausea (typically from the anaesthetics which usually settles down quickly)
- Dr Blennerhassett will discuss your individual expectations, risks and recovery management in person
Does a tummy tuck require anaesthesia?
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep for the procedure. Dr Lewis Blennerhassett ensures his abdominoplasty procedures are performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped hospitals, with highly qualified skilled anaesthetists.
Most of these procedures take approximately three hours. In most cases, you will stay in hospital for three to four nights after the surgery.
How much is a tummy tuck in Perth?
Following your consultation, Dr Blennerhassett’s practice staff will be able to advise you of the costs associated with your individualised treatment plan for an abdominoplasty. Please contact Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 9381 6977.
The costs will depend upon whether you are able to claim this procedure with your private health insurance.
Medicare may cover some of the costs of an tummy tuck if you meet certain criteria, such as if you have a separation of your rectus muscles or if there has been significant weight loss.
This can be determined during your consultation with Dr Blennerhassett and may require an application to Medicare.
In general, your costs associated with an abdominoplasty procedure may include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anaesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
- Medical tests
What do I need to do before a tummy tuck?
Referral needed
You will now need to first obtain a referral for cosmetic surgery from your GP. We will also get you to complete a screening questionnaire. The changes are new rulings from the Medical Board and AHPRA. They are being introduced across Australia to further support high quality care. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision, needing planning and consideration.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with these changes, our lovely staff members are ready on standby to help out. Pls phone Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 93816977
Consultations
With extensive experience in tummy tuck surgery in Perth, Dr Lewis Blennerhassett personally oversees your care from your first consultation through to full recovery.
First Consultation - At your first visit, he will listen to your needs, discuss your requirements, concerns and risks, and an operative plan will be formulated specifically for you.
Once an operative plan has been formulated, an accurate estimate of the costs involved will be given to you. This will take into account the cost of the operation, the anaesthetic and also the hospital fees.
Second Consultation with Dr Blennerhassett - this will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may not have thought of at the first visit and ensure all information about the requirements of surgery is fresh in your mind.
After your second appointment - if you want to go ahead with your surgery - we will make arrangements to book a date for the surgical procedure. Our practice staff - Tara, Domenica and Paula - will be able to assist with finding a suitable date.
We will also start your paperwork (allowing for a seven-day cooling off period required by the Medical Board).
You will be provided with an invoice for the payment of the surgical fee to sign and agree to.
Please note for security purposes - we will NEVER email you to advise a change in payment details, including a change in bank account. Please call our office directly if there are any issues with payment details and beware of fraudulent scam emails.
It’s important to share your travel plans with Dr Blennerhassett and the practice staff.
The five main reasons for this are;
* So we can check the timing of your surgery is appropriate and allows ample time for recovery
* Discuss what holiday activities and exercise you will be able to do
* Check if the surgical wound will be sufficiently healed for you to be able to spend long periods in the car, to fly (possible risk of bleeding or DVT) or swim in the pool or ocean (possible increased risk of infection).
* Discuss if you will have adequate back up medical support
* If either your surgery or holiday has to be rescheduled, then we can do so early on
What do I need to do after a tummy tuck?
During the recovery period, Dr Blennerhassett will be contactable to answer your questions. His mobile number will be provided to you during the pre-surgery consultation.
Drains – these will be removed before you leave hospital.
Types of dressings – we aim to keep dressings as simple for you as possible. You will be given instructions on how to manage these.
All dressings changes are carried out by his highly experienced nurses and his practice staff are friendly and supportive.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
No heavy physical activity for six to eight weeks - such as lifting, sport, yoga, swimming, gym, bike riding, martial arts, rock climbing, parachuting and scuba diving.
Gentle walking is encouraged straight away.
Return to office-type work at approximately three weeks.
Return to heavy physical work at around 6 to 8 weeks (Dr Blennerhassett will advise individually on this)
Tummy tuck words to know
Source – from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Apronectomy:
A surgical procedure to remove a large and distressing apron of fat (pannus) - Diastasis:
Condition in which abdominal muscles have separated - Liposuction:
Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness - Pannus:
A large apron of fat that can cause chronic dermatitis, skin infection, difficulty in walking and difficulties with hygiene - Sutures:
Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together
