What Can a Tummy Tuck Really Do? Sydney Plastic Surgeon Explains

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwired - Oct 1, 2013) - Dr Steve Merten has many patients visit his Sydney plastic surgery practice who express concern about excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. Dr Merten says many of these patients have undergone substantial body changes due to pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, and some have been dealing with the issue for almost their entire lives. "Most of the patients I see have tried hard to restore their abdominal shape through diet and exercise, but haven't succeeded as the stretched muscle and skin really can't self-correct. They often feel embarrassed with their partner or friends, and avoid having their abdomen exposed. In Australia, with our outdoor lifestyle, this is a real problem." In order to remove excess fat and tighten the loose skin and muscles of the abdomen, Dr. Merten often performs an abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck" procedure, restoring tone and a "flatter" look to this area of the body.

In a recent blog post entitled, "Dr Merten Details What Patients Should Expect with a Tummy Tuck," Dr Merten outlines what the average patient should expect during a tummy tuck procedure. According to Dr Merten, "After careful physical examination, I tailor the surgery to address the exact problem." He states that because each patient has been affected differently by pregnancy, weight loss, or other issues, each procedure needs to be individually tailored to achieve the most successful results.

Depending upon the amount of loose skin and the degree of separation of the abdominal muscles, Dr Merten works with his patients to decide if a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck would best to fulfill their aesthetic goals. While the full tummy tuck is capable of addressing concerns that begin at the breastbone, allowing for the maximum amount of loose skin to be removed, the mini tummy tuck has the benefit of a shorter incision and also leaves the belly button in place. Dr Merten highlights that the mini tummy tuck is often more suitable for patients whose concerns are limited to the lower abdomen.

The Sydney plastic surgeon says tummy tucks are one of the most popular procedures among his patients. "Most patients find that their confidence is improved, and they are more comfortable both in and out of clothes," says Dr Merten. "Most patients also find that their ability to exercise is improved, and back pain is often improved as well, as the muscles of the abdomen are now working in a more efficient position."

Dr Merten points out that many of his tummy tuck patients simultaneously opt to address other areas of concern on their bodies. These patients often seek to combine the tummy tuck with procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction for their flanks and thighs to achieve more dramatic results with one surgical visit, while simultaneously consolidating recovery time. No matter what concerns his tummy tuck patients express, Dr Merten approaches each procedure with the goal of "[giving] all my patients the best possible abdominal shape for their physique, with as minimal scarring as possible."

About Steve Merten, FRACS
Dr Steve Merten graduated from medical school at Sydney University, completed Fellowships in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery and Monash University, and completed a Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Dr Merten currently trains surgeons from around the world as a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery at Macquarie University, Sydney. Dr Merten is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), and other organisations. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr Steve Merten and Pure Aesthetics, please visit pureaesthetics.com.au or facebook.com/PureAestheticsSydney.

To view the original source of the press release, click here: http://www.pureaesthetics.com.au/news-room/what-can-a-tummy-tuck-really-do-sydney-plastic-surgeon-explains/