An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen and, where needed, repairs separated abdominal muscles. Dr Kumar performs it most often after major weight loss and after pregnancy, for women and men.
In short: An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes loose lower abdominal skin, tightens the abdomen and repositions the belly button, leaving a low scar from hip to hip. It takes 3 to 4 hours under general anaesthetic, with at least three nights at Westmead Private Hospital. Most people take about two weeks off desk-based work and are cleared for full activity at about 12 weeks. Medicare items 30177 (after significant weight loss) and 30175 (muscle repair after pregnancy) can apply when their criteria are met. A GP referral is needed, and the first consultation is $400 with a Medicare rebate of about $88.
- Who it is for
- Am I suitable?
- Which abdominoplasty?
- The operation
- Recovery
- Scars and sensation
- Risks
- Cost and Medicare
- Questions
Who an abdominoplasty is for
After major weight loss. Skin that has been stretched for years does not shrink back. After bariatric surgery, weight-loss medication or diet and exercise, many people are left with an apron of skin that causes rashes, skin breakdown, hygiene problems and difficulty with exercise and clothing. This is the group Dr Kumar treats most often, and many of them are men. Read more about body contouring after weight loss.
After pregnancy. Pregnancy can stretch the skin and separate the two vertical abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). When the separation causes pain, back pain or urinary symptoms and physiotherapy has not helped, the muscles can be repaired as part of the operation. Read more about abdominoplasty with muscle repair, diastasis recti repair and post-pregnancy surgery.
Men. Men often carry loose skin around the lower abdomen and flanks after weight loss. The scar is planned to sit under shorts and swimwear. Read more about abdominoplasty for men.
An abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss operation. It works best once your weight has stopped changing.
Am I suitable?
- Loose skin or an apron of skin on the lower abdomen
- Rashes, chafing or skin breakdown under the skin fold
- Separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy
- Weight stable for at least three months
- No nicotine in any form, or ready to stop: eight weeks before and after surgery after weight loss, six weeks otherwise
- Diabetes and other conditions well controlled
- Finished, or close to finishing, having children
- Realistic expectations about the scar and recovery
Dr Kumar can see you at any stage of your weight-loss journey, and plans surgery once your weight has been stable for at least three months. Before surgery, Dr Kumar’s team can refer you to an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and a DEXA scan measures body composition so that preparation can be planned. Read more about DEXA scans, nutrition before skin removal surgery and diabetes and body contouring.
Not sure which operation suits you?
Dr Kumar’s nursing team can review photos with Dr Kumar before you book, or you can arrange a consultation in Westmead, Penrith or Orange. A GP referral is needed.
Which abdominoplasty?
The operation is chosen by where the loose skin is, not by its name.
| Operation | Where the loose skin is | Scar | Medicare item when criteria are met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini abdominoplasty | Below the belly button only | Short and low; belly button not moved | Usually none |
| Full abdominoplasty | Above and below the belly button | Hip to hip, plus the belly button | 30177 after weight loss; 30175 with muscle repair after pregnancy |
| Extended abdominoplasty | Front and sides, as far as the flanks | Continues around the flanks | 30177 after weight loss |
| Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty | Front, loose from side to side as well as top to bottom | Low scar plus a vertical scar | 30177 after weight loss |
| Panniculectomy | A hanging apron only | Low; belly button usually not moved | 30166 after weight loss |
| Body lift | All the way around, including back, buttocks and outer thighs | All the way around at the waistband | 30179 after weight loss |
Where the loose skin sits only above the belly button, a reverse abdominoplasty pulls it upward and places the scar in the fold beneath the breasts.
If you are unsure whether you need a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or a body lift, look at yourself from behind: a roll of skin across the lower back, or buttocks and outer thighs that have dropped, point towards a body lift. Read abdominoplasty or liposuction? if your concern is fat rather than loose skin.
What the operation involves
- Marking. The incisions are marked with you standing, so that the scar sits low enough to be covered by most underwear and swimwear.
- Removing the loose skin. Under general anaesthetic, the skin and fat of the lower abdomen are lifted and the excess is removed.
- Muscle repair, where needed. Separated muscles are stitched back together, which tightens the abdominal wall.
- The belly button. It stays attached to the abdominal wall and is brought out through a new opening in the tightened skin.
- Closing. The wound is closed in layers, drains are placed, and Prineo and Micropore dressings are applied.
Liposuction of the flanks, a mons reduction or repair of a hernia can be added when needed. Some patients combine an abdominoplasty with breast surgery in one operation; whether that is safe and sensible depends on your health and the total length of the operation. Read more about monsplasty, abdominoplasty and hernia repair and staged surgery planning.
Recovery, week by week
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | In hospital at Westmead Private. Walking starts early to reduce the risk of blood clots. Drains and pain relief are managed by the ward and Dr Kumar’s team. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | At home, walking several times a day, slightly bent at first. Shower after 48 hours, pat the dressings dry, then use a hair dryer if needed so they are completely dry, carefully, because the surrounding skin can be numb. First review at one week. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Most people return to desk-based work and gradually to everyday activities. Compression garment day and night. No lifting over 5 kg. |
| Week 6 | Dressings and garment come off at the six-week review. Exercise is built up gradually from here. |
| Week 12 | Most patients are cleared for full activity, including heavy lifting and core work after muscle repair. |
| 6 to 12 months | Swelling settles and the scar matures. Reviews at six months and 12 months. |
Dr Kumar’s patients have ongoing contact and care from his team after surgery, with reviews at one week, six weeks, 12 weeks, six months and 12 months, and as often as needed in between. Read more about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) recovery, drains, compression garments and time off work.
Scars and sensation
The scar runs low across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip, with a scar around the belly button. Its length follows the amount of loose skin: a shorter scar than the skin needs leaves folds at each end. The scar is reddest and firmest at around three months, then softens and fades, and is pale and flat in most patients by 12 to 18 months. No nicotine, no heavy lifting for six weeks, silicone and sun protection all help. Read more about the belly button after abdominoplasty and scars after skin removal surgery.
The skin between the belly button and the scar is numb after surgery. Feeling improves over months, but an area just above the scar may stay permanently reduced. Avoid heat packs on the abdomen while it is numb.
Risks
Every operation carries risk, and an abdominoplasty is a major operation. Risks include:
- Bleeding and haematoma
- Seroma (fluid collection), which may need drainage
- Infection
- Wound separation and delayed healing, more likely with smoking or diabetes
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Thickened, widened or uneven scars
- Numbness, which may be permanent in part
- Fat necrosis (firm areas under the skin)
- Problems with the belly button, including its shape or healing
- Asymmetry or small folds of skin at the ends of the scar
- Risks of general anaesthesia
- The need for further surgery
Dr Kumar discusses the risks that apply to you at consultation. Read the risks and considerations of surgery and seroma after body contouring.
Cost and Medicare
Fee guide: Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) has a surgical and aftercare fee from $16,000. If you are self-funded, the anaesthetist is $3,000–$6,000 and the hospital $7,000–$11,000, for an indicative total from $26,000. Fees include GST where it applies, and a Medicare item and your health fund can reduce what you pay. Your written, itemised quote after consultation confirms the figure. See all fees.
There are no package prices, because the cost depends on the operation, its length and whether a Medicare item applies. After consultation you receive a written, itemised quote listing the surgeon’s fee, the nurses’ fee (which includes your aftercare), the anaesthetist, the surgical assistant, the hospital and garments, with the Medicare item numbers expected to apply.
| Medicare item | When it can apply |
|---|---|
| 30177 | Abdominoplasty after significant weight loss (at least five BMI points), with weight stable for at least six months, a skin condition such as intertrigo that has not settled after three months of treatment, and interference with daily activities |
| 30175 | Muscle repair after pregnancy, with a separation of at least 3 cm on imaging, at least moderately severe pain or discomfort, or low back pain or urinary symptoms, physiotherapy tried first, and no pregnancy in the past 12 months. Once per lifetime. |
| 30166 | Removal of a hanging apron of skin as a wedge (panniculectomy) for functional problems after significant weight loss, with weight stable for at least six months |
When a Medicare item applies and your hospital cover includes plastic and reconstructive surgery, your health fund contributes to the hospital’s charges and part of the doctors’ fees, and the operation is GST-free. Surgery performed only to change appearance has no Medicare item: health funds do not contribute and GST is charged. A deposit is paid when you book, after the cooling-off period, and the balance one month before surgery; if you book up to six months ahead, you can pay in interest-free instalments arranged directly with the practice. Read more on the cost and Medicare page, Medicare for skin removal surgery and health fund cover.
Results
An abdominoplasty gives a flatter, firmer lower abdomen and removes the skin fold that causes rashes and discomfort. The result lasts as long as your weight stays stable; significant weight gain or a later pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscle again. Individual results vary. Before and after photographs of Dr Kumar’s patients are in the abdominoplasty gallery.
Where Dr Kumar consults and operates
Consultations are held at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. Abdominoplasty is performed at Westmead Private Hospital. Patients from Orange and the Central West can have their follow-up in Orange. If you live a long way away, you can send photos to Dr Kumar’s team before your first appointment. Read the information for travelling patients.
Common questions
How long does an abdominoplasty take?
Usually 3 to 4 hours under general anaesthetic.
How long will I be in hospital after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
At least three nights at Westmead Private Hospital.
How much time off work will I need?
About two weeks for desk-based work, longer for physical work. Most people return gradually to everyday activities over the next four weeks and are cleared for full activity at about 12 weeks.
Does Medicare cover an abdominoplasty?
Not when it is done to change appearance. Items 30177 and 30166 can apply after significant weight loss, and 30175 for muscle repair after pregnancy, when their criteria are met.
How much does an abdominoplasty cost?
It depends on the operation, its length and whether a Medicare item applies. You receive a written, itemised quote after consultation.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A GP referral is needed to see Dr Kumar, and it also allows a Medicare rebate on the consultation.
How long should my weight be stable?
Dr Kumar plans surgery once your weight has been stable for at least three months. Medicare items for skin removal require six months of stable weight on the date of surgery.
Will I have drains?
Yes. Drains are used after abdominoplasty and are removed once the fluid has reduced.
Can men have an abdominoplasty?
Yes. Many of Dr Kumar’s patients after weight loss are men.
Can I have children after an abdominoplasty?
Yes, but pregnancy can stretch the skin and separate a repaired muscle again, so most people have the operation once their family is complete.
Can an abdominoplasty be combined with other surgery?
It can be combined with liposuction of the flanks, a mons reduction, hernia repair and, for some patients, breast surgery. Whether that is safe depends on your health and the length of the operation.
Download the abdominoplasty guide
Dr Kumar’s abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) guide covers the operation, preparation, recovery and Medicare in more detail. You can also ask Dr Kumar’s team to call you.
Talk it through with Dr Kumar
A consultation establishes whether an abdominoplasty, an extended or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty or a body lift fits best, and whether a Medicare item applies. Dr Kumar consults in Westmead, Penrith and Orange, and a GP referral is required.
This page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. All surgery carries risk, and individual results will vary. Surgical photographs on this website are intended for viewers aged 18 and over. Read more about the risks of surgery here.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
