ABDOMINOPLASTY SYDNEY NSW
Abdominoplasty surgery aims to eliminate excess skin from the abdominal area.
Abdominoplasty is an option for patients dealing with excess skin on the lower abdominal wall and weak abdominal muscles.
Tummy Tuck
The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck/ abdominoplasty for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.
Medicare Item Number 30175 – Radical abdominoplasty, with repair of rectus diastasis, excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue, and transposition of umbilicus, not being a laparoscopic procedure, where the patient has an abdominal wall defect as a consequence of pregnancy, if the patient:
- has a diastasis of at least 3cm measured by diagnostic imaging prior to this service; and
- has symptoms of at least moderate severity of pain or discomfort at the site of the diastasis in the abdominal wall during functional use and/or low back pain or urinary symptoms likely due to rectus diastasis that have been documented in the patient’s records by the practitioner providing this service; and
- has failed to respond to non-surgical conservative treatment including physiotherapy; and
- has not been pregnant in the last 12 months
If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Private Tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty Surgery Offered By Dr Hunt
Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty procedures, address three key areas of concern – excess skin, persistent fat, and lax muscles. Dr Jerermy Hunt employs a variety of surgical techniques to counteract these concerns:
Abdominoplasty
Abdominal Liposuction
- Aims to remove excess fat deposits around the abdomen and flanks. This option may be appropriate for patients without abdominal sagging and good quality skin.
Mini Abdominoplasty or Mini Tummy Tuck
- Addresses excess skin below the belly button but will not allow tightening of the muscles. The advantage is a shorter, less visible scar.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
- Allows both the skin and the muscles to be tightened. This is often done through a shorter incision.
Full Tummy Tuck or Full Abdominoplasty
- A full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty involves all of the skin below the belly button being removed and the muscles tightened. It can be combined with liposuction of the abdomen to achieve optimal fat removal. This procedure aims to achieve the maximum tightening of abdominal wall tissue. However, the scar usually runs from hip to hip.
Extended Abdominoplasty
- An Extended Abdominoplasty is used if weight loss has led to excess skin extending around the hip. An extension of the abdominoplasty can be used to remove excess skin over the hip to improve body contour. The scar is slightly larger than that of a traditional abdominoplasty.
Post Pregnancy Surgery – Breast Surgery & Tummy Surgery Combined
- Tummy surgery can be combined with breast surgery in a popular procedure known as post-pregnancy surgery. Click here if you’d like to learn more about Post Pregnancy Surgery, or read on to find out more about tummy tucks/abdominoplasties.
What is a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty?
The abdominoplasty is the plastic surgery intervention performed to address excess skin on the abdomen. The procedure is performed on patients with skin sagginess at the level of the inferior abdominal area. If you are dealing with a “belly apron” that covers partly or entirely the suprapubic area, the abdominoplasty might be an option available to you.
The procedure is also known as abdominoplasty in medical terms and can completely alter the aspect of your abdomen and midline when performed in combination with liposuction. Depending on the needs of the patients, there are different types of tummy tucks/abdominoplasties that can be performed, from a mini abdominoplasty to a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.
The abdominoplasty is a suitable procedure for you are at a normal weight, but the tummy is not flat or firm. During this procedure, Dr Hunt also addresses diastasis recti (a condition that can occur during pregnancy – the right and left abdominal muscles are distended, and a gap is created between them).
How is the Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Performed?
The abdominoplasty is often performed with the patient under general anaesthesia, as the procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the complexity of each case.
The number and length of incisions are dependent on the type of abdominoplasty to be performed. For example, in the case of the mini abdominoplasty, there is just one small incision placed on the inferior part of the abdomen, over the suprapubic area. A full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty often entails a larger incision on the lower abdominal area and another one used to reposition the navel. The extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty requires incisions on the flanks, too, that allow Dr Hunt to eliminate excess skin from the sides.
After the incisions are performed, Dr Hunt will detach the skin tissue and bring together and tighten the abdominal muscles for a firmer-looking tummy (not performed in case of the mini abdominoplasty). The skin is then redraped over the underlying tissues, and the excess skin is eliminated. The incisions are sutured, and compressive bandages are used.
Why Patients Might Consider Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a complex plastic surgery intervention that aims to recontour the abdominal area. The procedure is performed to tighten weak abdominal muscles and eliminate excess skin. Patient might consider undergoing abdominoplasty for a number of reasons, including:
- Strengthening weak abdominal muscles
- To create a firmer and flatter abdominal appearance
- Eliminating saggy skin from the inferior abdominal area
Recovery after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
The recovery period after a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty is highly dependent on the complexity of the procedure and whether the procedure was performed alone or in combination with other interventions. Bruising and swelling can naturally occur at the level of the tummy after undergoing abdominoplasty procedures.
It is best to avoid strenuous physical activities during the first two weeks after a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty and returning to the gym is only possible after six to eight weeks. Here are more recommendations for the recovery period after surgery:
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks
- Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot baths and pools for a few weeks
- Sleep with your knees and upper body slightly bent
- Avoid coughing, sneezing and even laughing too hard
- Avoid ample body movements
To avoid risks and complications that could occur during the recovery period make sure to follow Dr Hunt’s indications.
Real Patient Results
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Abdominoplasty Guide
The abdominoplasty guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider this procedure.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of surgery what makes a suitable candidate, pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from patients.
Tummy Tuck Cost Sydney - How much does an abdominoplasty cost Australia NSW?
The cost of a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty surgery in Sydney, Australia varies for each patient depending on the results you want and the time required in theatre. Your abdominal surgery total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fees and surgical aftercare & support.
The type of tummy tuck – abdominoplasty that’s performed and how much excess skin and fat need to be removed will play a role in the total cost of this surgery. For example, not all patients need to repair their abdominal muscles during surgery and not all patients require a full, traditional tummy tuck/abdominoplasty. Since a general anaesthetic is required for the majority of tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgeries, the cost of an anaesthetist will need to be factored in.
In some cases, some of the costs associated with an abdominoplasty are covered by Medicare & your health insurance. This is mostly the case for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin that could cause health concerns and impact their quality of life. The best way to determine your tummy tuck – abdominoplasty cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr Hunt.
You can also learn more about possible Medicare coverage, a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty Payment Plan, or the costs for abdominoplasty surgery on our Surgical Costs page.
Speak With Dr Jeremy Hunt
With over 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon, Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to deliver optimal results using different surgical techniques.
Dr Hunt prides himself on the level of care which he offers every patient and that begins from the day of first consultation.
At your patient consultation, Dr Hunt will perform a comprehensive assessment, review your medical history, discuss any concerns & risks and provide you with an accurate cost for your tummy procedure as part of the informed consent process. You will also see Before and After Images of past patients.
Join the thousands of past patients today by booking a consultation with Dr Hunt at your earliest convenience.
Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 02 9327 1733.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty FAQs - Your Questions Answered
Do I need a Tummy Tuck - abdominoplasty?
If you have excess skin on the tummy and you would like it to be much firmer and tighter, you might be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty.
What does an Abdominoplasty include?
Dr Hunt will perform your abdominoplasty in the hospital of your choice, under a general anesthetic.
Based on what you have agreed prior to your surgery, he will use one of the following techniques:
- Liposuction
- Mini abdominoplasty procedures or mini abdominoplasty
- Endoscopic abdominoplasty procedures
- Full abdominoplasty procedures
- Extended abdominoplasty procedures
Which are my abdominoplasty options?
Abdominal contouring, also known as tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery, can take a number of forms and each procedure is designed to address your specific concerns. Abdominoplasty aims to address three different concerns; excess fat deposits, issues with your abdominal muscles, and any loose or excess skin. Each of these procedures will address one or more of the issues and will aims to produce the best tummy tuck/abdominoplasty result for you depending on the amount of skin & tissue that is to be removed.
1. Mini Abdominoplasty or Mini Tummy Tuck – Skin Only
A smaller abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck, addresses the excess skin below the belly button but does not allow tightening of the muscles. The advantage of this type of procedure is a shorter scar.
2. Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
An Endoscopic abdominoplasty allows both the skin to be tightened as well as muscles. This is often done through a shorter incision, which usually results in a smaller, shorter scar.
3. Full Abdominoplasty or Full Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair
A full abdominoplasty will involve all of the skin below the belly button being removed and the muscles tightened. It can be combined with liposuction of the abdomen to achieve the fat removal, and achieves the optimal tightening of the abdominal tissue. The scar is usually quite large and runs from hip to hip.
4. Extended Abdominoplasty – for excess skin in the hips and flank
If weight loss has lead to excess skin extending around the hip, then an extension of the abdominoplasty can be used to remove excess skin over the hip to improve the body contour. The scar is simply a longer scar that will extend over the hip.
5 Tummy Liposuction – for removing stubborn tummy fat but not excess skin
Liposuction can remove excess fat deposits and bring that troublesome tummy area back in line with the rest of the body. Remember though, liposuction relies on the skin springing back into place, so is usually more effective in younger patients whose skin has not been stretched.
Other Tummy Surgery for Massive Weight Loss Patients
For massive weight loss patients with lots of loose tummy skin there is also lower body lift, 360 abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy circumferential abdominoplasty or FDL – Fleur De lis abdominoplasty.
What happens during abdominoplasty Surgery?
On the day of the operation, the procedure will be performed in a fully accredited hospital, under general anaesthetic given by a fully accredited anaesthetist. Dr Hunt will meet with his patient on the day of surgery. The patient will then be marked, highlighting the appropriate areas for liposuction (if needed) and where excess skin will be removed. The final wound closure and scar will also be marked. It is extremely common for the patient to be anxious on the day of surgery and they are welcome to take a form of anti-anxiety drug to ensure their experience is as calm and positive as possible.
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
