What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is cosmetic surgery to enhance the shape of your abdominal area (tummy).

It involves removing excess loose or sagging skin and fat tissue from your tummy area. Separated abdominal muscles may also be repaired.

The procedure can be cosmetic or reconstructive.

When might a tummy tuck be done?

A tummy tuck can be done for cosmetic reasons. In this case, the aim is to alter the appearance of your tummy so that it's flatter and firmer.

Abdominoplasty can also be done as a reconstructive operation to:

• Correct abdominal abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, extensive weight loss, trauma, tumours or other conditions.
• Correct or relieve structural defects of your abdomen.
• Improve the function of your abdominal muscles.
• Repair an abdominal hernia that has followed previous abdominal surgery.

An 'apronectomy' is a procedure that involves removing a hanging 'apron' of abdominal fat. This may be recommended if you have problems with skin irritation or infection, personal hygiene or movement.

What questions should I consider when thinking about an abdominoplasty?

While a tummy tuck might improve your appearance and possibly your quality of life, it's important to remember that it is major surgery. Abdominoplasty is not suitable for everyone.

There are several questions that you should consider when making your decision.

Weight

Before a surgeon will perform this operation, you usually need to be at a stable weight. It may also be better to delay the procedure if you're planning a pregnancy.

Cost

Consider whether you can afford this surgery and if it will give you the results you expect.

Medicare doesn't cover the cost of cosmetic surgery, and often private health insurance doesn't either. If a tummy tuck is done for reconstructive reasons, part of your costs may be covered.

Age

The Medical Board of Australia has guidelines about providing cosmetic surgery for patients under the age of 18 years.

If you are under 18 years, you need to have a psychological assessment and wait for a cooling off period of 3 months before having major cosmetic surgery. This won't apply if the surgery is done for reconstructive reasons.

How do I choose a surgeon?

If you are thinking of having a tummy tuck, choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with and who will speak to you honestly about the benefits and risks of the surgery.

You will need a referral from your doctor to the surgeon.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has a register of medical practitioners. You can check this register to ensure your surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). You can also check if the surgeon has had any serious disciplinary action taken against them.

You should always get a second opinion before going ahead with cosmetic surgery.

Some people consider having cosmetic surgery overseas, but there can be many problems with this. It should be considered carefully.

What questions should I ask before surgery?

There are many things to consider before deciding to go ahead with an operation. Among the questions you might want to ask a surgeon are:

• How many tummy tucks have you performed and what is your success rate?
• Are there non-surgical alternatives or lifestyle changes I should consider?
• What are risks the with a tummy tuck for a person in my state of health?
• How long will it take for me to recover?
• How likely is it that I may need a second operation?
• How much will it cost?
• What do I do if something goes wrong?

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How to prepare for a tummy tuck

Your surgeon will take a complete medical history. Take notice of any pre-surgery instructions you are given. You might be asked to:

• reach your optimal weight first
• quit smoking or vaping
• have a psychological assessment
• work with your doctor to make sure that your other medical conditions are well managed

Before a surgeon will perform this operation, you usually need to be at a stable weight. You may be asked to postpone the operation if you aim to become pregnant or lose a lot of weight.

Talk to your surgeon about any medicines or supplements you should start or stop taking before surgery. Don't stop taking your medicines before talking with your doctor.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

Most people are given a general anaesthetic.

Different techniques are used depending on whether you are having a full or partial (mini) abdominoplasty.

The surgeon will stitch, tape or clip the incisions (cuts) together. Your wounds will be covered with dressings. You may also have to wear a pressure garment.

Sometimes small tubes are inserted into your tummy to drain blood or fluid. These tubes may be left in place for several days before being removed.

What should I expect after a tummy tuck?

Your recovery may be slow. You are likely to have some bruising, swelling and pain. You might need to take pain-relief medicines.

Your abdomen will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression garment to keep swelling down. Take care not to put strain on the wounds for at least 6 weeks after the operation.

If you are concerned at any time after the operation, seek medical advice from your doctor.

Make sure you ask your surgeon for their advice, as this may change depending on the type of surgery you have, or on your personal health and wellbeing.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck procedure comes with risks. You should discuss the risks in detail with your surgeon.

You should also discuss the risks of having an anaesthetic with your anaesthetist.

Some of the risks include:

• pain or discomfort
• wound infection
• an accumulation of blood or fluid around the surgical site that may need to be drained
• prominent scarring
• numbness or changes in skin sensation (which usually improves after several months, but could be permanent)
• poor wound healing, which may require skin grafts
• tight skin that makes it difficult to bend forward or stretch

Other risks associated with surgery include:

• nausea due to the anaesthetic
• blood loss
• blood clots in your legs or chest (deep vein thrombosis)

Some people need further surgery because of complications or because they haven't got the result they hoped for.

How much will the tummy tuck cost?

The cost of an abdominoplasty varies and includes:

• surgeon's fees
• anaesthetist's fees
• clinic or hospital fees
• medicines, dressings and support garments
• medical tests

Your surgeon and anaesthetist must provide you with written information about the cost of their services before the procedure. This should include:

• the total cost
• details of deposits needed, information on refund of deposits, and required payment dates
• payments for follow-up care
• possible further costs for additional revision surgery or treatment

Resources and support

If you are considering having a tummy tuck, you should first discuss it with your doctor.

More information is also available on the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website, and in our guide to cosmetic surgery.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.