Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – Information and Costs

Abdominoplasty is now one of our most frequently requested plastic surgery procedures.

The procedure removes loose skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscle wall and connective tissues to create a firmer stomach and slimmer waist.

Liposuction may be included to recontour and reshape the abdomen, hips, and waist. Individual results vary.

Tummy tuck Sydney costs

Procedure Price Estimate Conditions/Comments
Full Abdominoplasty including Abdominal/ Flank Liposuction, Repair of abdominal muscle and pubic lift. $15,990 – $18,990 This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee 6 weeks follow up.  If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional costs of around $6,000-$8,000 for the hospital. You may be eligible for $980 Medicare rebate.
Lower Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) 9,990 – 12,990 This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee 6 weeks follow up.  If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional hospital costs.
Extended radical  Abdominoplasty, pubic lift and full Abdominal/ Flank and mons Liposuction. $16,900-$22,990 This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee 6 weeks follow up.  It assumes top hospital cover with a private health fund. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional hospital costs.

During your first consultation, Dr Barnouti will take your full medical history, examine you and discuss your concerns and goals in detail. This will allow him to assess if you are a suitable candidate for surgery.

Your medical history is very important and includes:

  • Pregnancy including future family planning, previous pregnancies and their effects on the abdomen;
  • Previous surgical procedures including laparoscopic procedures;
  • Weight gain and loss;
  • History of medical problems such as diabetes;
  • Smoking – Please note, smokers are advised to stop smoking two weeks before the surgery to promote healing and encourage overall wellbeing.

A physical examination will take place to assess:

  • Existing scars;
  • Abdominal hernias;
  • Strength of the abdominal wall;
  • Abdominal muscle separation (also known as divarication of recti);
  • The amount, quality, and elasticity of the abdominal wall skin.

Understanding your aesthetic goals is critical and you will be able to discuss these with Dr Barnouti. He will explain technical considerations including contour corrections and the ideal position of scars for minimal visibility after the surgery.

Your scar will vary depending on how tight the closure is and your natural healing abilities. He pays exceptional attention in placing the scar as low as possible in the pubic area so it will be hidden by clothing.

If appropriate, he will discuss the option of a body lift to reduce excess tissue around the hips and back. This contours the whole torso, not just the abdomen. However, a body lift is a significant operation with longer recovery time and must be approached with special consideration for patient safety. He will explain this in more detail during your consultation if appropriate.

Finally, Dr Barnouti will explain whether a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck or a full body lift is the best solution for you. He will also advise you on what results you can expect.

Full abdominoplasty – routinely accompanied by liposuction

Dr Barnouti will make a long incision across the pubic area from hip bone to hip bone. This is normally done so the scar will be covered by swimwear or underwear. You’ll be asked to wear your usual underwear so he can get the scar in the right place.

If required, a second incision is then created around the umbilicus, to free the navel from its surrounding tissue.

Next Dr Barnouti will separate the skin from the abdominal wall right up to the ribcage and pull back the resulting flap to show the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles will be tightened by drawing them together and stitching them into position. The skin flap is then stretched back down and loose skin is removed.

Finally, the incisions will be stitched together and dressings applied. If required a tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid.

The procedure takes three hours and requires a one or two-day hospital stay.

Mini abdominoplasty – routinely accompanied by liposuction

If you are suitable for this procedure, the skin is separated only as far as the navel rather than up to the ribcage. The incision is much shorter and it may not even be necessary to move the navel at all. You may also go home the same day of surgery.

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

After surgery, a special compression bandage must be worn for four to six weeks.

Draining tubes, if used, are usually removed within 48 hours of the procedure.

Stitches are dissolvable but the wound will need to be checked sometime between one and two weeks after surgery.

The bruising generally takes two or three weeks to subside.

Full abdominoplasty is a major operation and you will need to rest for three to five days afterwards. However, you will be able to walk straight after the procedure and are encouraged to do so as much as possible.

You will be able to return to work two weeks after surgery if your job is not physically demanding. You will be able to return to all your normal activities including physical exercise after four to six weeks.

After a mini abdominoplasty, you’ll be able to walk immediately after surgery but you will need to rest for one to three days. For three weeks, you must only engage in light activities.

To get an idea of possible results please visit our abdominoplasty gallery.

Dr Barnouti will advise you on the best approach and expected outcome for your procedure during your initial consultation.

Contact us today to book your consultation and get a clear idea of the expected results and costs.

Post abdominoplasty care

Post-Operative Care Instructions for Extended Abdominoplasty with Liposuction

  • Wear the provided abdominal binder or compression garment continuously for the first 6 weeks, removing only for showering. This helps to minimise swelling and support the healing tissues.
  •  Keep your incision sites clean and dry. Gently cleanse the incisions daily with mild soap and water, then pat dry and apply fresh dressings as directed.
  •  Take prescribed pain medication as needed for discomfort. Transition to paracetamol once the pain is well controlled. Avoid NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) for the first week to minimise bleeding risk.
  •  Begin gentle ambulation the day after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Gradually increase activity as tolerated, but avoid strenuous exercise, lifting >5kg, or core exercises for 6 weeks.
  •  To minimise tension on the incision, sleep with your upper body slightly elevated (3040°) and your knees bent for the first 12 weeks. A recliner chair or propping yourself up with pillows works well.
  •  Expect bruising, swelling, and numbness, which will gradually improve over several weeks to months. Persistent swelling or asymmetry may take 612 months to fully resolve.
  •  Attend all scheduled postoperative appointments for incision checks, drain removal (if was not removed in hospital), and monitoring of your healing.
  •  To optimise scar appearance, begin scar massage and silicone-based scar therapy once incisions are fully healed (typically around 6 weeks postop) and continue for at least 6 months.
  •  Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, as this delays healing and increases risk of wound complications.
  •  To prevent hyperpigmentation, avoid direct sun exposure to the incisions for at least 36 months. When outdoors, use SPF 30+ and physical barriers (clothing).
  •  Wait at least 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
  •  Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication or if you are having any discomfort with twisting movements.
  •  Plan to take at least two weeks off work to recover. Additional time off may be needed if your job is physically strenuous.
  • Contact the office immediately if you develop any signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge, fever), excessive pain or swelling, leg pain/swelling, shortness of breath, or other concerns. Our after-hours line is available for urgent issues.

To find out more:

Book a consultation with Dr Barnouti who will advise you on the best approach and expected outcome during your initial consultation.

Book online or call us on free phone 1300 002 006.

We look forward to meeting you and to helping you.

How to Book?
Call us on free phone 1300 002 006 if you are outside Sydney or 9561 0222 if you’re in the Sydney area