Procedure guide · 22 listed FRACS surgeons
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Australia: cost, recovery and surgeon checklist
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess abdominal skin, tightens the underlying abdominal muscle wall, and reshapes the abdominal contour. It is the most common body contouring procedure after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Around 8,000 to 10,000 abdominoplasties are performed annually in Australia. Where post-pregnancy abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) is documented, partial Medicare rebate may apply under MBS 30171 / 30177.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess abdominal skin, tightens the underlying abdominal muscle wall, and reshapes the abdominal contour.
- ✓Typical Australian cost: $12,000 to $22,000 all-inclusive (Medicare MBS 30171 / 30177 (diastasis with criteria) may apply).
- ✓22 FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in our directory list tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) among their specialisations.
- ✓Source: ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, Medicare Benefits Schedule. Last updated 17 May 2026.
What it is
What tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) actually involves
Three main abdominoplasty techniques: full abdominoplasty (hip-to-hip incision in bikini line + repositioning of belly button - removes all excess skin from belly button down + tightens entire abdominal wall), mini abdominoplasty (shorter incision, no belly-button repositioning - suitable only for skin laxity below the belly button), and extended / fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (additional vertical incision - required after massive weight loss to address horizontal + vertical skin excess).
Rectus diastasis repair (suturing together the separated abdominal muscles) is performed during full abdominoplasty for most post-pregnancy patients. MBS item 30171 covers diastasis repair when documented; MBS 30177 covers diastasis repair with surplus skin removal. Eligibility criteria are specific - your surgeon should document the diastasis width and any associated symptoms.
Combined procedures: many patients combine abdominoplasty with liposuction of flanks or hips ("lipoabdominoplasty"), or with breast surgery as a "mummy makeover". Combined procedures increase total operating time and complication risk - discuss explicitly. Some surgeons stage breast and abdominal surgery 6 months apart for safety.
Who is a candidate
- Stable weight for at least 6 months (post-bariatric surgery patients usually 12-18 months post-final weight loss)
- Pregnancy completed and breastfeeding ceased at least 3-6 months prior
- Smoking ceased 6 weeks minimum (nicotine substantially elevates abdominoplasty complications including skin necrosis)
- BMI ideally under 32 for full abdominoplasty (above this, complication risk rises significantly)
- No untreated diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension
- Realistic expectations about scarring (hip-to-hip line + around belly button)
- Two-week cooling-off period observed
Typical recovery timeline
Day 0-3
Overnight hospital, sometimes 2 nights. Drains for 3-7 days. Compression garment 24/7 for 6 weeks. Significant pain - prescription pain relief 5-7 days. Bent-forward posture for first 2 weeks to avoid tension on closure.
Week 1
Drains removed at 3-7 days. Bent-forward walking only. Off work 2-3 weeks.
Week 2-4
Walking upright by week 3. No lifting more than 5kg. Compression garment continued.
Month 1-3
Light cardio at 6 weeks; strength training at 8-12 weeks. Most return to full activity by 12 weeks.
Month 3-12
Scar fades from red to pink to silvery white over 12-18 months. Sensation in lower abdomen often partially diminished long-term.
See the full day-by-day timeline: Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) recovery timeline
Cost in Australia 2026
Full abdominoplasty all-inclusive: $12,000 to $22,000. Mini abdominoplasty $8,000 to $14,000. With documented rectus diastasis + criteria met, Medicare and private health rebate can reduce out-of-pocket by $3,000 to $7,000.
Medicare MBS items: 30171 / 30177 (diastasis with criteria)
Questions to ask at consultation
- Do I qualify for MBS 30171 or 30177? What documentation will you provide for the Medicare claim?
- Full or mini abdominoplasty - which is appropriate for my anatomy?
- Will you combine with liposuction or breast surgery? What is the elevated risk profile?
- What is your wound complication rate (e.g. seroma, infection, skin necrosis)?
- Are you operating in an accredited hospital with overnight stay?
- What is your written quote with itemised surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garment, drains?
See our complete guide: 10 questions to ask any plastic surgeon
Red flags to walk away from
- ✗ Claims of Medicare rebate without documenting diastasis or associated symptoms
- ✗ Office-based theatre rather than accredited hospital (abdominoplasty is hospital-grade surgery)
- ✗ No mention of compression garment or drain protocol in the quote
- ✗ Combines abdominoplasty with breast surgery + further procedure in a single very long operation
- ✗ Day-stay only for full abdominoplasty (most surgeons require overnight)
- ✗ No discussion of smoking cessation requirement
Regulatory note
AHPRA s133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law restricts cosmetic procedure advertising. We do not display before-and-after images or testimonials on this site. Verify any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au and cross-check ASPS membership at plasticsurgery.org.au before booking any procedure.
Directory · FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeons
22 listed surgeons who include tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in their specialisations
Cross-referenced against AHPRA Specialist Register and ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory. We list FRACS-qualified specialists only.
Melbourne · Hawthorn East
FRACSDr Patrick Briggs
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery
Trained in plastic surgery in the USA and Ireland. Passed the UK / Ireland Intercollegiate Board Examination in Plastic Surgery in 1991.
Sydney · Bella Vista
FRACSDr Eddy Dona
Bella Plastic Surgery
Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2007. Bella Plastic Surgery opened Bella Vista 2009.
Melbourne · Berwick
FRACSDr Rebecca Wyten
Dr Rebecca Wyten Plastic Surgery
Female specialist plastic surgeon focused on post-pregnancy and post-weight-loss body restoration. Mentors female plastic surgery trainees.
Sydney · Bondi Junction
FRACSDr Naveen Somia
Naveen Somia Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Immediate Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. PhD on eyelid reanimation, University of Louisville.
Sydney · Woollahra
FRACSDr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Jeremy Hunt Plastic Surgery
Spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children's Hospital. Fellowship trained at Univers…
Sydney · Mosman
FRACSDr Nicholas Lotz
Dr Nicholas Lotz Plastic Surgery
Australian-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising on Sydney's Lower North Shore.
Sydney · Randwick
FRACSDr Marc Langbart
Randwick Plastic Surgery
Master of Surgery (Hand Surgery) from University of Sydney. Trained in complex reconstruction at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.
Melbourne · East Melbourne
FRACSProf Mark Ashton
Ashton Plastic Surgery
Past President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (2017-19). Clinical Professor at the University of Melbourne. Chair of Plastic Surgery at Epworth F…
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Rafael Acosta-Rojas
Australian Skin Face Body
Mr Acosta-Rojas specialises in hand surgery, providing the latest non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives where possible for conditions such as carpal t…
Brisbane · Ipswich
FRACSDr Neil Allen
St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital
Dr Allen is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon located in Ipswich..
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Dirck Martin Ananos Flores
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dirck completed his medical training at the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, South America in 2002, graduating with degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bach…
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSMr Richard Barton
Niche Plastic Surgery
Richard Barton is a Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a particular focus on facial aesthetic surgery, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharo…
Melbourne · Malvern
FRACSMr William Blake
Cabrini Medical Centre
I am a locally trained and educated plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Brisbane · Newstead
FRACSDr Andrew Broadhurst
Enhance Plastic Surgery
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients.
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSDr Jonathan Burge
Niche Plastic Surgery
Jonathan Burge completed his plastic surgical training in New Zealand then undertook a further two years of subspecialty training in craniomaxillofacial surgery…
Adelaide · Glenelg
FRACSDr Yugesh Caplash
Advanced Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Dr Caplash is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Sydney · Wollstonecraft
FRACSProf Sydney Ch’ng
Melanoma Institute Australia
Prof Ch’ng is a Head & Neck and Plastic Surgeon at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (R…
Sydney · Albury
FRACSDr Queenie Chan
The Gardens Medical Centre
Dr Chan is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the highest level of training and qualification which can be awarded to attain the title of a…
Gold Coast · Tugun
FRACSDr Mark Doyle
Gold Coast Plastic Surgery
Dr Mark Doyle has a busy surgical practice based at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Australia, near the Gold Coast International Airport and John Flynn Hosp…
Sunshine Coast · Noosaville
FRACSDr Ryan Livingston
Dr Ryan Livingston Plastic Surgery
Dr Livingston is a Queensland trained, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Darwin · Parap
FRACSMr Ravi Mahajani
Northern Plastic Surgery
As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mahajani is committed to patient care.
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Anthony McDonald
Mr Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgery
Mr Anthony McDonald is an experienced and fully qualified Geelong plastic surgeon who specialises in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hand surgery and …
Common questions
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) - common questions
Does Medicare cover tummy tuck after pregnancy?
Partially, where rectus diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles from pregnancy) is documented and meets MBS criteria. Item 30171 covers the diastasis repair component; 30177 covers diastasis repair combined with surplus skin removal. Your surgeon will document the diastasis width and any associated symptoms (e.g. back pain, abdominal hernia). Out-of-pocket with rebate typically $5,000 to $12,000; fully cosmetic abdominoplasty $12,000 to $22,000.
How long is the scar?
Full abdominoplasty leaves a hip-to-hip horizontal scar placed in the bikini line, plus a small scar around the belly button (which is repositioned). Most surgeons place the horizontal scar at a height that is hidden by underwear and most swimwear. The scar is red and raised for 3-6 months, fades to pink at 6-12 months, and silvery white at 12-18 months.
Can I have abdominoplasty if I still want more children?
Most surgeons recommend deferring abdominoplasty until you have completed your family. Pregnancy after abdominoplasty stretches the repaired tissue and reverses the diastasis correction, requiring revision surgery. If pregnancy is at all possible within 2-3 years, deferring is usually wiser.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat through small incisions; abdominoplasty removes skin and tightens muscle. If you have stubborn abdominal fat with good skin tone and no muscle separation, liposuction alone may be enough. If you have loose skin or significant muscle separation, abdominoplasty is required because liposuction will worsen the loose-skin appearance. Combined lipoabdominoplasty is common.
How long is recovery?
Most desk workers take 2-3 weeks off; manual workers 4-6 weeks. Driving resumes at 2-3 weeks. Light cardio at 6 weeks. Full gym including ab work at 8-12 weeks. Most patients describe recovery as more demanding than they expected - plan ahead with childcare and household help, especially in the first 2 weeks.