Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscle wall, addressing changes that have not resolved with diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty addresses redundant skin, residual fat, and separation of the abdominal muscles (rectus divarication) that often persists after pregnancy or significant weight loss. The procedure tightens the muscle layer, removes the excess skin and fat, and repositions the navel. The scar runs across the lower abdomen and is planned to sit low, so that it can usually be covered by underwear or swimwear — though scar position and quality vary between individuals.
Variations include the standard abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty (for limited lower-abdominal laxity), and extended techniques for more significant skin redundancy.
Abdominoplasty suits patients who are at or near a stable weight and have completed childbearing. In limited circumstances, a Medicare item may apply for abdominoplasty after pregnancy where strict eligibility criteria are met; for purely cosmetic abdominoplasty, no rebate applies. This is assessed at consultation.
Most patients stay in hospital for two to three nights. Drains may be used in the immediate post-operative period. A compression garment is worn for several weeks. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for six to eight weeks.
Related: See our scar management guide for the post-operative healing timeline, the daily silicone-and-massage protocol, and when to be concerned about a scar.
Specific risks include fluid collection (seroma), delayed wound healing, adverse or asymmetric scarring, changes in abdominal skin sensation, contour irregularity, and deep vein thrombosis — the latter is why early mobilisation and, where indicated, blood-thinning measures are part of the post-operative plan. These are discussed in detail at your consultation.
All surgery carries risk. General risks include bleeding, infection, adverse scarring, anaesthetic complications, and the possibility of revision surgery. Risks specific to this procedure are listed above and will be discussed in detail at your consultation, where you will also receive written information to take home.
A referral from a general practitioner — ideally your usual GP — is required before a consultation for cosmetic surgery. A cooling-off period applies between informed consent and any booking for cosmetic surgery.
Recovery differs between individuals; the timeframes on this page are a general guide only. Outcomes vary from person to person.