How Much Is an Abdominoplasty Surgery in Australia?
Many factors can affect the aspect of the tummy. Among them we can mention the natural ageing process, weight fluctuations and childbirth. These changes at the level of the tummy can lead to a negative body image and a lack of confidence. To address these aesthetic concerns, you can undergo a tummy tuck surgery. This procedure can be performed on both men and women who want to get a better abdominal contour and get rid of excess skin and fat tissue. The abdominoplasty can also address weak abdominal muscles. However, plastic surgery plans should always be highly individualized to make sure that your aesthetic and functional goals are met. Your plastic surgeon can discuss a tummy tuck cost and plan that is designed to improve your body image and create a result that you are happy with.
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the procedure performed to improve the aspect of the abdomen. During the intervention, the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and fat tissue and strengthen loose abdominal muscles. There are many variations of the tummy tuck intervention such as:
- Fleur de lis tummy tuck
- Mini tummy tuck
- Extended tummy tuck
- Circumferential tummy tuck
The procedure is often performed together with liposuction to deliver improved aesthetic results. The tummy tuck can also be performed as a part of the Mummy Makeover package (together with a breast procedure and/ or labiaplasty)
Are You a Good Candidate For a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can address many post-pregnancy cosmetic concerns, such as excess abdominal skin. If you have these concerns, you might be wondering if you will be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck surgery if:
- You don’t plan on having any further pregnancies
- You are at a healthy BMI and don’t plan on losing or gaining a significant amount of weight
- You are in generally good health and are willing to quit smoking or discontinue medication if required
- Your surgical expectations are realistic
What To Keep In Mind Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
Remember that if you do fall pregnant after having an abdominoplasty surgery, this may impact your surgical results or require revision surgery.
If you gain significant weight post-op, your results will not be maintained over time. This means that if you have lost baby weight to prepare for tummy tuck surgery, you will need to have a plan in place for maintaining your weight loss in the future.
Because a tummy tuck is quite a complex procedure, it is essential that you are in good health before booking your surgery. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit for at least three weeks before your intervention. Smoking before and after a tummy tuck can increase the risk of experiencing complications such as delayed wound healing and bad scarring, to mention just a few.
What Is Included In the Cost of Abdominoplasty?
The costs included in your tummy tuck fee will depend on what procedure you are having, where you have it, and the kind of post-op care you will be receiving.
Typically, an all-inclusive price for a tummy tuck procedure may include the following:
- Surgeon fee
- Hospital fee
- Anaesthetist fee
- Post-op care
- Prescription costs
- Scans and medical tests
- Additional garments if required
- Scar treatments
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in Australia?
The overall cost of abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. Cost depends on what procedures you will need to achieve your individual aesthetic goals, as well as how qualified your surgeon is. A tummy tuck that includes both liposuction and abdominal surgery will cost more than a mini tummy tuck, for example.
You will have a good idea of how much your tummy tuck will cost after your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will take into account your specific situation, wants, and needs, to come up with a surgical plan that is tailored to you.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Australia typically ranges between $12k and $24k.
Different Price Ranges For An Abdominoplasty
The difference in price between a $12.000 abdominoplasty and a $24.000 tummy tuck mostly depends on the expertise of your surgeon. Remember, a cheaper surgical price tag is not necessarily a “good deal”. The surgeon’s expertise and ability to give you results that you are happy with is even more important than the price.
Procedures at the low end of this price range ($12.000 – $15.000) will be:
- Usually performed by a Cosmetic Surgeon, not a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Sometimes performed by a junior Plastic Surgeon
- Carried out in a day surgery or the surgeon’s own clinic
Procedures in the middle of the price range ($15.000 – $20.000) will be:
- Usually performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Carried out in an Accredited Private Hospital or an Accredited day surgery
Procedures at the high end of the price range ($20.000 – $24.000) will be:
- Performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is highly experienced and regularly performs abdominoplasty procedures
- Carried out in an Accredited Private Hospital
Individual Procedures Cost
If you only need a skin-only abdominoplasty (also known as a mini tummy tuck), you can expect to pay less compared to someone who needs a circumferential abdominoplasty and liposuction. This means that the cost of surgery will be adjusted depending on what procedure is appropriate for you.
Price ranges for common tummy tuck procedures include:
- A mini tummy tuck, which targets excess skin, costs between $8k and $16k
- A tummy tuck with muscle repair costs between $12k and $20k
How To Finance Your Abdominoplasty
The best option for financing your abdominoplasty procedure depends on your financial situation, financial goals, and the reasons that you are considering plastic surgery.
Options for financing your tummy tuck surgery include:
- Paying costs out of pocket
- Early withdrawal of your SuperFund if eligible
- Medicare cover if eligible
- Taking out a personal loan
- Using a payment plan
Does Medicare Cover a Tummy Tuck?
Depending on which surgical procedures you are planning to get, you may be able to get Medicare coverage for your surgery.
Surgical procedures that may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under some conditions include tummy tuck procedures with muscle repair.
You may be able to get Medicare cover for a tummy tuck procedure or abdominal skin removal if:
- You have lost a significant amount of weight (more than 5 points on the BMI scale), and this weight loss is not related to pregnancy
- You have excess abdominal skin that is impacting your quality of life and has not been improved by non-surgical measures
Usually, you will not be able to get Medicare cover for a a tummy tuck that is purely cosmetic.
Using SuperFund To Pay For Tummy Tuck Surgery
Sometimes, patients are able to access Superannuation funds early to cover the costs of surgery by applying to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) through a process called compassionate release.
You might be able to access your SuperFund to cover the costs of a tummy tuck if:
- You are unable to pay for the surgery yourself
- You cannot have the surgery performed through the public healthcare system
- Your cosmetic condition is causing pain or discomfort
If you are considering a tummy tuck for purely cosmetic reasons and not because of pain or discomfort, you will not be eligible for early release of Super funds.
How To Choose The Best Surgeon For Your Tummy Tuck
When planning any plastic surgery, it is essential to make sure that your surgeon is trustworthy, fully accredited, and has the expertise needed to give you the best possible results.
When choosing your plastic surgeon, make sure that you:
- Select a surgeon who is certified by RACS (the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
- Check that your surgeon is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and not a cosmetic surgeon
- Talk with family members or friends who have had plastic surgery
- Talk with your GP about qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons who practice in your area
- Search for reviews online
- Select a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable, at-ease, and fully informed on your surgical procedures and recovery
FAQs about Tummy Tuck Surgery and Abdominoplasty Cost
What should I expect during a tummy tuck consultation?
During your tummy tuck consultation, be prepared to discuss the goals you have for your surgery. It is important for you and your surgeon to be on the same page about your goals and expectations so that your surgeon can recommend treatments that are right for you.
Your plastic surgeon will also ask you questions about:
- Your medical health
- Any previous surgeries you have had
- Your current medications and substance use
- Any allergies you may have
Your surgeon’s examination will include:
- Examination of key “problem areas” such as the stomach and flanks
- Taking photographs of target areas
- Evaluating skin quality
During your initial consultation for your tummy tuck, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss:
- The outcomes for different abdominoplasty procedures
- Your surgical options, as well as what option your surgeon recommends for your goals
- Risks or complications of tummy tuck surgery
Does the tummy tuck cost include liposuction?
- Liposuction is a procedure that can be performed together with an abdominoplasty to enhance the results, if the patient has excess adipose tissue on the abdominal wall and the flanks. Liposuction is commonly performed with a tummy tuck, but it is not necessarily included in the cost of the abdominoplasty. Make sure to discuss this issue with the plastic surgeon to get an exact quote.
How soon after birth can I have an abdominoplasty surgery?
After birth and finishing breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait a minimum of 6 months, and preferably one year, before having a tummy tuck surgery.
This “cool down” period after birth means that:
- You give your body the time it needs to recover from pregnancy
- You are able to de-stress and relax after delivery
- Hormonal fluctuations are able to settle
- Pregnancy-related tissue elasticity has time to return to normal
- You have time to finish breastfeeding at your own pace
Will I need to lose weight before getting a tummy tuck?
- If you are at your ideal weight and your BMI is healthy, there is no need to lose any weight before having a tummy tuck. If you are overweight or have gained “baby weight” that you are unhappy with, it is recommended that you lose most of this weight through an individually tailored diet and exercise programme before you book your abdominoplasty surgery.
What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?
- The recovery time after having a tummy tuck depends on your health, your lifestyle, and what surgical procedures you have had. Your surgeon will be able to tell you how long they expect your recovery journey to take, as well as any restrictions that you will have in place post-op.
Post-op restrictions can include:
- Periods of bed rest
- Restrictions on heavy lifting
- Restrictions on exercise
Usually, surgical recovery from tummy tuck surgery will be between 4 and 6 weeks.