Surgical removal of excess abdominal skin and tightening of the abdominal wall.
About the procedure
What this procedure involves
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and, where appropriate, repairs separated abdominal muscles. Dr Jassim Daood performs abdominoplasty at the Bankstown clinic. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances and is assessed at a consultation; it is not a substitute for weight loss.
Recovery
Recovery varies between patients. A compression garment is typically worn for several weeks, drains are sometimes used, and bending and lifting are restricted for a period. Many people take around two to four weeks away from work, though this depends on the individual and the extent of surgery.
See the difference
Before & after results
A selection of before and after photographs from patients of Dr Daood. The images open in a viewer and are shown as supplied.
In depth
More about this procedure
Detailed information about this procedure. Select a section to read more.
An abdominoplasty is intended to change the shape of the abdomen, removing excess skin and fat and tightening separated muscles, rather than to lose weight. It is often considered after pregnancy or significant weight loss, once weight is stable.
Where fat is localised but the skin is firm with no excess, liposuction may be a more suitable alternative; for less marked changes, a less-invasive "mini" abdominoplasty may be discussed. It is not a substitute for diet and exercise, and suitability is assessed individually.
The procedure usually begins with an incision across the lower abdomen, between the hip bones, and a second around the navel. The skin is lifted, the vertical abdominal muscles are tightened where they have separated, and excess skin is removed before the remaining skin is re-draped and the navel repositioned.
It is generally performed under general anaesthetic, sometimes with an overnight stay depending on the extent of the procedure. Liposuction and abdominoplasty are not usually performed together, as this can affect healing of the repositioned skin.
Abdominoplasty is a major procedure with a longer recovery than many other operations. The abdomen will be swollen and sore for the first days, a compression garment is worn, and drains are sometimes used.
Most people need around two to four weeks before returning to work and normal routines, and gentle exercise is resumed only once healing allows. Bending and lifting are restricted for a period.
A tummy tuck can produce a flatter, firmer abdominal contour and a tightened waistline, which many people find improves the fit of clothing and their confidence.
It changes shape rather than creating a "perfect" result, and a stable weight helps maintain the outcome. Realistic expectations are an important part of the consultation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and, where appropriate, repairs separated abdominal muscles. Whether it is appropriate for you is assessed at your consultation.
No. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat and is not a substitute for weight loss. It is generally considered once weight is stable, and suitability is assessed at your consultation.
Where the abdominal muscles have separated (a condition called diastasis), repair may be part of the procedure. Whether this applies to you is determined at your consultation.
Non-surgical treatments are different procedures and are not equivalent to abdominoplasty surgery. Whether any approach is appropriate is assessed at your consultation, and surgery is not suitable for everyone.
Suitability is assessed individually, taking into account your health, weight stability and goals. Some people are not suitable candidates, which is part of what the consultation determines.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) starts from $16,000 + GST as an indicative price. The final cost depends on your individual procedure and is provided in writing after your consultation, reflecting the total cost, including the surgeon, anaesthesia, facility fees and aftercare.
A compression garment is typically worn for several weeks, drains are sometimes used, and bending and lifting are restricted for a period. Many people take around two to four weeks away from work, depending on the individual.
A GP referral is required before a cosmetic surgery consultation, and the referring practitioner must not perform cosmetic procedures themselves.
