Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery in Sydney

Personalised abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery tailored to your individual anatomy and goals at COSMEX Clinic, Sydney.

Individualised abdominoplasty treatment plans
Experienced specialist surgical team
Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care
Accredited hospital facilities in Sydney

Home » Abdominoplasty

Overview

Abdominoplasty (commonly called a tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that may be considered to address excess abdominal skin and tissue, and in some cases to repair separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). People may seek assessment after pregnancy, significant weight change, or ageing-related skin laxity. Abdominoplasty is a major operation and requires a consultation to discuss suitability, expected changes and limitations, scarring, risks, recovery, and alternatives.

Before and After Images

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Before After

Procedure: Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Recovery Timeline: 2 Years

Before After

Procedure: Abdominoplasty

Recovery Timeline 4 Months

Before After

Procedure: Abdominoplasty, Breast Lift

Recovery Timeline: 3 Months

Before After

Recovery Timeline: 6 Months

Procedure: Abdominoplasty, Breast Lift

*It is important to note that individual results vary depending on factors such as anatomy, skin quality, surgical approach and healing response. The images shown are not intended to guarantee or predict the outcome of any procedure.

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About This Procedure

Abdominoplasty typically involves removal of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdomen and reshaping of the abdominal area. In selected cases, the procedure may include repair of the abdominal wall (plication) where muscle separation is present.
Abdominoplasty differs from:

* Liposuction, which targets fatty tissue and does not remove significant skin or repair muscle separation, and
* Panniculectomy, which focuses primarily on removing an overhanging apron of skin and tissue and may be performed for functional reasons in some contexts.

Your surgeon will explain whether abdominoplasty, a modified procedure, or a non-surgical approach is appropriate for your circumstances.

Key Benefits

Abdominoplasty may assist with body contouring and reduction of excess skin where clinically appropriate. Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, skin quality, and healing.

Removal of excess lower abdominal skin: where clinically appropriate.
Change in abdominal contour: results vary and depend on skin elasticity, tissue characteristics, and healing.
Abdominal wall repair (selected cases): where muscle separation is present, repair may be performed; outcomes vary.

Ideal Candidate

A suitable candidate is generally an adult in good overall health seeking assessment for excess abdominal skin and/or abdominal wall separation. Suitability depends on general health, weight stability, nutritional status, smoking status, previous abdominal surgery, and individual risk factors. Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding scarring, recovery time, and variability in outcomes. A consultation is required to confirm suitability.

Are in good overall physical health
Have suspected or confirmed abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) and would like to discuss surgical options
Have suspected or confirmed abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) and would like to discuss surgical options
Have stable weight (where relevant to surgical planning)
Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)

Techniques & Approaches

The specific surgical approach is selected based on individual anatomy, goals, and clinical assessment. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate technique during your consultation.

Low horizontal incision:

A low horizontal incision positioned to sit within typical underwear/swimwear lines (placement varies by anatomy).

Removal of excess skin and tissue

from the lower abdomen.

Repositioning of the umbilicus (belly button)

in many cases, as the skin is tightened.

Abdominal wall repair (selected cases)

if rectus diastasis is present and surgery is clinically appropriate.

Anesthesia

Abdominoplasty is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia plan depends on the extent of surgery, individual health factors, and facility protocols, and will be discussed during consultation.

What we will cover in consultation

Your medical practitioner will explain:

Recommended incision placement and expected scar location/length
Whether umbilical repositioning is likely
The trade-offs of each approach (e.g., scar length vs degree of tightening)
Timeline, activity restrictions, compression garment use, and follow-up schedule.
Detailed discussion of surgical risks, expected scarring, and recovery expectations.

Your surgeon will explain recommended incision placement, expected scarring, and the trade-offs of each approach during consultation.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries potential risks and complications. The likelihood and nature of these vary between individuals and depend on factors including anatomy, medical history, and surgical approach. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your situation during your consultation.

Potential risks and complications may include:

Potential risks and complications may include Infection – may require antibiotic treatment, Bleeding or haematoma formation – may require further intervention, Adverse reaction to anaesthesia, Scarring – individual scar outcomes vary, Asymmetry or contour irregularities, Changes in skin sensation – may be temporary or permanent, Wound healing delays – more common in smokers, Need for revision surgery in some cases. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your situation during consultation.

Preparation typically includes:

Medical review: health history, medications and supplements, and relevant investigations where required.
Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support after discharge.

Recovery Milestones

Week 1

Following abdominoplasty, you will be monitored in recovery. Some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected and vary between individuals.

Week 2

Initial healing occurs during this period. Rest is important and activity should be limited. Follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions carefully.

Week 2 - 6

Gradual return to light activities as advised by your surgeon. Swelling and bruising typically continue to subside. Individual recovery timelines vary.

Week 6 - 12

Most patients are able to resume normal activities including exercise, as cleared by their surgeon. Residual swelling may persist and varies between individuals.

3 - 12 Months

Final results continue to develop as tissues settle. Scars mature and fade over 12-18 months, though individual scar outcomes vary.

Pricing & Estimate

The cost of abdominoplasty varies depending on the surgical approach, complexity, and whether additional procedures are recommended. A personalised quote is provided following your consultation once your individual treatment plan has been determined. All fees, including surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital costs, are outlined before you proceed.

Disclaimer

Prices vary based on individual assessment. A personalised quote will be provided during consultation.

Starting From

Available on consultation

Indicative pricing only

Final exact cost will be confirmed after consultation.

Why Choose Us

At COSMEX, we combine advanced surgical expertise with personalized care to deliver natural, confident results. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are always our priority.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons

Our surgeons hold Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Each procedure is performed by qualified specialists with extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. You are welcome to verify your surgeon's credentials via the AHPRA public register.

Accredited Surgical Facilities

All surgical procedures are performed in licensed, accredited hospitals in Sydney. Our facilities meet Australian standards for theatre safety, anaesthesia, infection control, and emergency care. Your safety is the foundation of every treatment plan.

Individualised Care

No two patients are the same. Every treatment plan at COSMEX is developed following a thorough one-on-one consultation where your anatomy, concerns, goals, and medical history are carefully assessed. You will receive a personalised recommendation — not a standardised package.

Structured Aftercare and Follow-Up

Your care continues well beyond the day of your procedure. COSMEX provides a structured aftercare program including scheduled follow-up appointments, access to your surgical team for questions during recovery, and long-term monitoring where clinically indicated.

Video FAQs

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Dr Sepher Lajevardi interview at the 2022 Plastic Surgery Congress