Also known as tummy tuck surgery in Australia.
What is an abdominoplasty consultation?
An abdominoplasty consultation is an appointment with a specialist plastic surgeon to discuss concerns related to excess abdominal skin, changes in abdominal contour, or abdominal wall function.
This consultation helps determine whether surgery may be appropriate for your individual situation or whether other approaches should be considered.
People may explore an abdominoplasty consultation for many reasons, including changes following pregnancy, significant weight loss, ageing, or longstanding abdominal wall concerns.
Only a specialist plastic surgeon can assess whether abdominoplasty is suitable after reviewing your medical history, overall health and physical examination.
What is discussed during the consultation?
A specialist plastic surgeon will assess areas such as:
- Skin redundancy or overhanging skin on the abdomen
- The lower abdominal fold and surrounding tissue
- Possible abdominal muscle separation
- Any symptoms like irritation, rashes or difficulty with hygiene
- Physical examination findings that may relate to abdominal wall support
The consultation focuses on understanding your concerns, identifying any medical contributors, and determining whether surgery is an appropriate or safe option.
Not everyone will be a candidate for abdominoplasty. A surgeon may also discuss conservative or non-surgical measures depending on the assessment.
Who may be referred for an abdominoplasty consultation?
A GP may refer someone for a specialist surgical opinion if they:
- Have significant excess abdominal skin after major weight loss or pregnancy
- Experience repeated skin irritation beneath abdominal folds
- Have concerns about abdominal wall function or separation
- Would like a medical assessment of changes in this region
People considering elective cosmetic surgery need to follow a regulated pathway designed to support informed and safe decision making. Every person must complete the following steps before any procedure can be booked:
• A current GP referral is required before seeing a surgeon. This helps ensure your broader health needs are reviewed and that cosmetic surgery is the right pathway to explore.
• You must attend a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon who would perform the operation. At least one of these appointments must occur in person. These consultations allow time to review your medical history, assess suitability and discuss risks in detail.
• A cooling off period is required after the final consent appointment. This time is set aside for you to think carefully about the information provided, ask more questions if needed and decide whether to proceed.
These steps apply to all elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. They are in place to support careful consideration and protect patient safety.
How is suitability determined?
Abdominoplasty is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. Suitability is always assessed during the consultation and may involve:
- A full medical history
- Physical examination
- Review of previous surgeries
- Discussion of expectations
- Consideration of safety factors
- Exploration of alternatives
Only a specialist plastic surgeon can confirm whether abdominoplasty is clinically appropriate.
Understanding what the procedure involves
Yes. Recovery needs vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Most people can eIf the surgeon believes abdominoplasty may be appropriate, they will explain what the procedure includes in general terms.
This may cover:
- The surgeon may give general information about where incisions are usually positioned in this type of procedure
- How excess tissue is removed
- Whether abdominal muscle repair is being considered
- What steps are taken during recovery
Detailed information, diagrams or photos must only be provided in a medical context.
The surgeon will also explain situations where abdominoplasty is not recommended.
Recovery and follow-up
If surgery is advised, recovery information will be explained clearly during the consultation. This may include general timelines, activity restrictions and the need for follow-up care.
Recovery varies between individuals.
Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance that reflects your procedure, health, and healing.
Who can perform this treatment?
Abdominoplasty is performed by specialist plastic surgeons who are registered with the Medical Board of Australia.
These procedures must occur in accredited hospitals or licensed surgical facilities with appropriate anaesthetic and postoperative support.
Patients are encouraged to:
- Confirm the surgeon’s qualifications
- Ask about experience with similar presentations
- Ensure the surgical facility is accredited
- Discuss postoperative care and follow-up requirements
Is a referral required?
Yes, people considering elective cosmetic surgery need to follow a regulated pathway designed to support informed and safe decision making. Every person must complete the following steps before any procedure can be booked.
• A current GP referral is required before seeing a surgeon. This helps ensure your broader health needs are reviewed and that cosmetic surgery is the right pathway to explore.
• You must attend a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon who would perform the operation. At least one of these appointments must occur in person. These consultations allow time to review your medical history, assess suitability and discuss risks in detail.
• A cooling off period is required after the final consent appointment. This time is set aside for you to think carefully about the information provided, ask more questions if needed and decide whether to proceed.
These steps apply to all elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. They are in place to support careful consideration and protect patient safety.
What are the risks?
All surgical procedures carry risks.
During your consultation, the surgeon will explain risks such as:
- Infection or bleeding
- Delayed wound healing
- Seroma (fluid build-up)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Scarring
- Anaesthetic complications
- Irregularities or changes in contour
A full risk discussion is part of the informed consent process.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the cost of abdominoplasty in Australia?
A: Fees vary depending on the surgeon, facility, anaesthetic requirements and whether any medical criteria are met. A formal quote is provided after your consultation.
Q: Can abdominoplasty attract Medicare or private health rebates?
A: In certain circumstances, such as significant skin redundancy that affects function or comfort, partial rebates may apply. Eligibility is determined by the surgeon after examination.
Q: Will there be a scar?
A: Your surgeon will discuss the location and appearance of scars and explain how scarring is managed after surgery.
Q: Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
A: This depends entirely on safety, medical need and your individual circumstances. A surgeon will guide this discussion.
Q: When are results visible?
A: Healing takes time. The surgeon will explain expected timelines during the consultation. Outcomes vary and depend on many individual factors.
