What is abdominoplasty surgery?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. It may be considered by individuals who experience loose skin due to factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss, or ageing.
Abdominoplasty surgery is commonly performed to address issues such as diastasis recti by helping to repair the gap between separated abdominal muscles. Tightening abdominal muscles through abdominoplasty can also potentially help with core strength, back pain, and posture. For individuals who have a large area of excess skin covering the suprapubic area or are seeking to recontour their abdomen following significant weight loss, an abdominoplasty may be a suitable procedure to target these concerns.
There are different types of abdominoplasty, including a full abdominoplasty (which addresses the entire abdominal area) and a mini abdominoplasty (which focuses on the lower abdomen), among others. The most suitable approach will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on individual aesthetic and functional needs.
Abdominoplasty surgery can be considered either a cosmetic or medically necessary procedure, depending on individual circumstances. The best surgical approach for abdominoplasty will depend on the patient’s personal circumstances. It will be customised to suit the patient’s unique needs and natural anatomy, all of which will be discussed during a consultation. This tailored approach helps ensure the procedure process aligns with the patient’s goals and desired outcomes, while addressing any specific concerns the patient may have.
As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty surgery carries potential risks and complications that need to be considered. It is important to consult with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon to discuss the most suitable treatment options, expected outcomes, what to expect during recovery and cover any potential risks associated with abdominoplasty, including how these will be managed in the case that complications do arise.
Our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide personalised consultations to create a tailored plan that is suited to achieve the patient’s goals.
Also known as:
- Body Contouring
- Fat Removal
- Liposuction
Abdominoplasty surgery | what to expect
| Results | Natural ageing and weight fluctuations may affect results |
|---|---|
| Surgery Time | 90 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Off-Work | 10 to 14 days |
| Exercise | Limited for 6 weeks |
| Full Recovery | 3 to 12 months |
Reasons for abdominoplasty
The reasons a person may choose abdominoplasty include a desire for:
Diastasis Repair: Correcting separated rectus abdominis muscles can restore core strength and stability and improve posture.
Hernia Correction: Certain hernias may be addressed as part of the abdominoplasty procedure.
Improve Back Pain: Tightening the abdominal muscles tensions the thoracolumbar fascia, which may help reduce strain on the lower back, alleviating discomfort.
Types of abdominoplasty procedures
There are several types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures, each designed to address different concerns. The right procedure depends on factors such as the amount of excess skin, muscle separation, and individual goals.
Full Abdominoplasty (Traditional Tummy Tuck)
- Removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area
- Tightens abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis repair) if needed
- Involves a hip-to-hip incision along the lower abdomen
- Repositions the belly button (umbilicus)
- Suitable for significant weight loss, post-pregnancy changes, or ageing-related laxity
A full abdominoplasty may be suited to individuals with excess skin above and below the belly button and muscle weakness.
Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
- Focuses on the lower abdomen only (below the belly button)
- Involves a smaller incision and no belly button repositioning
- Suitable for mild to moderate skin laxity and localised fat deposits
- Shorter recovery time compared to a full abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty may be suitable for individuals with a small amount of excess skin or lower belly fat.
Extended Abdominoplasty
- Similar to a full abdominoplasty, but extends to the sides (flanks) or lower back
- Removes larger amounts of excess skin after major weight loss
- Tightens both abdominal and lateral muscles
- Can alter the body contour beyond the midsection
An extended abdominoplasty procedure can be suitable for patients with excess skin after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.
Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
- Involves a vertical and horizontal incision to remove excess skin in two directions
- Suitable for patients with significant skin laxity in the upper and lower abdomen
- Commonly performed after massive weight loss (e.g., post-bariatric surgery)
- Allows for more dramatic reshaping of the abdominal area
Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty may be suitable for individuals with severe skin redundancy after extreme weight loss.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Belt Lipectomy or Lower Body Lift)
- Extends the incision around the entire body
- Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks
- Often combined with liposuction for body contouring
- Commonly performed after massive weight loss
Circumferential abdominoplasty may be suited to individuals who desire 360-degree body reshaping after major weight loss.
Reverse Abdominoplasty
- Targets excess skin on the upper abdomen rather than the lower abdomen
- Incision is placed below the breasts instead of the lower abdomen
- Can be combined with breast surgery (e.g., mastopexy (breast lift) or augmentation mammoplasty)
A reverse abdominoplasty procedure can be suited to individuals with upper abdominal laxity.
Why consider abdominoplasty surgery
The choice to undergo abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a highly personal decision that can be driven by medical, aesthetic or lifestyle factors. The decision to proceed should be a well-informed and considered process.
Common reasons patients may consider abdominoplasty include:
Targeting excess skin and fat: Reshaping loose or persistent excess skin and fat that does not respond to exercise following pregnancy or weight loss from the abdominal area can help reshape the waist and mid-section
Separated abdominal muscles: Targeting weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can help improve core strength, reduce back pain, and aid posture
Treating skin irritation: Excess skin folds can rub, causing discomfort, redness, rashes or even open sores. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure targets these skin folds to help treat skin irritation.
It’s important to note that abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients should be at or near their goal, healthy weight and maintain a stable lifestyle before getting surgery.
Am i a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty surgery?
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure; however, it may be an appropriate surgical approach for individuals of stable weight who have tried non-surgical options to address fat removal, such as diet and exercise. Patients who plan to have children in the future are encouraged to delay undergoing an abdominoplasty until they have finished having children.
Suitable candidates for abdominoplasty procedures will typically be individuals who:
Have Excess Skin and Fat: Often due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing
Experience Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti): Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
Are at a Stable Weight: Ideally, within their healthy weight range with no major planned weight changes
Are in Good Overall Health: No significant medical conditions that could increase surgical risks
Have No Immediate Pregnancy Plans: Future pregnancies may affect the results of surgery
Struggle with Skin Irritation or Discomfort: Loose skin causing rashes, infections, or hygiene issues
Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding the limitations and potential outcomes of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery
What does abdominoplasty surgery involve?
Abdominoplasty is a customised procedure and outcomes will vary between individuals. An abdominoplasty procedure will typically involve:
- Removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen
- Tightening the abdominal muscles
- Reshaping the midsection
Following abdominoplasty surgery, patients will be provided with specific post-operative aftercare instructions to support healing and recovery. Our nursing team will be in touch the day after your surgery to check in on your recovery and answer any questions or concerns you may have following your procedure. Our patient care team will organise your follow-up care and complimentary review appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to help aid your recovery.
Dr Philip Richardson 
Dr Milap Rughani 
