Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Sydney (Demo)

Understanding Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation)

Diastasis recti is the medical term for a separation of the two large abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis), which normally sit close together down the front of the stomach and are joined by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. This separation is what causes the “gap” referred to above.

It commonly develops during pregnancy, as the growing uterus stretches and thins this connective tissue, and can also occur after significant weight gain or repeated abdominal strain. In many cases the gap narrows naturally in the months afterwards, which is why conservative options such as physiotherapy are usually tried before surgery is considered.

Diastasis recti is different from a hernia. A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through an actual defect or hole in the abdominal wall, whereas diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the muscles, without a true hole. The two conditions can occur together, and both can be assessed at your consultation.

Surgery is generally only considered when the separation is significant, causes ongoing functional symptoms, and has not improved with physiotherapy, consistent with the Medicare eligibility criteria described in the cost section below.

What Are the Different Types of Abdominoplasty Procedures?

Our plastic surgeons perform three broad categories of abdominoplasty, chosen according to the degree of muscle weakness, skin stretch and overall contour presentation. Across all of these techniques, our surgeons do not routinely use drains, one of the most common concerns patients raise before surgery.

What Does the Abdominoplasty Procedure Involve?

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic in fully accredited hospitals, with the incision positioned below the bikini line to keep the resulting scar as inconspicuous as possible. After the incision is made, the skin and fat are lifted off the abdominal muscles, the separated and stretched muscles are tightened and the “gap” between them repaired, and the loose skin is pulled down to remove the excess. The belly button is then repositioned, and wounds are closed with dissolving stitches beneath the skin, without a drain in most cases.

Compression garments are required for at least 4 weeks after surgery to assist with swelling and support healing.

Our plastic surgeons do not routinely use drains for abdominoplasty, to improve your comfort and recovery.

Can I Get Pregnant After Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty should not affect your ability to have children in future, and it should not affect your health or safety if you do become pregnant afterwards. It is typically advised to wait until you have completed your family before undergoing the procedure, as a subsequent pregnancy can stretch the skin and cause the repaired abdominal muscles to separate again, reversing the contouring effects of the surgery.

What Complications Can Arise from Abdominoplasty Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications.

Will Abdominoplasty Surgery Leave Scars?

Abdominoplasty scars are permanent, though they are carefully positioned below the bikini line. The incision for a full abdominoplasty generally runs hip to hip, just above the pubic area, usually with a scar around or within the belly button. Patients who do not require correction to the upper abdomen may have a shorter scar, similar to an extended caesarean scar. Scars are often red and somewhat thickened at first, generally fading to a fine, pale line over about a year.

If there is extreme excess skin, an additional incision running top to bottom as well as side to side may be required, or a full circumferential scar for patients after extreme weight loss.

How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost?

Every patient’s quote is individual, but out-of-pocket costs for abdominoplasty at Pure Aesthetics currently start from $16,775.

Abdominoplasty is recognised as a medical procedure and attracts Medicare rebates (and therefore private health insurance contribution) in two circumstances:

1. After pregnancy: Medicare item number 30175 applies where there is abdominal muscle separation (“rectus divarication,” also known as diastasis recti) of at least 3 cm in width, with associated functional symptoms that have not responded to physiotherapy.
2. After significant weight loss: Medicare item number 30177 may apply following a BMI reduction of at least 5, alongside specific functional symptoms.

Medicare and health insurance do not cover the full cost of this surgery. Additional “gap” payments apply. For an estimate of fees specific to your situation, please contact our team to schedule a consultation.

Are There Any Alternatives to Abdominoplasty?

Liposuction is the main alternative for patients who only want to treat a small area of fat around the abdomen, though it does not tighten loose skin or repair abdominal muscles the way abdominoplasty does. Our surgeons routinely use power-assisted liposuction, which results in smoother, more predictable results with a better recovery period involving less pain, swelling and bruising.

What Else Should I Consider Before Abdominoplasty Surgery?

Abdominoplasty is not intended to correct major weight-related issues, and this surgery will not be performed on current smokers or those with extreme obesity.

Looking at before and after abdominoplasty photos is a good way to understand what is reasonable to expect from the surgery. Other things you may need to consider:

• Do you intend to lose weight in future?
• Do you plan to have children in future?
• Have you considered the prospect of scarring on your abdomen?
• Can you spare the time required for a proper recovery?

Before your consultation, you may find it helpful to read why choosing a plastic surgeon matters and Pure Aesthetics’ cosmetic surgery checklist.

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions. The Pure Aesthetics team will be happy to address any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a full and mini abdominoplasty?

A full abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles along their full length and repositions the belly button, giving the most comprehensive contour improvement. A mini-abdominoplasty addresses a smaller area below the belly button, involves less muscle tightening, and does not move the belly button, so recovery is usually quicker.

What happens to my belly button during abdominoplasty?

In a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is freed from the surrounding skin, then repositioned through a new opening at the end of the procedure. In a mini-abdominoplasty, the belly button is not moved at all.

Does Pure Aesthetics use drains during abdominoplasty?

No. Our plastic surgeons do not routinely use drains for abdominoplasty, including mini-abdominoplasty, to support your comfort and recovery.

How long does surgery take, and will I need to stay in hospital?

A mini-abdominoplasty takes about 2 to 3 hours and may be day-only surgery. A full abdominoplasty takes 3 to 4 hours and typically involves a hospital stay of several days.

How long is recovery, and is it painful?

Moderate discomfort is usual in the first days, managed with pain medication. Most patients need 2 to 3 weeks off work, with full recovery taking up to 6 weeks and an abdominal support garment worn for the first 4 weeks.

What are the risks, and will I be left with visible scars?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, seroma, scarring and anaesthetic complications, among others. Scars are permanent but generally fade to a fine, pale line over about a year.

What determines how much my abdominoplasty will cost?

Out-of-pocket costs at Pure Aesthetics currently start from $16,775, but your own quote depends on factors including which technique is needed and whether any procedures are combined. An exact estimate is provided at consultation.

Does Medicare cover abdominoplasty?

Medicare may contribute after pregnancy (item 30175, for muscle separation of at least 3 cm unresponsive to physiotherapy) or after significant weight loss (item 30177). Medicare and private health insurance do not cover the full cost; gap payments apply.

Will abdominoplasty affect future pregnancies?

It should not affect your ability to have children in future, but it is typically advised to wait until you have completed your family, as a subsequent pregnancy can reverse the contouring effects of the procedure.

Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes, most often with liposuction or breast surgery, as part of what Pure Aesthetics describes as a post-pregnancy reconstruction. Combining procedures in one surgery can mean fewer separate recovery periods than staging them separately.

For questions outside the scope of this procedure, see Pure Aesthetics’ full FAQ hub.