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Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery in Sydney

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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.

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Before & After

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.

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Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

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.

Your Consultation with Dr Lajevardi

Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing exceptional results to each patient. He takes a caring approach, working with patients to create an individualised treatment plan that helps them feel confident in their outcomes. Book your appointment to receive professional care and guidance from Dr Lajevardi, and find out if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.

Key Benefits

The goals of abdominoplasty depend on anatomy, skin quality, and the agreed surgical plan. Depending on individual circumstances, potential physical outcomes may include:

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.

Skin-fold symptom considerations

in some people, removal of an overhanging fold may reduce irritation or hygiene difficulty; this varies.

Outcomes vary and no specific result can be guaranteed.

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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.

You May Be a Good Candidate If

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you:

Are in good overall physical health
Have excess abdominal skin and tissue that you would like assessed
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)
Understand that scarring is expected and results vary

Who Should Not Undergo This Procedure

Abdominoplasty may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
Have an active infection
Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required (as nicotine can significantly impair healing)
Are planning major weight change or pregnancy in the near future (timing may be deferred depending on clinical advice)
Have unrealistic expectations regarding scarring, symmetry, or outcome variability

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

The technique is tailored to the degree of skin excess, tissue distribution, and whether abdominal wall repair is required. Options may include:

Full abdominoplasty:

commonly involves a low horizontal incision, removal of excess tissue, and repositioning of the umbilicus. Abdominal wall repair may be performed in selected cases.

Mini abdominoplasty:

may be considered when laxity is mainly below the navel and less correction is required.

Panniculectomy:

may be considered in selected situations where the primary concern is an overhanging skin fold (with or without functional symptoms).

Adjunct liposuction (selected cases):

may be used to address surrounding tissue distribution, depending on safety and individual anatomy.

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

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

Your surgical plan is chosen based on how much skin laxity is present, where it sits (above vs below the navel), fat distribution, and whether there’s evidence of abdominal wall separation (rectus diastasis) or other functional concerns. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain which approach is most suitable for your anatomy and goals, and why.

Full abdominoplasty:

Full tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, traditional abdominoplasty A full abdominoplasty is typically considered when there is skin and tissue laxity above and below the navel and/or there is a need for a more comprehensive reshaping of the abdominal contour.

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.
Surgical drains, compression garments, and a defined recovery plan may be recommended depending on your case.

Mini abdominoplasty:

Mini tummy tuck, mini tuck, lower tummy tuck A mini abdominoplasty may be considered when laxity is mainly below the navel and there is less excess skin overall.

What it may involve:

A shorter low horizontal incision than a full abdominoplasty (varies case-by-case).
Focused tightening and removal of excess tissue below the belly button.
The umbilicus is usually not repositioned, but this depends on the technique and anatomy.
In selected cases, limited abdominal wall tightening may be discussed, depending on findings.

Panniculectomy:

Pannus removal, apronectomy, skin apron removal

A panniculectomy may be considered when the primary concern is an overhanging abdominal skin fold (pannus) — particularly where it contributes to skin irritation, hygiene difficulties, or functional symptoms. This procedure focuses more on removing the overhang than on contouring the entire abdomen.

What it may involve:

Adjunct liposuction (selected cases):

Lipo with tummy tuck, lipoabdominoplasty

In selected cases, liposuction may be used to help address surrounding tissue distribution (for example, flanks/hips) and refine contour. Your surgeon will discuss whether this is appropriate based on blood supply, safety, and your individual anatomy.

What it may involve:

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 your surgeon will cover in consultation

Your surgeon will explain:

Recommended incision placement and expected scar location/length
Whether umbilical repositioning is likely
Whether abdominal wall repair is being considered and why
The trade-offs of each approach (e.g., scar length vs degree of tightening)
Expected recovery considerations, potential risks, and what results may realistically look like for your anatomy

Pre-Operative Preparation

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 Process

Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery, whether muscle repair is performed, and individual healing.

Timeline

Activity & Expectations

Immediately Post-Op

Dressings and a compression garment may be used. Drains may be used in some cases. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur.

First Week

Follow-up is typically scheduled for wound review and drain/dressing management (if applicable). Walking may be encouraged as advised. Movement may feel tight, particularly if muscle repair was performed.

Weeks 2–4

Gradual increase in light daily activity may be possible depending on healing. Lifting restrictions commonly apply.

1–3 Months

Ongoing changes in swelling, contour and scar healing occur. Activity is increased gradually as advised.

6+ Months

Scars continue to mature and contour can continue to evolve. Timelines vary between individuals.

Recovery Milestones

Return to Work

Timing varies depending on the extent of surgery and your role. Your surgeon will provide guidance based on your procedure and recovery.

Return to Exercise

Light activity may be resumed as advised. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and core-loading activities are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon, especially if muscle repair was performed.

Appearance over time

Swelling reduces gradually and scars mature over months. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.

Resources & Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

How long does abdominoplasty take?

Timing varies based on the surgical plan and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Your surgeon will provide an estimate during consultation.

Will I have noticeable scars?

All surgery results in scars. Abdominoplasty typically involves a lower abdominal scar and, in many cases, a scar around the umbilicus. Scar length and visibility vary between individuals.

How long will the results last?

Longevity varies. Weight changes, pregnancy, and natural tissue changes over time can affect abdominal appearance. Your surgeon can discuss factors that may influence longer-term outcomes.

Pain & Recovery

Is abdominoplasty painful?

Discomfort varies. Many people report tightness and soreness early in recovery, particularly if muscle repair is performed. Pain management guidance will be provided.

What is the purpose of drains?

Drains may be used in some cases to reduce fluid accumulation during early healing. Whether drains are required depends on the surgical technique and individual factors.

When can I shower after surgery?

This depends on dressings, drain use (if applicable), and incision healing. You will receive written guidance before discharge. Submerging incisions (bath/pool/ocean) is usually restricted for a period.

Safety & Credentials

Where will the surgery be performed? Is the facility accredited?

Surgery is performed in an appropriate licensed surgical facility or hospital setting. Facility details and aftercare arrangements will be discussed during consultation.

What are the risks associated with abdominoplasty?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, seroma (fluid collection), contour irregularity, asymmetry, changes in sensation, anaesthetic risks, and the possibility of revision surgery. Some patients may experience wound healing issues or tissue compromise. A detailed discussion of risks and alternatives will occur during consultation.

Important Safety Information

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.