Abdominoplasty — commonly known as a tummy tuck — is one of the most frequently asked-about cosmetic surgical procedures. This article provides factual information about what abdominoplasty involves, who may be a suitable candidate, and what to expect from the consultation and recovery process.
What abdominoplasty is
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdomen, and repairing the underlying abdominal muscle wall with internal sutures.
Unlike some body procedures that only address the surface, abdominoplasty also addresses the muscle layer beneath the skin. This is particularly relevant for patients whose abdominal muscles have been separated (diastasis recti) by pregnancy or significant weight change.
Why patients consider abdominoplasty
Common reasons patients present for abdominoplasty consultation include:
- After pregnancy — the abdominal muscles stretch during pregnancy and may not return fully to their pre-pregnancy position. Excess skin, stretch marks, and a protruding abdomen that does not respond to exercise are common concerns.
- After significant weight loss — patients who have lost a large amount of weight through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery often have excess skin and residual fatty deposits that do not respond to further lifestyle change.
- Persistent muscle separation — diastasis recti can cause a protruding abdomen, lower back pain, and reduced core strength even in patients who are otherwise fit.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients who are significantly above their target weight are typically encouraged to achieve and maintain a stable weight before surgery is considered.
Candidacy assessment
Not every patient presenting for abdominoplasty consultation will be a suitable candidate. During consultation, Dr Konrat assesses:
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Amount and location of excess skin and fat
- Condition of the underlying abdominal muscles
- General health and suitability for surgery
- Realistic expectations about the outcome
- Smoking status (smoking significantly impairs wound healing)
- Whether future pregnancies are planned
Based on this assessment, Dr Konrat may recommend:
- Full abdominoplasty — for patients with significant excess skin and muscle separation across the full abdomen
- Partial (mini) abdominoplasty — for patients with concerns limited to the lower abdomen below the navel
- Liposuction alone — for patients with good skin elasticity and localised fat without excess skin or muscle separation
- Deferral of surgery — if further weight loss, smoking cessation, or completion of planned pregnancies is appropriate first
What the procedure involves
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic administered by an accredited anaesthetist. The procedure typically includes:
- Pre-operative markings on the skin to guide the surgery
- A horizontal incision made low across the abdomen, typically within or just above the pubic hairline
- Tightening of the separated abdominal muscles with internal sutures
- Removal of excess skin and fat
- Repositioning of the navel, in most cases, to maintain proportional placement
- An additional incision around the navel, if required
Surgery typically takes between one and three hours depending on complexity.
Recovery
Recovery from abdominoplasty is gradual. General expectations include:
- Hospital or day-surgery stay followed by close monitoring
- Drains in place for several days after surgery
- A compression garment worn for several weeks
- Prescribed pain relief for the first week
- Walking encouraged from early in the recovery period, but with a bent posture for the first week or two
- Return to sedentary activities within 2–3 weeks
- Gradual return to strenuous exercise at 6–8 weeks, on medical advice
- Continued improvement in appearance over several months as swelling resolves
Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic monitors recovery closely through follow-up appointments to identify any potential complications early.
AHPRA requirements
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure regulated by AHPRA. Before surgery can be booked, patients must:
- Obtain a GP referral
- Attend two pre-operative consultations (one may be conducted via telehealth)
- Observe a minimum seven-day cooling-off period after the second consultation
- Complete any requested pre-operative assessments (blood tests, imaging)
- Provide informed consent
Risks and potential complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. Abdominoplasty is a significant operation with a longer recovery than many other cosmetic procedures. Potential complications may include:
- Delayed wound healing or wound breakdown
- Infection
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Seroma (fluid collection requiring drainage)
- Scarring (the abdominal scar is long and may be permanently visible)
- Changes in abdominal skin sensation
- Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Anaesthesia-related risks
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome
- Complications requiring further surgery
Specific risks are discussed in detail during consultation. See our general risks of cosmetic surgery page for further information.
Further information
For further information about abdominoplasty, please visit our abdominoplasty information page. To book a consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, please call 07 3391 5710 or email info@brisbanecosmetic.com.au.
Content reviewed by Dr Georgina Konrat MBBS FACCSM. AHPRA Registration: MED0001407863. This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Last reviewed: 17 April 2026.