Tummy Tuck Cost in Sydney 2026 — A Complete Pricing Guide

Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney

Abdominoplasty pricing varies considerably because abdominoplasty itself is not a single procedure. Mini abdominoplasty, standard abdominoplasty (Hi-Def with 360 liposuction), and the Fleur De Lis / circumferential body lift variants are all technically different operations with different operating times, hospital stays, and fees. Medicare eligibility changes the out-of-pocket cost significantly for qualifying patients. Understanding what drives the cost of each procedure, what’s included, and where Medicare may contribute helps patients plan realistically and compare quotes meaningfully.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with specific training in body contouring and post-pregnancy surgery. He consults at his Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction and Manly, with surgery performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

What “All-Inclusive” Pricing Means

Every figure quoted in this guide at Dr Turner’s practice is all-inclusive. That means the single figure covers:

• Surgeon’s professional fee
• Hospital fee (operating theatre, nursing, multi-night hospital stay where required)
• Anaesthetist fee
• Post-operative follow-up appointments
• Standard surgical garments and prescribed medications

Some Sydney practices quote only the surgeon’s fee, with hospital, anaesthesia, and follow-up care billed separately. When this happens, the headline figure looks lower but the total cost after everything adds up is often similar or considerably higher. For body contouring surgery specifically, this distinction matters a lot because hospital time (typically 1 to 4 nights) and anaesthesia (operations running 2.5 to 5 hours) contribute meaningfully to the total.

A consultation fee of $450 applies and sits outside the surgical fee. Patients may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate with a valid GP referral.

2026 Pricing at a Glance

The table below summarises Dr Turner’s indicative all-inclusive pricing. Where two figures are shown, the lower figure applies to patients who qualify for a relevant Medicare item number, and the higher figure applies to cosmetic cases without Medicare eligibility.

A formal itemised quote is provided after consultation once the surgical plan is confirmed. Medicare eligibility is assessed at consultation based on MBS criteria.

Mini Abdominoplasty

The mini abdominoplasty is the least extensive variant and is distinguished by three features:

• Shorter scar — a smaller incision compared with the full abdominoplasty
• No muscle repair — the rectus abdominis separation is not corrected in this procedure
• Minimal liposuction — where liposuction is included it’s targeted and limited, not circumferential

The operation addresses loose skin below the belly button only. The umbilicus stays in its original position. Operating time is shorter at approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with an overnight hospital stay.

Cost: from $15,200 with eligible Medicare item number, or from $23,200 without Medicare (cosmetic). This all-inclusive figure covers surgeon, hospital (overnight stay), anaesthesia, and standard follow-up appointments.

Suitable for: Patients with good overall skin quality whose primary concern is limited to the lower abdomen below the belly button. The operation suits patients with minor skin laxity and no significant rectus diastasis. It’s a more conservative procedure with a faster recovery than a full abdominoplasty.

Not suitable for: Patients with muscle separation requiring repair, significant skin excess extending above the belly button, or post-pregnancy concerns that include functional symptoms from diastasis. In these cases a standard abdominoplasty is more appropriate because the mini variant does not include muscle repair.

Because mini abdominoplasty does not include muscle repair, it’s rarely the right procedure for post-pregnancy patients with documented rectus diastasis. If Medicare item 30175 eligibility is being considered, the procedure requires muscle repair, so a standard abdominoplasty is the relevant Medicare-eligible variant.

Standard Abdominoplasty — Hi-Def with 360 Liposuction

The standard abdominoplasty at Dr Turner’s practice incorporates Hi-Def body contouring with circumferential (360) liposuction as part of the procedure. This is the most commonly performed abdominoplasty in the practice, and it differs from a basic abdominoplasty in that liposuction to the flanks, lower back, and surrounding areas is performed in the same operation, producing a more comprehensive contour than the anterior abdomen alone.

The operation addresses excess skin across the full abdomen, includes rectus diastasis (muscle separation) repair, relocates the belly button, and incorporates the 360-degree liposuction component. Operating time is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours with a hospital stay of 3 to 4 days.

Cost: from $21,800 with eligible Medicare item number, or from $31,300 without Medicare (cosmetic). This all-inclusive figure covers surgeon, hospital (3 to 4 nights), anaesthesia, and all post-operative appointments.

Suitable for: Patients following pregnancy or significant weight changes with moderate to substantial skin excess across the abdomen, rectus diastasis of 3cm or greater, and associated functional symptoms. The most commonly performed abdominoplasty variant and the relevant procedure for most Medicare-eligible cases.

Medicare pathway: MBS item 30175 applies to post-pregnancy patients with documented diastasis of at least 3cm, failed conservative management, and documented symptoms. MBS item 30177 applies to post-weight-loss patients with loss of at least 5 BMI points, stable weight for 6 months, and documented functional impairment from excess skin. Both items exclude purely cosmetic cases. The 360-liposuction component is included within the all-inclusive surgical fee regardless of Medicare eligibility.

For detailed information on the Hi-Def 360 approach, see the Hi-Def abdominoplasty with 360 liposuction guide.

Fleur De Lis (Vertical) Abdominoplasty and Circumferential Body Lift

The Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty and circumferential body lift are both grouped here because the operations share comparable operating time, hospital stay, and pricing. They address different patterns of skin excess but at similar surgical complexity.

Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty (also called vertical abdominoplasty) addresses excess skin in both the lower and upper abdomen as well as the flanks. The technique uses both horizontal and vertical incisions, named after the fleur-de-lis symbol. This permits more comprehensive anterior reshaping than a standard abdominoplasty, particularly after massive weight loss.

Circumferential body lift (also called belt lipectomy) addresses excess skin around the entire trunk — abdomen, flanks, back, and buttocks — in a single operation. The incision creates a complete circle around the torso.

Both operations run approximately 3.5 to 5 hours with a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days.

Cost: from $24,700 with eligible Medicare item number, or from $35,000 without Medicare. This all-inclusive figure covers surgeon, hospital stay, anaesthesia, and all post-operative appointments.

When Fleur De Lis is appropriate: Patients following massive weight loss with both horizontal and vertical excess skin at the front of the abdomen, where a standard abdominoplasty would leave significant redundancy in the upper abdomen. The vertical incision is a more visible scar than the horizontal-only scar of a standard abdominoplasty, but for patients with substantial upper abdominal skin excess, the trade-off is generally worthwhile because a standard procedure cannot adequately address this tissue.

When circumferential body lift is appropriate: Patients following massive weight loss with excess skin extending around the back and flanks, not just the anterior abdomen. Particularly relevant after bariatric surgery or very significant weight loss where a straight-across abdominoplasty incision would leave loose tissue at the sides and back.

Medicare pathway: MBS item 30179 covers circumferential lipectomy with requirements similar to item 30177 plus documentation of circumferential skin excess. MBS items 30175 or 30177 may apply to Fleur De Lis depending on the indication.

For detailed information, see the Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty procedure page.

Medicare and Abdominoplasty — How Eligibility Works

Medicare treats abdominoplasty differently to most cosmetic procedures because clear MBS pathways exist for medically indicated cases.

Item 30175 — Post-pregnancy abdominoplasty. Applies to patients with:

• Diastasis recti of at least 3cm confirmed by diagnostic imaging
• Documented functional symptoms (pain, low back pain, or urinary symptoms)
• Failed conservative treatment including physiotherapy
• No pregnancy within the preceding 12 months

Item 30177 — Post-weight-loss abdominoplasty. Applies to patients with:

• Loss of at least 5 BMI points
• Stable weight maintained for at least 6 months
• Excess skin interfering with normal activities
• Documented intertrigo or other skin conditions related to the excess tissue

Item 30179 — Circumferential lipectomy. Similar criteria to item 30177, with the additional requirement of circumferential skin excess.

What Medicare eligibility means for your out-of-pocket cost.

Qualifying for an MBS item number activates three financial benefits simultaneously:

1. The procedure becomes GST-exempt. Cosmetic abdominoplasty carries 10% GST, medical abdominoplasty does not. This alone is a meaningful saving.
2. Medicare provides a partial rebate on the surgeon’s fee and anaesthetist’s fee.
3. Private health insurance covers hospital fees. With appropriate cover (typically top-level hospital cover including the relevant MBS item), the hospital fee, often $8,000 to $18,000 on its own, is covered by your fund.

The combined effect of these three benefits is why the Medicare-eligible pricing in the table above is substantially lower than cosmetic pricing for the same technical operation.

What Medicare does not do: Medicare does not cover abdominoplasty performed for aesthetic reasons alone. Patients whose primary concern is a flatter abdomen without documented diastasis and symptoms, or without documented weight-loss-related functional impairment, do not qualify regardless of their personal circumstances.

For a detailed discussion of Medicare eligibility including documentation requirements, see Will Medicare cover my tummy tuck?.

What Drives Variation Within Each Price Range

Several factors determine whether your individual quote sits at the lower or upper end of the relevant price range:

• Procedure complexity and operating time. Additional skin excess, more complex muscle repair, or revision of previous abdominoplasty all increase operating time
• Length of hospital stay. Mini abdominoplasty is typically overnight, standard procedures 3 to 4 nights, FDL and circumferential procedures 3 to 5 nights
• Surgical assistant. More complex procedures require a surgical assistant, which is reflected in the fee
• Combined procedures. Where abdominoplasty is combined with breast surgery, the overall cost increases but is more cost-efficient than staged surgeries
• Pre-existing hernias requiring repair during the same operation

A formal itemised quote is provided at the end of your consultation once the surgical plan is confirmed.

Combined Post-Pregnancy Procedures

Many patients, particularly post-pregnancy, want to address both abdominal and breast changes in a single operation. Combining procedures means one hospital admission, one anaesthetic, and one recovery period, which is typically more cost-efficient than staged surgery despite the higher single quote.

Indicative combined pricing (standard abdominoplasty component, cosmetic figures):

• Abdominoplasty with breast augmentation: from $42,000
• Abdominoplasty with breast lift: typically $45,000 to $51,000
• Abdominoplasty with breast lift and implants: typically $49,000 to $57,000

Where the abdominoplasty component qualifies for a Medicare item number, out-of-pocket costs reduce by approximately $9,500. The breast component remains cosmetic in most cases.

For detailed information on post-pregnancy combinations, see the breast surgery cost guide and the post-pregnancy surgery page.

Payment Options

Accepted payment methods. Bank transfer or direct deposit, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), and EFTPOS. Final payment for surgery is due two weeks before the procedure date.

Internal pre-payment plan. Patients who prefer to spread payment can arrange an internal pre-payment plan with the practice. This is a structured savings arrangement, not a loan, with no interest and no credit check. The full surgical fee must be paid by the due date before surgery.

External financing. Dr Turner’s practice does not endorse, partner with, or recommend any specific finance provider or Buy Now Pay Later service, in line with AHPRA and Medical Board of Australia guidelines. If you choose to explore financing, it’s your responsibility to research and manage the process independently.

Superannuation on compassionate grounds. Early release of superannuation may be possible for medically necessary abdominoplasty (typically where Medicare eligibility is established) where strict ATO financial hardship criteria are also met. This pathway is not available for cosmetic cases. Accessing superannuation early reduces retirement savings and released funds are typically taxed as income. Independent financial advice is strongly recommended before applying.

For a full overview of payment pathways, see the plastic surgery prices guide.

Candidacy and BMI Requirements

Dr Turner’s practice has specific patient selection criteria for body contouring surgery that directly affect safety and outcomes:

• BMI at or below 30. Dr Turner does not perform abdominoplasty on patients with a BMI above 30 due to significantly increased complication risks. Patients with BMI above 30 are advised to reduce weight before reassessment.
• Stable weight for at least 6 months before surgery. Weight changes after abdominoplasty compromise the result.
• Non-smoker or cessation for 6 weeks minimum before and after surgery. Smoking significantly increases wound healing complications and the risk of skin necrosis.
• No uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with wound healing or general anaesthesia.
• Completed family planning. Subsequent pregnancies will likely compromise results.
• Realistic expectations discussed thoroughly at consultation.

Why Your Surgeon’s Qualifications Matter

For body contouring surgery, surgeon qualifications matter more than for almost any other aesthetic procedure because the complication profile can be significant. The combination of large incisions, extensive tissue dissection, muscle repair, and longer anaesthesia creates risks that require specialist training and experienced anaesthesia support to manage safely.

In Australia, the benchmark for specialist surgical training is the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS Plast). The term “cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected title.

Prices significantly below market rate for abdominoplasty typically reflect compromises in one or more of: surgeon training and experience, hospital accreditation, anaesthetist qualifications (Specialist Anaesthetist vs GP anaesthetist), duration of hospital stay, or post-operative care provisions. Revision surgery to correct complications from inadequate primary abdominoplasty is typically considerably more expensive than appropriate primary surgery would have been.

AHPRA Regulatory Requirements

Under AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines (effective 1 July 2023), the following apply before abdominoplasty can proceed:

• A referral from your GP or a specialist physician
• A minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner before surgery is booked
• A psychological evaluation to confirm suitability
• A mandatory cooling-off period before formal consent is given

These requirements apply to all cosmetic surgical procedures in Australia. Where abdominoplasty qualifies as reconstructive surgery under MBS criteria, some aspects of the guidelines are applied differently, but the referral, consultation, and psychological evaluation requirements remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Sydney in 2026?

At Dr Turner’s practice, tummy tuck costs range from $15,200 for a mini abdominoplasty with eligible Medicare up to $35,000 for a Fleur De Lis or circumferential body lift cosmetic case. Standard abdominoplasty (Hi-Def with 360 liposuction) starts from $21,800 with Medicare or $31,300 cosmetic. Every figure is all-inclusive covering surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, and follow-up. A consultation fee of $450 applies separately. Individual quotes reflect surgical complexity, combined procedures, and Medicare eligibility.

Does Medicare cover tummy tuck surgery?

Medicare may cover abdominoplasty where strict clinical criteria are met. Item 30175 applies to post-pregnancy patients with diastasis of at least 3cm and documented symptoms. Item 30177 applies to post-weight-loss patients with loss of at least 5 BMI points, stable weight for 6 months, and documented skin issues. Item 30179 covers circumferential body lift with similar criteria plus circumferential skin excess. Pure cosmetic abdominoplasty is never covered. Medicare eligibility also activates private health insurance coverage for hospital fees, which can be worth $8,000 to $18,000, so the combined saving for eligible patients is substantial. Eligibility is assessed at consultation with a GP referral.

What’s the difference between mini and standard abdominoplasty?

Mini abdominoplasty involves a shorter scar, no muscle repair, and minimal liposuction. It addresses lower abdominal skin only and is suited to patients with good overall skin quality and no muscle separation. Standard abdominoplasty (Hi-Def with 360 liposuction) addresses the full abdomen, includes rectus diastasis repair, relocates the belly button, and incorporates circumferential liposuction to the flanks and lower back. Because mini abdominoplasty doesn’t include muscle repair, it’s rarely appropriate for post-pregnancy patients with diastasis and is generally not the Medicare-eligible procedure variant. Dr Turner will advise which technique is appropriate at consultation.

Why does Medicare eligibility reduce my cost so much?

Medicare eligibility activates three financial benefits simultaneously. First, the procedure becomes GST-exempt (10% saving automatically). Second, Medicare provides a partial rebate on surgeon and anaesthetist fees. Third, private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover then covers hospital fees, which for body contouring surgery typically range from $8,000 to $18,000. The combined effect is why Medicare-eligible pricing is substantially lower than cosmetic pricing for technically identical surgery. This only applies where genuine MBS criteria are met, which is assessed at consultation.

Can I use superannuation to pay for abdominoplasty?

Early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds may be possible for medically necessary abdominoplasty where Medicare eligibility is established and strict ATO financial hardship criteria are also met. This pathway is not available for purely cosmetic cases. Accessing superannuation early reduces retirement savings and the released funds are typically taxed as income, so independent financial advice is strongly recommended before applying. Dr Turner’s team can provide the required medical documentation but cannot advise on financial matters or facilitate ATO applications.

Related Procedures and Resources

Related procedures:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Sydney
• Fleur De Lis (Vertical) Abdominoplasty
• Post-Pregnancy Surgery
• Post-Weight-Loss Surgery

Helpful guides:

• Plastic Surgery Prices Overview
• Will Medicare Cover My Tummy Tuck?
• Hi-Def Abdominoplasty with 360 Liposuction
• Breast Surgery Cost Guide

Consult with Dr Scott J Turner

Dr Turner consults for abdominoplasty in Sydney at Bondi Junction and Manly. He also sees patients in Brisbane, Canberra, and Newcastle. Surgery is performed in Sydney at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

Contact the practice to arrange a consultation, or read more about Dr Turner’s background and training.