What is an Abdominoplasty?
Factors like aging, pregnancy, weight changes, previous abdominal surgeries, and genetics can cause permanent changes such as weakened abdominal muscles and excess skin or fat accumulation. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles.
Functionally, tightening abdominal muscles can improve core strength, alleviate back pain, and enhance posture. If you have a “belly apron” covering the suprapubic area or desire a flatter abdomen despite normal weight, an abdominoplasty might be suitable. The surgery can also address issues like diastasis recti by repairing the gap between separated abdominal muscles.

Types of Abdominoplasty Procedures?
Dr Turner offers a range of abdominoplasty techniques in Sydney to suit diverse patient goals:
Full Abdominoplasty
A full abdominoplasty is recommended for patients with moderate excess skin and muscle separation. This comprehensive approach addresses the entire abdominal area, targeting both the lower and upper abdomen. The procedure involves making an incision across the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip, and another around the umbilicus. The abdominal skin is elevated to allow access to the underlying muscles, which are then sutured together to create an internal corset, firming the abdominal wall and slimming the waistline. After tightening the muscles, the skin is redraped downward, and any excess tissue, including stretch marks in the treated area, is removed. The belly button is carefully repositioned through a small opening to ensure a natural appearance.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty is designed for patients with minimal skin laxity or excess fat confined to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus with good overall skin quality. It involves a smaller incision than a full abdominoplasty and focuses on removing loose skin and excess fat in this targeted area. Liposuction may be performed to the remaining abdominal area to enhance contouring, but the belly button is not repositioned, and the abdominal muscles are not fully reconstructed.
If a patient has muscle laxity and significant protrusion of their abdomen, a full abdominoplasty may be recommended instead.
Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended abdominoplasty is ideal for patients with significant excess skin extending beyond the abdomen on to the flanks and lower back. This procedure combines the techniques of a traditional abdominoplasty with additional contouring to address a wider area. The incision is significantly longer than a full abdominoplasty, often wrapping around the body to allow for comprehensive removal of excess skin and fat. In some cases, an inverted T-shaped or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, incorporating both horizontal and vertical incisions to achieve optimal results.
This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced massive weight loss and are left with significant loose skin that cannot retract on its own.
Reverse Abdominoplasty
A reverse abdominoplasty is designed to remove loose skin specifically from the upper abdomen. This procedure involves incisions placed discreetly along the natural breast crease. The upper abdominal skin is gently pulled upward, the excess is removed, and the incisions are closed for a smoother contour. Unlike traditional abdominoplasties, this technique does not tighten the abdominal muscles, nor does it involve repositioning the belly button.
This approach is ideal for individuals with a firm lower abdomen but lax, sagging skin in the upper abdominal region, often following significant weight loss.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a comprehensive procedure designed to address excess skin and fat in the abdomen, flanks, lower back, thighs, and buttocks. This technique involves making an incision around the entire circumference of the torso, allowing for the removal of sagging skin that disrupts the shape and proportions of the lower body.
This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with significant circumferential tissue excess, often resulting from massive weight loss.
Suitable Candidate for Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of body lift surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure. Dr Turner does not perform abdominoplasty surgery on patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before surgery.
Patients actively losing weight or planning future pregnancies may be advised to postpone the procedure.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure and works best for those with stable weight who have tried non-surgical options like diet and exercise. If you plan to have children in the future, it’s recommended to delay the surgery.
Dr. Turner’s abdominoplasty procedures in Sydney can provide significant functional benefits:
- Diastasis Repair: Correcting separated rectus abdominis muscles can restore core strength, stability and improve posture.
- Hernia Correction: Certain hernias may be addressed as part of the tummy tuck procedure.
- Improve Back Pain: Tightening the abdominal muscles tensions the thoracolumbar fascia reduce strain on the lower back and alleviating discomfort.
Medicare Criteria for Abdominoplasty
In certain cases, Medicare rebates may apply, particularly for:
- Significant Weight Loss: At least 5 BMI units and has maintained a stable weight for at least six months.
- Post-Pregnancy Patients: Separated or weakened abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis >3cm) can contribute to poor posture, leading to back pain and discomfort.
Dr. Turner will provide a thorough assessment to determine if you meet Medicare criteria and discuss potential rebates.
Abdominoplasty Surgery: What to Expect?
Tummy tuck surgery is a complex procedure performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 2-4 hours to perform, and Dr Turner recommends patients rest in hospital for 3 to 4 days to rest, recover, and receive initial post-operative care.
The procedure involves carefully placed incisions, usually in the pubic region, designed to minimize visible scarring along the bikini line. The length of incisions depends on the type of abdominoplasty. For a mini abdominoplasty, a small incision is made above the pubic area, while a full abdominoplasty requires a larger incision on the lower abdomen and another around the umbilicus. An extended abdominoplasty includes additional incisions along the flanks to address excess skin on the sides.
During the surgery, the abdominal muscles are sutured to repair separation providing a firmer core. Loose skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the tightened tissues. Liposuction may also be incorporated to enhance overall contouring results. After the procedure, compressive bandages are applied, and drainage tubes are usually left in place for up to a week to manage fluid build-up. Patients must wear a compression garment for six weeks to minimize swelling and support proper healing.