A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, is a procedure that can improve the appearance, shape and profile of your abdominal area. The treated area includes the belly and waist, helping to reduce fat and excess, loose or saggy skin. The aim of Tummy Tuck Surgery or Abdoplasty is to remove excess, sagging tummy skin and can also repair torn muscles.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
- Smoother, Firmer, Flatter or Sculpted Stomach Area
- Greater Abdominal Muscle Control (Improved Core Strength)
- More Clothing Options
- Confidence

Am I a Good Candidate?
- Have you been left with excess, loose skin or persistent bulges around your tummy area following pregnancy or bodyweight fluctuations, which diet and exercise alone cannot help?
- Do you have excess or loose skin around your abdomen area as a result of ageing and changes to skin elasticity?
- Do you suffer from reduced body confidence due to bulges and sagging skin around your mid-section?
- Would you like to balance out your physique and overall body shape?
- Do the bulges or skin redundancy around your abdomen area cause you to appear heavier and less fit than you actually are?
- Would you like to repair and gain greater control of your abdominal muscle wall that may have weakened or separated as a result of pregnancy?
Tummy Tuck Before and After
See more of our past patient photos who had Tummy Tuck Surgery performed at our Melbourne Clinic by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons.

What Can I Expect During Surgery
A full Tummy Tuck procedure requires a horizontal incision in the area of the pubic hairline. The shape and length of your incision line will determine the degree of correction necessary.
Medications and General Anaesthesia are there for your comfort during surgery. Skin is separated from the abdominal wall. The surgeon then draws the muscle and tissue together with stitches. This will narrow your waistline and strengthen the abdominal wall. It can also help correct split abdominal muscles. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions from your Tummy Tuck.
You’ll need to wear a compression garment up to 6 weeks or longer after your surgery to enhance your results. There are many options for Tummy Tuck post-surgery compression garments. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help you choose the best one for your body and procedure.
The final results may be obscured by swelling and your inability to stand upright until internal healing is complete. The swelling will begin to minimise within the first two weeks and will continue to improve throughout your recovery.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery use Healite, Fraxel Laser or Dermapen treatments to assist with healing and minimisation of surgical scars. Be sure to follow your Surgeon’s instructions after surgery to minimise your scars. Don’t do too much too soon!
Complications and Risks
Tummy Tuck surgery incurs risks and complications like all invasive surgery. Your Surgeon will make you aware of potential complications during your consultation. This includes general anaesthesia, bleeding (Haematoma), infection, wound healing, deep vein thrombosis, scarring and numbness. Always stay informed and healthy, do not smoke before or after your procedure and read and understand your risks.

Download Our 2021 Abdominoplasty Guide
This complete guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure.
- Tummy Tuck surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a good candidate
- How to plan for your Tummy Tuck surgery
- Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
Download Our 2021 Abdominoplasty Guide


How long does it take to recover?
The length of your recovery period will depend on your procedure and other health and lifestyle factors. Recovery times can vary from person to person.
The general rule, however, is that you should allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your abdominoplasty surgery. Scar maturation often takes longer, up to a year or more. Be sure you wear your garment as instructed and take advantage of the aftercare we provide to assist you during your healing and recovery.
You will need to work with your Surgeon to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is important to consult with your Surgeon before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting and exercise. Wear your post-operative compression garments for the designated time frames.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery will provide you with after garments. Good results depend on a collaborative approach and a healthy lifestyle. Follow instructions given to you by your Surgeon, and attend all post-operative appointments.
Costs – How much is a Tummy Tuck?
All Surgery is customised and your Surgeon will give you a price for surgery depending on the type of procedure you are having, the hospital you attend and the length of your stay.
At your initial consultation, you are given a detailed quote. This will include a Surgeon’s fee, Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and the hospital fees.
We also provide information on Tummy Tuck Medicare Cover, Private Health Insurance and different methods of payment.


Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Not all Surgeons have the same experience or intensive training and testing qualifications. Be sure you learn the differences between a Plastic Surgeon, a General Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgeon or other types of Surgeon.
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS, ASPS, ASAPS or ISAPS as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon.
About our Surgeons
It is important to research a Surgeon’s qualifications and experience before deciding on the Surgeon. You can check your surgeons’ credentials at AHRPA. Past Patients are always a good source of information. Our Tummy Tuck Surgeons, Dr Craig Rubinstein, Dr Rebecca Wyten, Dr Geoff Barnett are all highly experienced, fully qualified specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS memberships.
FAQ
What to do next?
Our Patient Liaison Team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.
Phone 1300 264 811, Email us: enquiries@cocoruby.com.au or Book a FREE 15-minute Phone Chat with our Patient Liaison Manager or Book a Face to Face Consultation or a Virtual Consultation with a Surgeon.
Visit our FAQs page, learn more about your procedure or have a look at our Before and After Photos.
Send a confidential enquiry now