Abdominoplasty
What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and tighten the abdominal area. It involves removing excess skin and fat and, when needed, repairing or tightening weakened abdominal muscles. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy resulting in loose skin and abdominal muscle separation. It can also help reduce irritation or rashes that develop within skin folds.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Reshape and contour
Repair weakened muscles
Remove excess skin
Alleviate back pain and improve posture
Abdominoplasty At a Glance
Surgery Time
2-3 hours
Hospital Stay
Usually 1-2 nights
Initial Recovery Time
1-2 Weeks
Showering
After 24 hrs
Light Activities
2 weeks after surgery
Resume Exercise
After 8 weeks
Compression garment
At least 8 weeks
Scar Maturation
Upwards of a year
The Process
Step 1. Consultation
We begin by getting to know you, your needs, health history, goals, and lifestyle. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate skin quality, any muscle separation, excess fat or skin folds, then explain what an abdominoplasty can achieve and answer all your questions, so you feel informed and comfortable about moving forward.
Step 2. Surgery
Under general anaesthetic, your surgeon will make a carefully planned incision (usually just above the pubic area) to lift skin, repair separated abdominal muscles if needed, remove excess skin and fat, reposition the belly button (if required), and close everything with sutures. Dressings and a compression garment are applied to support healing and reduce swelling.
Step 3. Recovery
After surgery, you'll focus on rest and gentle movement while bruising, swelling and discomfort gradually improve. Following your surgeon's post-op care you will wear a supportive garment for several weeks and slowly return to light activities. Full recovery - including reduced tightness, improved contour and scar maturation can take several months with final results visible around 12 months after surgery
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures involve potential risks and side effects. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these in detail and outline how any complications would be managed. Specific risks associated with abdominoplasty surgery may include infection, wound breakdown, fluid collection (seroma), bleeding or haematoma, changes in sensation, and abnormal scarring. Your surgeon will take every precaution to minimise these risks and support you through a safe and well-informed surgical journey.
Abdominoplasty Recovery and Post-Op Care
Recovery following Abdominoplasty surgery typically involves a one to two-night hospital stay, with drain tubes required. You’ll be discharged with pain relief, antibiotics, and a compression bandage (tubi-grip) to help minimise swelling and support healing.
Your first post-operative appointment will be scheduled 7–10 days after surgery, where your nurse will remove your drains (if ready), dressings, assess wound healing, fit you with a supportive surgical garment, and provide tailored advice on returning to work, driving, and exercise. Most patients return to work within two-three weeks (depending on their job), resume driving after about two weeks, and can gradually return to exercise around eight weeks post-surgery.
A second nursing review will usually take place one week later to ensure healing is progressing well. You’ll then see Dr. Rubinstein at approximately 10–12 weeks and commence scar management, followed by a one-year review to assess your long-term results. If you have any concerns at any stage, additional nursing appointments or reviews with Dr Rubinstein can be arranged to provide extra support at no additional cost.
Some swelling is expected for up to 12 weeks, with your final results continuing to refine over 12 months as everything settles.
Before And After Gallery
Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for these patients 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.
Dr. Craig Rubinstein
Experience
Profile
FAQ's
Dr. Rubinstein does not require patients to lose a specific amount of weight before surgery. Instead, the focus is on achieving and maintaining good overall health in the lead-up to your procedure. This includes staying active, following a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate protein intake to support healing and recovery. Being close to a stable, healthy weight can help optimise your surgical outcome and assist with a smoother recovery process.
Yes, in some cases. When completing your registration form prior to your consultation, it’s important to list all medications and supplements you are currently taking. Dr Rubinstein will review this information and advise if any need to be ceased in the lead-up to your surgery. Additionally, you will receive an email from our nursing team approximately four weeks prior to your procedure, asking you to confirm your current medications. Based on this, you’ll receive further instructions outlining which medications or supplements need to be stopped.
All surgical procedures involve some degree of scarring, however, the appearance of scars varies depending on the procedure, your skin type, and your individual healing process. Initially, scars may appear red and puckered, but with time they typically flatten out and fade. To optimise healing all patients are offered three complimentary laser treatments with our dermal clinicians to further improve scar appearance. You will receive guidance on scar care, including the use of fractionated coconut oil, silicone scar tape, and/or scar creams. While scars will never completely disappear, with consistent care they usually become discreet and significantly less noticeable over 2-3 years.
The cost of abdominal surgery with Dr. Rubinstein varies depending on several factors, including your individual circumstances, Medicare eligibility, and private health insurance coverage. In some cases, patients may qualify for Medicare item numbers, which can reduce the overall out-of-pocket expense. Please note that certain medical radiology screenings or investigations may be required to confirm eligibility for specific Medicare item numbers. After your consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, you will be able to discuss in comprehensive detail all fees, inclusions, and potential financing options with one of our consultants. This includes discussion of Dr. Rubinstein’s surgical fees, assistant surgical fees, hospital and anaesthetic costs.
Have Questions?
BOOK CONSULTATION
