A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that contours the abdominal area by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying rectus abdominis muscles. In 2020, it was one of the top five surgical procedures performed worldwide.
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, it is critical that you know what the procedure entails, including the total costs you will be expected to pay. Learning about the factors that affect the cost of tummy tuck surgery in Sydney can help you prepare for the process ahead.
Below you will find some of the most common questions we receive about abdominoplasty. We strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr Choy to get a personalised quote for your procedure.
What Costs Are Involved in Plastic Surgery Generally?
The total costs involved in a plastic surgery procedure can be broken into a number of components:
- Surgeon’s Fee — This fee typically includes the preoperative care, operation and postoperative care.
- Anaesthetist’s Fee — This fee is higher for general anaesthesia.
- Surgeon’s Assistant’s Fee — An assistant may be required for longer, more complex procedures.
- Hospital & Theatre Fees — Facilities in major cities typically command higher fees, as do operations requiring an overnight stay.
- Medications — Medications may be prescribed before and/or after a surgical procedure.
- Recovery Garments & Supplies — Some procedures require products as part of the healing process, such as the compression garments worn after abdominoplasty.
Does the Type of Tummy Tuck Affect the Cost?
Each tummy tuck procedure is customised according to the patient’s needs. Dr Choy employs a variety of techniques to help his patients achieve a firm, rejuvenated midsection, including the following:
- Full Tummy Tuck — A full tummy tuck removes excess fat and loose skin and tightens muscles in the abdominal wall. This is for patients who desire comprehensive rejuvenation of the abdomen and require muscle repair.
- Mini Tummy Tuck — A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that only addresses skin and fat in the area below the navel. It does not allow for tightening of the abdominal muscles.
- Extended Tummy Tuck — An extended tummy tuck removes even more fat and skin than a full tummy tuck. This technique is designed for individuals with an excessive amount of loose skin, typically following massive weight loss.
- Reverse Tummy Tuck — A reverse tummy tuck removes loose skin from the upper abdomen only. There is no tightening of the middle or lower abdominal muscles or tissue removal below the navel.
The surgical technique is one of the most influential factors determining the final cost of your tummy tuck.
Does Medicare Cover Abdominoplasty in Australia?
Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic surgery. Therefore, abdominoplasty undertaken solely for aesthetic reasons does not qualify. You must be prepared to pay out-of-pocket if you fall into this category.
If abdominoplasty is deemed a medical necessity, Medicare may offer a rebate. However, you must meet strict conditions for this to be an option.
When Might Abdominoplasty Be Considered a Medical Necessity?
A tummy tuck may be considered medically necessary for two types of patients: postpartum mothers and people who have achieved massive weight loss.
Effective 1st of July 2022, the Australian Government reinstated a Medicare item number for a tummy tuck for post-pregnancy patients suffering from separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).
In 2016, the Australian Government reinstated the Medicare item number for extreme weight loss patients with excess skin and fat that causes health conditions or disrupts their daily lives.
What Medicare Item Numbers Are Relevant for Abdominoplasty?
The following MBS item codes may be applicable for tummy tuck surgery:
For Postpartum Patients
Medicare item number 30175
To qualify, you must demonstrate that:
- You have abdominal muscle separation as a consequence of pregnancy
- The separation is at least 3cm measured by diagnostic imaging
- You have symptoms such as pain or discomfort at the site of the muscle gap, low back pain or urinary issues that have been documented by a medical professional
- The condition has failed to respond to nonsurgical treatment, including physiotherapy
- You have not been pregnant in the last 12 months
For Weight Loss Patients
Medicare item number 30177
To qualify, you must demonstrate that:
- You have had significant weight loss (defined as 5 BMI points or more)
- The excess abdominal skin and fat is a direct consequence of significant weight loss (not pregnancy)
- The level of excess tissue is causing skin irritation that has not responded to three months of nonsurgical treatment
- The level of excess tissue is interfering with daily living
- Your weight has been stable for at least six months
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Surgery in Australia?
If you qualify for one of the Medicare item numbers above, you may receive a subsidy from your Health Fund. Private health insurance may cover the hospital fees and some of the surgeon’s fee for abdominoplasty. Be aware that it will not cover the full cost of tummy tuck surgery, so you must plan for some out-of-pocket investment.
The Final Tally: What Is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Sydney?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery in Sydney can range from $12,000–$20,000+. The low end of the range represents the out-of-pocket cost for a privately insured patient who qualifies for the item numbers. The high end depends on a variety of factors, from the nature of the procedure (cosmetic or medically necessary), the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience and more.
These prices are estimates. A one-on-one consultation with Dr Choy is required to determine the accurate cost of your procedure. If you choose to proceed with the surgery, you will receive a Cost/Payment Schedule that details all costs associated with your proposed tummy tuck procedure.
Meet With Dr Ellis Choy to Discuss Your Tummy Tuck
We hope this gives you a better idea of the costs involved in tummy tuck surgery in Sydney. If you are interested in learning more about this procedure or would like a personalised quote, please book a consultation with Dr Ellis Choy.
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