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 2023, it was one of the top five surgical procedures performed worldwide according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
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 journey 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 and lower for local or regional 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
- Extent of the Procedure — The complexity and scope of the procedure is a significant contributor to the overall cost
- Consultation Fee — Some surgeons charge for consultations; the fee may or may not be applied towards the procedure cost
- Preoperative Tests — Preoperative medical tests are mandatory to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure
- 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 ideal 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 coverage for abdominoplasty depends on whether your procedure is classified as cosmetic (elective) or reconstructive (medically necessary).
If you are having surgery for aesthetic reasons, such as desiring a flatter stomach or a more contoured waistline, it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures, so in this case, your tummy tuck will not qualify. You must be prepared to pay out-of-pocket if you fall into this category.
Abdominoplasty may be classified as medically necessary reconstructive surgery when it is required to restore function or address medical symptoms. In these cases, Medicare may offer a rebate. However, you must meet strict eligibility criteria under specific item numbers for this to be an option. Your procedure must address documented medical issues such as:
- Chronic skin conditions or infections caused by excess skin
- Functional impairment affecting daily activities
- Chronic back pain or postural issues
- Severe muscle separation (diastasis recti) following pregnancy
The final determination of medical necessity must be supported by clinical evidence. Your surgeon will need to thoroughly document your symptoms and demonstrate that conservative treatments have been unsuccessful before Medicare will consider coverage.
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 $20,000–$30,000+. The low end of the range represents the out-of-pocket cost for a privately insured patient who qualifies for the item numbers. Self-funded patients without private insurance should expect fees towards the higher end of the range. 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.
Tummy Tuck Cost FAQs
How long is the hospital stay for tummy tuck surgery?
On average, abdominoplasty patients stay in hospital for three nights. Though the hospital stay adds to the cost, it is an essential component of your surgery that allows for appropriate postoperative monitoring, pain management and early recovery under medical supervision.
Can I claim any costs on Medicare if I don’t qualify for an item number?
If your tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and does not qualify for a Medicare item number, you cannot claim any of the surgical costs through Medicare. The primary surgical costs, including the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and hospital charges, will need to be paid out-of-pocket.
Can I finance the cost of a tummy tuck?
We are happy to discuss an instalment plan for your procedure. However, although payment plans are available, we urge you to consider the financial implications carefully. It is unwise to take on significant debt for elective surgery. You must evaluate your financial situation before proceeding and ensure you have adequate funds for both the procedure and recovery period.
How much does a consultation cost?
The initial consultation fee with Dr Choy is $350, which is required to secure your booking. This fee covers a comprehensive discussion of your goals and assessment of your suitability for tummy tuck surgery. If you have a referral from your GP, you may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate.
Please note: We require 24 hours’ notice for appointment changes. The consultation fee cannot be refunded for cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time.
Can I get my abdominoplasty quote over the phone?
Our team can provide an approximate cost range over the phone based on general information. However, please understand that this is only an estimate. The final cost will depend on factors that can only be determined during your consultation with Dr Choy, including:
- The extent and complexity of the procedure
- Whether you qualify for any Medicare benefits
- The length of hospital stay needed
An in-person assessment is essential for securing an accurate surgical quote.
When is payment due?
If you decide to proceed with abdominoplasty surgery after your consultation, you will receive a Cost/Payment Schedule that outlines all the costs associated with your procedure.
We require a deposit and signed Terms & Conditions document to secure your surgery date. If your surgery is scheduled beyond one month, we require an instalment payment plan. The first payment is due seven to10 days after confirming the surgery date, unless otherwise agreed by Dr Choy and the Practice Director.
What additional costs should I budget for during abdominoplasty recovery?
The overall cost of a tummy tuck extends beyond the clearly delineated surgical fees. These are some additional costs you may need to factor into your budget:
- Time Off Work — Plan for two to four weeks away from work, depending on your occupation. If you don’t have adequate sick leave or annual leave, you’ll need to budget for this period without income.
- Home Support — You may need to hire help for child care, pet care, house cleaning and maintenance, meal preparation assistance or meal delivery services, and transport to and from appointments.
- Scar Management — Products or treatments that improve the appearance of your scar as it heals are not required, but if they interest you, they will be an added cost.
Are there alternatives I should consider?
There is no true alternative to abdominoplasty. However, there are nonsurgical treatments that may help address specific concerns in the abdominal area.
- Nonsurgical body contouring treatments like Accent Prime can help reduce fat deposits and provide mild skin tightening.
- Skin tightening technologies like Thermage and Ulthera can stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.
- Radiofrequency microneedling treatments like Profound RF and Secret RF can enhance skin quality and texture while providing some degree of skin tightening.
These treatments have limitations compared to surgery. They cannot:
- Remove loose, excess skin
- Repair separated abdominal muscles
- Provide dramatic changes in body shape
- Address post-pregnancy changes or significant weight loss changes as effectively
During your consultation, Dr Choy will help you understand whether a tummy tuck or nonsurgical alternatives would be more appropriate for your needs.
How can I get the full value out of my tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a significant investment, and taking certain steps can help ensure you’re able to enjoy your results for as long as possible.
Maintain a stable weight. Weight fluctuations after surgery can cause your skin to stretch again or new fat deposits to form. Focus on healthy eating habits and regular exercise — not only for their benefits to your surgical results, but also for your overall health!
Practice healthy habits. Your lifestyle choices can impact the longevity of your results. It’s always a good idea to:
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid smoking
- Get adequate sleep
- Protect your skin from sun damage
Schedule your surgery at the right time. Future pregnancies can affect your results by stretching your skin and abdominal muscles. While it is safe to have children after a tummy tuck, we always recommend completing your family before having surgery.
For similar reasons, it is a good idea to be at or near your ideal weight before having a tummy tuck. If you have plans to lose a significant amount of weight, we suggest postponing surgery until you have reached your goals and maintained a stable weight for at least six months.
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