Overview

A tummy tuck is a procedure that is designed to reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen through a full redraping of the abdominal skin as well as tightening of the muscles of the entire abdominal wall. This procedure can especially help individuals who have experienced pregnancy or lost a significant amount of weight, but still possess excess skin and fat in their abdomen. A good candidate for a tummy tuck is one who is near their normal body weight, but still possesses a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin will not respond to diet or exercise. Those who are still planning on losing a lot of weight, or women who are still planning future pregnancies, may want to considering waiting before undergoing a tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck, this excess skin and fat are removed and muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. This procedure results in a flatter and firmer abdominal appearance.

A tummy tuck will produce a flatter abdominal appearance, but it does also produce the appearance of a permanent scar. Depending on the operation, the scar could be quite extensive. However there are other alternatives to achieving a better abdominal appearance, including a mini tummy tuck (a smaller procedure which principally concentrates on tightening and reshaping the lower abdomen) as well as liposuction alone. Dr Moncrieff can advise you on which method will best achieve that new body you are looking for.

Expected Out of Pocket Expenses: Privately Insured $10-11,000 (check with your insurer), no insurance $19,000. This includes the surgeon's fee, anaesthetist's fee, hospital stay and garment. You may also be eligible for the Government's modest tax rebate on medical expenses in your annual tax return.
Procedure: Performed under General Anaesthetic in hospital
Hospital Stay: Four to five nights stay
Recovery: Two weeks off work, garment for 6 weeks and bruising and swelling for two weeks
Medicare Rebate: Yes Medicare Item No. 30177

For more information on each of these specific procedures, please see the subheadings below.

Call us on 4920 7700 to make an appointment.

Full

A full tummy tuck operation is designed to reshape the entire span of the abdomen. Loose skin, fat, scars and stretch marks are removed and the abdominal musculature tightened over the length of the abdomen to flatten the contour and reduce any bulges. The umbilicus is also reshaped and repositioned to a more aesthetically desirable location. Dr Moncrieff can combine this procedure with liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks to yield more dramatic results.

For more information on this procedure, please see our narrated 3D Animation below. The Animation takes a few moments to upload so please be patient as it is worth the short delay.  You can also print a copy of the procedure summary while in the Animation menu.

View 3D Animation

Mini

A mini tummy tuck is a smaller operation than a full tummy tuck which is designed to principally reshape the lower abdomen. Loose skin, fat, scars and stretch marks in the region are removed and the lower abdominal wall musculature tightened. Dr Moncrieff can combine this procedure with liposuction to yield more dramatic results.

For more information on this procedure, please see our narrated 3D Animation below. The Animation takes a few moments to upload so please be patient as it is worth the short delay. You can also print a copy of the procedure summary while in the Animation menu.

View 3D Animation

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