Abdominoplasty — Before & After
The following images show real patient results following abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) performed at Coastal Plastic Surgery. Each case is shown from both a front and angled view.
Images shown with patient consent. Individual results vary. All procedures performed by FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons at Coastal Plastic Surgery, Erina NSW.
AbdominoplastyTummy Tuck Surgery
Remove excess abdominal skin, repair separated muscles, and address excess abdominal skin and muscle separation — with lasting results from our specialist plastic surgeons at Coastal Plastic Surgery, Erina NSW.
Overview
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty — commonly known as a tummy tuck — removes excess abdominal skin and fat and repairs the underlying abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer, and better-proportioned abdominal profile.
It is a significant body contouring procedure — particularly for patients whose abdominal changes cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone. This includes the muscle separation (diastasis recti) that occurs during pregnancy, which no amount of exercise can fully repair.
Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the flanks or performed as part of a mummy makeover alongside breast surgery for a comprehensive post-pregnancy restoration.
View procedure combinations ↓Common concerns addressed
What abdominoplasty treats
These are the changes that bring most patients to us — concerns that persist despite a healthy lifestyle and are a normal result of pregnancy, weight changes, or ageing.
Excess skin and laxity
Loose, overhanging abdominal skin that cannot be tightened with exercise
Diastasis recti
Separated abdominal muscles causing a bulge or weakness that exercise cannot fix
Abdominal skin overhang
A pannus or apron of skin that causes hygiene issues or skin irritation
Post-pregnancy changes
Stretch marks, muscle separation, and skin changes following one or more pregnancies
Post-weight loss skin
Excess skin remaining after significant weight loss that cannot retract on its own
Persistent lower belly fat
Localised fat deposits that resist diet and exercise, often treated alongside liposuction
Surgical options
Choosing the right approach
The best technique depends on how much excess skin you have, the degree of muscle separation, and your overall goals. Your surgeon will assess this carefully at your consultation.
Full abdominoplasty
Addresses the entire abdomen above and below the navel. A hip-to-hip incision removes significant excess skin, muscles are repaired, and the navel is repositioned. Ideal for post-pregnancy or significant weight loss patients.
- Treats upper and lower abdomen
- Full muscle repair (diastasis recti)
- Navel repositioned naturally
- Most significant skin removal
Mini abdominoplasty
A shorter incision targets only the lower abdomen below the navel. Suited to patients with mild lower abdominal skin laxity and little or no muscle separation. The navel is not repositioned.
- Shorter scar
- Faster recovery
- Suited to smaller corrections
Abdominoplasty with liposuction
Liposuction of the flanks, hips, or outer thighs is commonly combined with abdominoplasty to address the waistline more comprehensively and avoid a "pulled" appearance at the sides.
- 360° waist contour improvement
- Removes flanks and love handles
- More complete overall result
Step by step
The procedure
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1
Consultation and surgical planning
Your surgeon assesses your abdominal anatomy, skin quality, muscle integrity, and overall health. Your goals are discussed in detail. A customised surgical plan — including technique and any combination procedures — is created.
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2
Pre-operative preparation
Stop blood-thinning medications and supplements two weeks prior. Fast from midnight the night before. Arrange 1–2 nights in hospital, transport home, and practical help at home (especially with children and lifting) for the first 2 weeks.
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3
General anaesthesia
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia administered by an accredited anaesthetist. The procedure takes 2–4 hours depending on complexity and any combined procedures.
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4
Muscle repair
The abdominal skin and fat are elevated to expose the underlying muscles. Separated rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti) are brought back together with permanent internal sutures, restoring a firm abdominal wall.
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5
Skin removal and re-draping
Excess skin and fat are excised. The remaining skin is pulled downward and re-draped over the tightened muscles. The navel is repositioned through a new opening to sit naturally on the flattened abdomen.
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6
Closure and drain placement
Incisions are closed with layered sutures. Small drainage tubes are placed to remove fluid and are typically removed at your first post-operative visit. A compression garment is fitted before you leave theatre.
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7
Hospital stay and follow-up
Most patients stay 1–2 nights in hospital. The Coastal Plastic Surgery team reviews you at 1 week (drain removal, wound check), 4–6 weeks, and 3 months to monitor your recovery and scar progress.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Abdominoplasty has a more involved recovery than some procedures — planning ahead makes a significant difference to your experience. Most patients describe the first week as the most challenging, with rapid improvement from week two onwards.
Plan ahead: what you will need at home
Arrange help with children, cooking, and lifting for at least 2 weeks. You will not be able to stand fully upright for the first few days — bent posture is normal and resolves as swelling settles. Sleep in a recliner or propped up with pillows for the first week.
Days 1 – 3
Hospital and rest at home
You will spend 1–2 nights in hospital. Drains and compression garment are in place. Walking short distances is encouraged from day one to reduce clot risk. Expect significant tightness and soreness managed with prescribed medication.
Week 1
Drain removal and wound review
Drains are typically removed at your 5–7 day review. You can shower once drains are out. Continue wearing your compression garment. Short gentle walks are recommended daily.
Weeks 2 – 3
Return to light desk work
Most patients return to sedentary work at 2–3 weeks. Driving resumes at 3–4 weeks. Swelling and tightness continue to improve. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle.
Weeks 4 – 6
Increasing activity
You can begin light lower body exercise such as walking. Upper body and core exercise remains restricted until your surgeon clears you at the 6-week review. The abdomen feels increasingly comfortable and natural.
6 weeks
Full activity resumes
Exercise, swimming, and return to all normal activities once cleared by your surgeon. The new abdominal contour is very apparent, though some swelling still remains.
3 – 6 months
Final result visible
All swelling has resolved. The scar is maturing and fading. The full benefit of the muscle repair and skin removal is clearly visible. Many patients report being pleased with their result by this point.
Fees
Cost of abdominoplasty in NSW
All fees at Coastal Plastic Surgery are discussed transparently at consultation. A detailed written quote is provided before any commitment is required. There are no hidden charges.
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | $11,750 – $16,500 |
| Anaesthetist's fee | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| Hospital / facility fee (1–2 nights) | $7,850 – $10,850 |
| Compression garment | Included |
| Pre & post-operative care | Included |
| Total range | $22,600 – $31,350 |
Medicare rebates for abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is generally considered cosmetic and Medicare rebates do not typically apply. In limited cases involving a large symptomatic pannus causing significant skin complications, a partial rebate may be available. This is assessed individually at consultation. Private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs if you hold an appropriate level of cover.
Popular combinations
Procedure combinations
Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with other procedures for a more complete result — often at a lower combined cost than having them separately.
+ Liposuction
Flanks, hips, and outer thighs for complete waist contouring
Mummy makeover
Abdominoplasty combined with breast augmentation or lift
+ Breast lift
Mastopexy to restore breast position after pregnancy or weight loss
+ Breast augmentation
Implants to restore volume lost after pregnancy or breastfeeding
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in body contouring surgery including abdominoplasty, post-pregnancy restoration, and mummy makeover procedures.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh brings specialist expertise in abdominal contouring, working toward natural and proportional outcomes tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi is a specialist plastic surgeon with a strong focus on body contouring and post-pregnancy restoration, bringing a meticulous approach to achieving natural, proportional outcomes.
Are you a candidate?
Good candidates for abdominoplasty
The best outcomes come from well-prepared patients who are at or near their goal weight and have realistic expectations. Your surgeon will assess all of these factors at your consultation.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Surgery may not be right for you if you:
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Abdominoplasty is a safe and well-established procedure when performed by a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. Understanding the potential risks is an essential part of your decision.
Scarring
A horizontal scar across the lower abdomen is an expected and permanent outcome. It is carefully placed within the bikini line. Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months with dedicated scar care guidance from your team.
Seroma (fluid collection)
The most common complication after abdominoplasty. Drainage tubes and compression garments significantly reduce the risk. Seromas that do occur are managed in clinic without further surgery.
Swelling and bruising
Expected and temporary. Significant swelling is present for the first 4–6 weeks and continues to gradually resolve over 3–6 months before the final result is visible.
Wound healing
The area of highest tension — the midline of the lower incision — is most susceptible to delayed healing. Smoking is the most significant risk factor and must be stopped before surgery.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
All precautions are taken to minimise DVT risk including compression stockings, early mobilisation, and blood-thinning medication where appropriate. Following instructions to walk regularly is important.
Changes in skin sensation
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the lower abdominal skin is common as nerves recover. Sensation typically returns to normal over several months.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries during healing are common due to uneven swelling. These typically resolve as swelling settles over the first few months.
Revision surgery
A small number of patients may wish for minor refinements after full healing — no earlier than 12 months post-surgery. This possibility is discussed openly at your consultation.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions patients ask us most about abdominoplasty — including what people search when looking for tummy tuck surgery on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionAbdominoplasty in NSW typically ranges from $12,000 to $22,000 depending on the extent of the procedure, whether liposuction is included, and the length of your hospital stay. At Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina, the surgeon's fee ranges from $11,750 to $16,500, with anaesthetist fees of $3,000–$4,000 and hospital fees of $7,850–$10,850. A full written fee breakdown is provided at consultation with no obligation. Medicare rebates are generally not available for cosmetic abdominoplasty.
Most patients return to light desk work within 2–3 weeks. Driving resumes at 3–4 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for 6 weeks. The abdomen continues to improve for 3–6 months as swelling fully resolves. Planning ahead for practical support at home — particularly in the first 2 weeks — makes a significant difference to your experience.
Yes. A horizontal scar across the lower abdomen is an expected and permanent result of abdominoplasty. It is carefully placed within the bikini line so it is hidden by underwear and swimwear. There is also a small scar around the repositioned navel. With proper scar care, scars fade significantly over 12–18 months. Most patients consider this a very worthwhile trade-off for the improvement in their abdominal contour.
A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen, including muscle repair and navel repositioning, and is suited to patients with significant laxity above and below the navel. A mini abdominoplasty uses a shorter incision to target only the lower abdomen and suits patients with mild lower abdominal laxity only. Your surgeon will recommend the right approach based on your anatomy at consultation.
Yes — repairing diastasis recti is one of the core components of a full abdominoplasty. The separated rectus abdominis muscles are sutured back together with permanent internal sutures, creating a firm and flat abdominal wall. This is something that exercise alone cannot achieve, and for many post-pregnancy patients it is the an important part of the procedure for many patients.
It is recommended to wait at least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy, and only once you have finished having children. Future pregnancies can reverse results by stretching the repaired muscles and re-loosening the skin. You should also be at or close to your goal weight before surgery for the best long-term outcome.
Stretch marks located on the lower abdominal skin that is removed during surgery are eliminated. Stretch marks above the navel are not removed but may shift lower as the skin is re-draped. Stretch mark removal is a welcome bonus of the procedure for many patients, though it is not the primary purpose of abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Greater Sydney.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a personalised plan and written quote — with no obligation.