How Much Does an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Cost in Sydney?
At Bella Plastic Surgery, people often call our Sydney-based clinic to ask, “How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?” As there are so many factors to consider, we can’t provide an answer over the phone. This article breaks down the various components of the procedure to help you understand the costs involved.
Every Patient Is Unique
Unlike some more standard procedures, the cost of a Tummy Tuck is predominantly determined by the patient’s body and the type of surgery required. The term ‘Abdominoplasty’ (Tummy Tuck) is simply a term that encompasses any operation that reconstructs the abdominal wall. A patient’s issues will dictate the type of abdominoplasty surgery required.
For example, some individuals may only require a Mini Tummy Tuck, which may take under one hour. Others may have significant excess tissue on the sides of their waist, need a more involved Tummy Tuck (e.g., a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck), and require up to five hours in the operating theatre.
In short, a Tummy Tuck is not a standard cookie-cutter procedure. Factors determining the price include:
- Size of the patient
- Type of Tummy Tuck – e.g. Mini, Standard, Fleur De Lis or Open Book Tummy TuckTM
- Time taken to perform the procedure
- Days in hospital required
- Additional surgeries required
- Medicare rebate eligibility – if the Tummy Tuck surgery is deemed medically necessary
- Private Health Insurance cover – if insured, will the company cover the hospital costs?
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Just as people come in all different shapes and sizes, so do Tummy Tucks. When it comes to cost, the longer your procedure takes, and the more complicated the procedure, the more expensive it becomes. Every surgery is tailored for the individual; however, the types of Tummy Tucks are categorised as follows:
Mini Tummy Tuck: This procedure is designed to remove a small amount of excess skin and leaves a small horizontal scar (that is concealed below the bikini line) slightly longer than an average caesarean scar.
The mini Tummy Tuck is suited to individuals with a healthy body composition and low body fat levels. Their only concern is some loose skin just above the pubic area and minimal excess skin and fat above the belly button (which causes no issues). There are minimal stretch marks, but there may be a deep, tethered caesarean scar causing irregularity in the area.
Standard Tummy Tuck: This procedure addresses several concerns in the abdominal area, such as stretch marks, excess skin and fatty tissue, weakened separated muscles and hernias. If required, the tissue around the pubic area is also lifted. These concerns are usually the result of trauma, pregnancy and/or weight loss.
The standard Tummy Tuck leaves a horizontal scar extending from hip to hip concealed underneath the bikini line and a tiny incision within the navel.
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck: This procedure suits individuals with considerable amounts of excess skin up and down and from side to side along the lower abdominal wall. Another incision is required to address this excess skin in addition to the standard Tummy Tuck. This incision runs vertically along the entire midline of the abdomen up to the lower chest. It removes excess skin along the sides to help bring in the waistline by tightening the abdominal wall vertically and horizontally.
Open Book Tummy TuckTM: This reconstructive procedure is designed to address complex excess skin issues. The Open Book Tummy TuckTM is almost exclusively performed on individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have extreme skin excess on the upper and lower abdominal wall. Dr Dona has developed this technique to cater for the often significant abdominal wall issues faced by the massive weight loss individuals who often attend his private practice.
The procedure involves an additional incision to the Fleur De Lis, which runs horizontally along the lower breast fold. This allows for a complete and total reconstruction by removing excess skin both vertically and horizontally along the upper and lower abdominal wall and flanks.
Tummy Tuck Hospital Fees
Several components make up the total fee for your surgical procedure in a private hospital. These include:
- Surgeon’s Fee: The level of experience and skill of your surgeon will influence the cost of your Abdominoplasty surgery. Highly skilled and experienced surgeons are more sought after and may offer a higher standard of care. Consequently, they may charge more for their services.
- Theatre fee: The fee for the operating theatre in the hospital. The longer the procedure, the more expense incurred.
- Hospital Fees: This covers your accommodation in hospital, which usually includes at least one night’s stay.
- Anaesthesia Fees: This is for a specialist anaesthetist who will administer your general anaesthetic and all post-operative medication.
NB: The complexity of the procedure, and therefore, the time taken to perform the procedure, will affect the cost of these fees.
Combining Multiple Plastic Surgery Procedures
There are various circumstances where individuals may require more than one plastic surgery procedure. For example, a woman may desire a Breast Reduction and a Tummy Tuck after childbirth. Alternatively, an individual may have lost significant weight and require a Breast Lift and Augmentation and an Open Book Tummy TuckTM.
Combining procedures into one surgery can be significantly cheaper, as various hospital fees can cover two procedures rather than one. To combine procedures, Dr Dona must first deem the patient fit and suitable for such procedures.
Considering Cheap Overseas Tummy Tuck Surgery?
It’s tempting to consider a cheap overseas option for Tummy Tuck surgery. The old adage rings true, though: you get what you pay for. Granted, some cheaper procedures go to plan and produce excellent results. Alternatively, other overseas surgical procedures fail. The problem is that it’s hard to determine good from bad.
Even the best surgeons can experience complications. When your surgery is overseas, though, treatment options are limited, and the potential for disastrous outcomes escalates.
With overseas surgery, you’ll have to factor in the cost of airfares, taxis and hotel accommodation. Multiply this by two if you have to return due to complications. Flying after surgery also increases your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Remember that it’s also unlikely that your Private Health Insurance will cover you for overseas surgery.
Quality and regulation standards also differ dramatically overseas. Surgeon’s qualifications outside of Australia are different from those here. Surgical facilities are different, often with inferior safety and hygiene standards to those of Australia. You may not be given an after-care plan. There is a risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Then, there is a risk of complications, which can be far more stressful (and expensive) to manage if you have returned home and your surgeon is overseas. The list of potential problems goes on and on. We encourage you to think carefully about these risks.
Choosing A Plastic Surgeon For Your Tummy Tuck
You only have one body; it pays to look after it. When choosing a plastic surgeon, don’t just look for the cheapest surgeon available. Take the time to do your research and select only a qualified specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience. Look for a surgeon with a proven track record in managing the many varied and often complex weight loss patients—who has numerous examples of their work that they can show you.
Your Initial Consultation with your prospective surgeon is also a time to ask any questions you may have. Take note of how comfortable you feel with your surgeon and their approach in helping you achieve your desired results.
Dr Eddy Dona is a highly experienced Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He has decades of experience in breast and body reconstructive procedures. A meticulous practitioner, he consistently refines his surgical skills, maintaining a steadfast commitment to delivering excellence in plastic surgery.