Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that is designed to reduce a protruding abdomen through a full re-draping of the abdominal skin as well as tightening of the muscles of the entire abdominal wall. This procedure can help women who have experienced pregnancy or lost a significant amount of weight, but still possess excess skin and fat in their abdomen. The medical benefits can include improvements incontinence, back pain and skin rashes under excess skin.

Yes we do. We understand that surgery is a serious investment. To help you understand your payment options, including possible superannuation access for mass weight loss patients, you may like to read our dedicated article here.

Weight loss patients

There is a Medicare Item (number 30177) for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are suffering from excess skin and tissue that resulted from that weight loss.

Mothers suffering muscle damage

In 2022 a new Medicare item number (number 30175) was introduced for mums suffering muscle separation of at least 3cm and suffering other medical issues was introduced. 

More information about the Medicare rules is here.

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 (belly button) 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.

Dr Moncrieff and our abdominoplasty patients recently contributed to a national study which was published in the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s ‘Plastic and Reconstructive Journal’ on the functional benefits of tummy tucks. It clearly demonstrates the benefits of the procedure to reduce back pain and incontinence.

This  research was key to convincing the Federal Health Minister in 2022 to overturn a 2016 ban on Medicare support for mothers seeking abdominoplasty!

In general, we do not offer revision tummy tucks. This is because in the first surgery, often too much skin and tissue is removed to be able to perform a full tummy tuck to the standard that Dr Moncrieff sets for himself.

We are also unable to assist with scar revision or 'dog ear' removal if your surgery was performed elsewhere.

In some limited cases, including where the primary surgery was more limited so a full secondary tummy tuck may be appropriate, we are able to make an assessment on a case by case basis. To be considered for a new abdominoplasty with Dr Moncrieff, we ask that you email us using the contact form below and advise us when your original surgery was (we are unable to consider patients unless it has been at least a year since the primary surgery), who performed it and what you are hoping to achieve from a secondary tummy tuck. Our team will reply and request photos.

Please note that in most cases, the costs of secondary tummy tucks with our clinic are higher than we charge for a primary tummy tuck given the increased complexity and time required in theatre.

Read this article to understand why recovery is more challenging and what you can do to help make the process a little easier, both before and after surgery.

Your weight can make a big difference to the safety and outcome of your surgery – so we can’t ignore it.

In this article, Dr Moncrieff outlines why it matters and the weight range to aim for before starting the surgical journey.

A BMI at or under 28 is required for most patients for surgery, with a BMI of 30 being the maximum that Dr Moncrieff will accept due to increased risks of surgery.  An easy BMI calculator is here.

Congratulations! Your little one has arrived and you have now completed your family. For many women, it is time to focus on your family and gentle recovery, but we also get many phone calls asking when it is appropriate to start a surgical journey, especially from mums whose bodies have changed a lot from pregnancy.

So how long after a baby should you think about seeing me for breast or body surgery?

As a general rule I’d say 3 months after you finish breast feeding. For breast surgery this is particularly important, as it allows your breasts to completely empty and stablise to ensure I can recommend the right surgery for you and it lasts once it is performed.

For tummy tucks, I like to see patients at least 6 months after pregnancy and once they are at a stable goal weight.

To read the full answer, visit this article.

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All surgery is serious and you need to weigh up the potential benefits with the risks. 

There are two main categories of risks to consider when considering tummy tuck surgery.

The first category of risks apply to all forms of major surgery and include: infection, bleeding and an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic. 

The next category of risks which are more specific to tummy tucks include: change in sensation or loss of sensation across the abdomen, delayed wound healing (including death of tissue), prominent, keloid or hypertrophic scarring and general asymmetry.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after surgery, in your consultation. You will also be given written material covering these risks.

More information about the risks of plastic surgery and broader general surgery can be found on our dedicated risks page.