Tummy tuck cost

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) reduces unwanted abdominal fat, restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and removes excess loose skin.

At Me Clinic, abdominoplasty costs range from $17,000 to $28,000. This is a guide only - the figure varies with the type of tummy tuck performed, the theatre time required, whether it is combined with additional treatment such as liposuction, and the complexity of your case.

Because requirements vary greatly between patients, a consultation is required before an accurate price can be given. Your surgeon assesses your circumstances, recommends the most suitable option and provides a personalised quote.

What the quote includes

The price quoted at Me Clinic includes all associated costs, so there is no unexpected bill after the fact.

Consultation fee. Charged when you meet the surgeon for assessment of your condition and suitability. Disclosed at the time of booking. If you proceed with surgery, the consultation fee is deducted from your total procedure fee.
Surgeon fee. For the procedure itself, largely determined by its complexity and the level of aftercare required.
Theatre and hospital fees. Tummy tuck surgery is usually a day procedure in a hospital or clinic. These fees vary significantly by facility and are largely determined by theatre time and length of stay. Additional fees apply if an overnight stay is required.
Anaesthetist fees. The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, requiring a qualified anaesthetist. Me Clinic uses only anaesthetists who are members of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA). Anaesthetists do not follow a standard scale of fees and can cost up to $800 per hour.
Medication and garments. A compression garment is worn after surgery to aid recovery. The cost of the garment and medication is included in the procedure fee.
Post-operative care. All post-operative care services are included in the quoted price. How much care is required varies with your general wellbeing and the complexity of the procedure.

How the type of tummy tuck affects the cost

Mini tummy tuck

Removes excess skin from below the belly button and tightens the abdominal skin. The underlying muscle tissue is not tightened, making it less invasive with minimal scarring and a quicker recovery. A mini tummy tuck typically costs less than an endoscopic or full abdominoplasty.

Endoscopic abdominoplasty

Tightens both skin and muscle without removing excess skin, using only small incisions in the pubic area. Less invasive than a full abdominoplasty, with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery period. Typically costs more than a mini tummy tuck but less than a full abdominoplasty.

Full abdominoplasty

Excess skin is removed from below the belly button and the underlying muscle tissue is tightened. This generally achieves the greatest overall change, but results in a longer scar across the bikini line. A full abdominoplasty typically costs more than the other methods.

Combined with liposuction

It is not uncommon for a tummy tuck to be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat. The overall cost varies depending on whether liposuction is used and the volume of fat to be removed.

Body and stomach liposuction range from $6,000 to $8,000 per hour. As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350.

Medicare and health insurance

Abdominoplasty is one of the procedures that can attract a Medicare rebate where it is medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. The relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers are:

30175 - abdominoplasty for diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) in post-pregnancy women.
30177 - abdominoplasty after massive weight loss.

Each item has strict MBS criteria that must be met. Your surgeon assesses whether your condition qualifies, reviewing your medical history, symptoms and a physical examination; if it does, an item number is assigned and included in your documentation. A valid GP referral must be in place. After the procedure, the surgeon's office assists with the Medicare claim.

Item numbers are updated periodically, so confirm the current numbers and criteria with your surgeon and on MBS Online. Without meeting the criteria, the surgery is considered elective and no rebate applies.

If you are eligible for an item number and hold the right level of cover, your health insurer may subsidise part of the cost. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider, so a significant out-of-pocket payment remains.

Payment and finance

Payment for major surgery is due four weeks before the procedure. Cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit and all major credit cards are accepted, with surcharges applying to cards. Medical clinics cannot provide finance directly, but independent medical finance companies are available.

Your consultation fee is due at the time of booking. Cancellation and postponement policies are set out in the clinic's terms and conditions.

Considering surgery overseas

Cost is an important factor in planning cosmetic surgery, but it should not be the only one. Having a tummy tuck performed overseas at a lower price carries risks worth weighing:

Safety. Overseas doctors are not subject to the same medical standards as Australian doctors.
Insurance. Most travel insurers will not cover a medical emergency resulting from a cosmetic procedure.
Post-surgery care. You will not have access to the same level of aftercare as you would having the procedure locally, and if a complication arises after you return, revision surgery is an additional cost.

Cosmetic surgery performed overseas has a well-reported higher complication and revision rate. See our information on the risks of overseas cosmetic surgery.

The process

Consultation. A one-on-one consultation where your surgeon discusses your needs, explains the treatment options and likely results, gives an overview of the process and timeframes, undertakes a general medical consult, and provides a quote.
Medical assessment. If you decide to proceed, a pre-operative consultation and further medical assessment confirm you are medically fit for the procedure.
Cooling-off period. For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.
Booking. A suitable time is booked for your procedure.
The procedure. Usually performed in a hospital under general anaesthetic. Most patients return home the same day, though in some cases an overnight stay is required.
Post-operative care. You attend the clinic the day after your procedure for your first post-operative check, then surgeons and nurses monitor your recovery over a series of check-ups.

Referral requirement

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. A valid referral is also needed if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on medically essential surgery.

Recovery

You cannot drive yourself home - you need someone to drive you and stay with you for at least 24 hours. A compression garment is worn to aid recovery.

Most people return to work after two to three weeks, depending on the physical demands of the job. Gentle walking is encouraged from the first week or two, increasing over the following weeks. Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks before international flights or swimming.

Important: after abdominoplasty with muscle repair, wait around twelve weeks before returning to any core work. This is longer than for most other procedures.

Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications. Seroma - a collection of fluid beneath the skin causing swelling and pain - is most common after a tummy tuck. Other risks include infection, bleeding and haematoma, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, changes in sensation from nerve damage, delayed healing, anaesthesia complications, blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism), psychological impact, and unsatisfactory results requiring further surgery.

A full abdominoplasty leaves a scar across the lower abdomen. Wherever an incision is made there will be a scar, and how it heals varies between individuals.

Risks are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

See tummy tuck surgery for procedure detail, liposuction, or the full Me Clinic pricing page.