What is the Average Cost of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery in Australia in 2024?

The average cost of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery in Australia in 2024 ranges from $7,000 – $30,000. However, the price may vary significantly due to factors such as surgeon and anaesthetist’s fees, hospital costs, and the complexity of the procedure.

I understand the importance of financial considerations when it comes to considering cosmetic surgery such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure. In Australia, the cost of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), a procedure that remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, can vary widely based on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the clinic location, the complexity of the procedure, and additional fees for anaesthesia and post-operative care.

Bottom Line: How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost in 2024?

The average cost of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery in Australia in 2024 ranges from $10,000 – $30,000. However, the price may vary significantly due to factors such as surgeon and anaesthetist’s fees, hospital costs, and the complexity of the procedure. Our fees begin at $6,990 for a mini tummy tuck and rise from there, depending on the complexity and duration of the procedure.

Factors Affecting Abdominoplasty Surgery Costs

• Surgeon fee
• Anaesthetist’s fee
• Hospital fees
• Type of abdominoplasty procedure
• Reason for undergoing the procedure (reconstructive or cosmetic)
• Medicare coverage
• Pain management costs
• Additional procedures such as VASER liposuction, hernia and diastasis recti repair, and belly button reshaping

Surgeon’s Fees

The surgeon’s fee depends on the surgeon’s experience, reputation, and qualifications, as well as the location of the procedure and the surgery duration. Keep in mind, however, that a higher surgeon’s fee doesn’t necessarily equate with quality. Therefore, it’s important that you do your research to determine the surgeon’s reviews, qualifications, and experience with the particular type of procedure. Because many specialist surgeons may not include the initial consultation fee or the cost of the compression garment in the surgeon’s fee, it’s important to inquire about these factors prior to scheduling your initial consultation.

Surgeon’s Assistant Fees

The surgeon’s assistant usually charges about ⅕ of the surgeon’s fee. 

Anaesthetist Fee

The anaesthetist fee, a separate charge for the team member responsible for administering the general anaesthesia, will normally be charged on a per hour basis, so the duration of the procedure will play into this cost. Like the surgeon, the anaesthetist’s fees may vary depending on the provider’s experience and expertise.

Hospital Fees

Hospital fees, which will vary depending on the location of the facility as well as the number of days spent in the hospital after surgery, also vary according to the procedure’s complexity and invasiveness. For example, mini abdominoplasty patients may return home on the same day as the surgery, and will not, therefore, incur the costs for an overnight stay. However, I’ll require patients who have undergone more invasive abdominoplasty procedures, like a belt lipectomy or Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty, to stay in the hospital longer, from two to as many as seven days, for further observation.

Patients with Medicare or private health insurance coverage may not pay hospital fees. This depends on whether they have an MBS item number.

Type of Procedure 

Abdominoplasty is a standard surgical procedure to remove excess and redundant abdominal skin and fat, and repair separated abdominal muscles. The main difference between abdominoplasty procedures is the amount of redundant skin being addressed and the scope of the excision region.

As aforementioned, the cost of abdominoplasty procedures varies significantly on several factors, including the procedure’s invasiveness, the surgery duration, whether the procedure will address the upper and/or lower abdomen, and whether VASER liposuction is involved. More complex abdominoplasty procedures result in longer surgery periods and hospital stays, increasing the overall cost of the surgery.

Surgery Duration

Most surgeons calculate the charges for an abdominoplasty depending on the duration of the procedure. The surgery duration will also determine the fees that the anaesthetist, assistant, and hospital will charge.

Both the cosmetic surgeon and anaesthetist fees are calculated on an hourly basis. There may be an additional hour charged by the anaesthetist as they remain with the patient until the effects of the general anaesthesia have worn off.

It’s important to note that more complex procedures take longer than a less invasive procedure. For example, while it takes approximately two hours to perform a mini abdominoplasty, an extended abdominoplasty takes up to six hours to perform. Put simply, the longer the surgery duration, the higher the tummy tuck surgery cost will be. 

Reason for Undergoing the Procedure

Reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery each involve the removal of excess skin. The difference is that a cosmetic procedure is performed for purely aesthetic purposes, while reconstructive surgery is performed for medical reasons. For this reason, the out-of-pocket costs for cosmetic procedures are commonly higher than the reconstructive counterparts in Australia because patients undergoing reconstructive surgeries qualifying for an MBS item number may be eligible for Medicare rebates.

Additionally, cosmetic surgeries in Australia are subject to a 10% GST (Goods and Service Tax). Medicare , however, is GST-exempt; therefore, surgical procedures with an MBS item number cost 10% less than their cosmetic surgery counterparts.

VASER Liposuction

Additional costs are incurred when liposuction is performed along with abdominoplasty. This is due to both the additional service being performed as well as additional time in the operating room. 

I commonly incorporate VASER liposuction into most tummy tuck surgeries because it addresses fat tissue that would be challenging to remove through standard liposuction. Unlike traditional liposuction, VASER liposuction uses sound waves to liquefy fat before it is removed from the body, making removal easier, resulting in less bruising and swelling.

Medicare Coverage

It is possible to receive a Medicare rebate for your abdominoplasty surgery if your procedure is deemed medically necessary and you were given an MBS item number. Private insurance also covers procedures with an MBS item number, however, to qualify, you must have gold level coverage. 

If you qualify for private health insurance or Medicare coverage, you will not have to pay the hospital fee and will also receive a rebate. Note that Medicare or private health fund only covers a portion of the overall cost.

Some of the MBS item numbers covering abdominoplasty procedures include 30175, 30169, and 30177.

For more information, see my article, Obtaining Medicare Coverage for Abdominoplasty Surgery (Tummy Tuck) in Newcastle, NSW.

Other Costs

The quote you will receive will include the surgery and garment as well as the post operative follow up appointments. However there are other charges that will be charged separately, including:

• Histology results
• Pathology results
• Additional garments
• Pain and other medications 
• GP visit

Example Cost Breakdowns

To offer a clearer picture of the way the costs are broken down by procedure (s) and individual circumstance, here is an example of two patient profiles.

Below is an example of costs for exactly the same operation: a full abdominoplasty with VASER liposuction taking 4 hours with 2 nights in hospital. This comparison will show the vast difference between procedures that have MBS item numbers and those that do not. 

Note: The pricing will vary from below pricing. They are there to give a general idea of the costs involved however your individual quote may vary from this due to a number of factors. Health fund rebates vary as well from one to another.

Example 1: Patient presenting with significant weight loss of 40 kg qualifying for the MBS item number.

For patient with health insurance

Operation performed: Full abdominoplasty assisted by VASER liposuction

Surgery Time: 4 hours

Hospital Stay: 2 nights in hospital

Medical health insurance: Patient has Gold cover that covers this MBS item number.

Costs with health insurance

Hospital: Covered by Health insurance

Surgeon: $12,000 (rebate from health fund 1347.42 based on 120% of the MBS scheduled fee)

Anaesthetist: $3,600 (the rebate will depend on a number of factors including anaesthetic technique, around $400)

Total out of pocket cost likely: $13,852.58

Example 2: Patient presenting with weight loss of 40 kg qualifying for the MBS item number.

Cost for patients without health insurance

Hospital: 14,000 for operation, 1400 per day in hospital. Total: 16,800

Surgeon: $12,000 (Medicare rebate: $842.15 )

Anaesthetist: $3,600 (Medicare rebate $200)

Total cost NO health insurance: $31,357.85

Example 3: A patient presents with loose skin on her abdomen with some additional fat deposits. However, she does not qualify for either the post-pregnancy or the post-weight loss MBS item number, and as such her operation is considered cosmetic.

Operation performed: Full abdominoplasty assisted by VASER liposuction

Surgery Time: 4 hours

Hospital Stay: 2 nights in hospital

Hospital: $14,000 for operation, plus $1,400 per day in hospital.

Total: $16,800, as operation is cosmetic the hospital will need to add 10% GST. Total cost 18,480 (government’s share: $1680)

Surgeon: $12,000 need to add 10% GST Total: 13200 (government’s share: $1320)

Anaesthetist: $3,600 need to add 10% GST Total $3960 (government’s share: $360)

The total cost for this operation would be: $33,960 (government gets $3360)

Conclusion

Depending on all the factors mentioned above, for the same operation, with the same duration, involving the same number of overnight hospital stays in the same hospital, the total out-of-pocket costs vary tremendously.

The cost of the same operation can vary from $13,852.58 for a patient with health insurance who qualifies for a rebate to $33,960 for a patient who does not qualify for a rebate and is charged an additional 10% for government sales tax. 

Due to the complexities and various factors involved, it is extremely difficult for us to offer an exact cost estimate over the phone. For this reason, a one-on-one consultation is the only way I can give you a precise, individually tailored quote.

Bottom Line: What is the Cost of Abdominoplasty Surgery at My Clinic?

By this point, you’re probably wondering exactly how much will each of these procedures cost at my clinic, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

Below are cost estimates for the abdominoplasty surgeries available at my clinic as of the date of this publication. As these procedures are available as single procedures or in combination with VASER liposuction, femoral hernia repair, and other procedures such as muscle repair, an actual estimate will be made after our initial consultation. For example, because not all patients require VASER liposuction, I will provide a cost estimate after I assess your concerns individually.

Mini Abdominoplasty – From $6,990

Commonly known as a mini tummy tuck, a mini abdominoplasty is the least invasive procedure I offer. It involves removing redundant excess fat and skin only on the lower abdominal region (below the belly button). The procedure may also include repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and belly button reconstruction if needed. 

There are many variations and options possible for this operation. Please refer to my article, Guide to Mini Abdominoplasty Rates, for a complete breakdown of the costs and procedures involved in a mini tummy tuck.

 Full/ Standard Abdominoplasty: From $10,990

The standard procedure to remove redundant skin both above and below the belly button, a full abdominoplasty also addresses navel reshaping and the repair of weakened abdominal muscles, making it more invasive, and, thus, more expensive than a mini tummy tuck.

Because there are many variations possible for this operation, please refer to my related article, Guide to Full Abdominoplasty Rates, for a breakdown of the costs and procedures involved in a full tummy tuck.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Please seek a second opinion.

Extended Abdominoplasty From $12,990

This procedure addresses redundant skin on the tummy region (lower and upper abdomen) and the flanks (side). This gives you a more contoured abdomen and a smaller waist. It also repositions the belly button and repairs weakened muscles.

There are many variations and options possible for this operation, so please refer to my related article, Guide to Extended Abdominoplasty Rates, for a breakdown of the costs and procedures involved in an extended tummy tuck.

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty – From $14,990

A standard or full abdominoplasty may not be enough to fully flatten their abdominal region for many patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. In such instance, I may recommend a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty. This type of tummy tuck removes and tightens the skin of the abdomen in both vertical and horizontal directions. 

During this surgery, I may also remove some additional fat and repair abdominal muscles as needed, similar to an extended or full tummy tuck.

Read my article, Dr. Beldholm’s Step-by-Step Guide to Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty for a complete guide to Fleur-de-Lis.

Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) From $25,990

Belt Lipectomy, commonly known as a circumferential or body lift, is more invasive than extended abdominoplasty, and therefore, more expensive. In addition to the tummy region, it addresses redundant skin on the hips, back, and buttocks. The procedure’s incision makes a complete circle around the abdomen. This procedure suits massive weight loss patients with extensive redundant skin on the entire abdominal region, the hips, back, and buttocks.

Because there are many variations and options possible for this operation, this is just an estimate.

Reverse Abdominoplasty – From $14,990

This type of abdominoplasty differs from the other tummy tucks procedures because it addresses redundant skin and separated muscles in the upper abdominal region. The procedure’s incision runs across the bra line. I recommend this abdominoplasty to patients who are undergoing a breast lift (mastopexy).

Note: Because I generally revise the prices at least every 6 months, these prices are only accurate as of the date of this publication and may be subject to change. 

Early Compassionate Release of Superannuation Funds for Abdominoplasty Surgery

Patients contemplating abdominoplasty before retirement may face difficulties accessing superannuation fund. However, if the procedure is considered medically necessary, they might be able to access these funds by meeting specific criteria set by the Australian Taxation Office. 

A superannuation fund, widely known as a “Super fund,” is a pool of money contributed by both the employer and the employee towards the employee’s retirement. Typically, these funds are accessible only upon retirement, which is generally between the ages of 55 and 60 in Australia.

To qualify for early compassionate release of superannuation funds, the abdominoplasty must be classified as a medically necessary procedure which is typically performed by a qualified medical practitioner like myself and a general practitioner (GP). Together, we must provide documentation to support the claim. The procedure will be deemed necessary if it alleviates physical discomfort, treats a medical condition or improves the patient’s overall health and well-being. 

The application process involves several steps. First, the patient will need to go for an assessment to get a detailed report from the plastic surgeon stating the medical necessity of the abdominoplasty. The report should outline the condition being treated, the expected benefits of the surgery, and why alternative treatment may not be viable. Along with the medical report, the patient needs to submit relevant documentation to their superannuation fund. This could include detailed invoices, quotes for the procedure, and any other supporting evidence demonstrating the financial need for early access.

Once submitted, the superannuation fund will review the application and may request additional information or clarification where needed. If the criteria are met, the fund may approve the early release of the necessary funds to cover the cost of the surgery and will attract normal taxes. 

It is important to note that while early compassionate release of superannuation funds is possible, it is not guaranteed. Moreover, some patients may receive partial coverage for their abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure through Medicare if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Therefore, they should be prepared for potential out-of-pocket expenses. 

If this entire process seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Patients can book a consultation with me, a FRACS surgeon with over 15 years of experience, to guide them through the process. During the consultation, I will explain who qualifies, how to apply and what documents are needed for early release.

Payment Plans

For patients booking surgery in advance, I offer flexible payment plans for all cosmetic surgical procedure(s). These plans are interest-free and can be arranged without any additional cost. The payment arrangement is managed through a trustee account, ensuring that if a patient is unable to proceed with the surgery, they will receive a full refund. This system has been in place for over 10 years and has proven to be effective.

The final payment is due 2 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, and patients are required to adhere to a follow-up appointment schedule after the initial consultation.

Additionally, we accept various payment methods, including Superannuation redraw, cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, ZipPay, MAC credit, TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit), and Direct deposit.

This range of options allows patients to choose the most convenient method for their financial situation. 

My Final Take

Several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, hospital fee, anaesthetist fee, the type of abdominoplasty, and the duration of the surgery, affect the cost for abdominoplasty in Australia 2024. As explained above, the cost will differ for each patient and each circumstance. Therefore, I cannot provide an acurate cost estimate over the phone and highly recommend that you book a consultation at my clinic to get a customised cost of your abdominoplasty.

Dr Bernard Beldholm (MED0001186274) M.B.B.S B.Sc (Med) FRACS, FACCSM is a Registered medical practitioner, Specialist surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – general surgery). FACCSM – Fellow of Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine. https://www.accsm.org.au/

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