Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) After Significant Weight Loss
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm FRACS, a Specialist Surgeon based at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley, NSW. My practice focuses on body contouring surgery for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery, medication assisted weight loss or lifestyle change.
If you are left with loose skin on your abdomen after major weight loss, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the operation that removes it. This page covers who the operation suits, what it involves, and what happens next. For the full clinical detail, read my complete guide to abdominoplasty after weight loss.
Which Abdominoplasty Is Right for Your Skin Pattern?
The pattern of your loose skin decides the operation, and after significant weight loss it is rarely confined to the lower abdomen. These are the operations I perform:
Limited abdominoplasty
Loose skin confined below the belly button (umbilicus). Uncommon after major weight loss.
Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Vertical excess treated with a hip to hip transverse excision. More typical after pregnancy than after major weight loss.
Extended abdominoplasty
The usual operation in post weight loss patients, because the laxity almost always extends around the flanks.
Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty
Adds a vertical excision to treat horizontal excess, the laxity running side to side around your waist.
Dual vector abdominoplasty
A technique I developed for skin that is loose in multiple directions, including the upper abdomen.
Circumferential abdominoplasty (body lift, belt lipectomy)
Excision of circumferential loose skin around the abdomen and back.
Circumferential hybrid abdominoplasty
A technique I developed combining a body lift (belt lipectomy) with an anterior vertical excision, for laxity running the full way around.
Apronectomy
Removal of the overhanging apron only, for patients with significant medical risk factors.
What the Operation Involves
- Removal of the excess skin and fat from your abdomen through a low transverse incision, placed so it sits within your underwear line
- Muscle repair, where muscle separation (diastasis recti) is present, most commonly in patients who have also been through pregnancy
- Hernia repair completed in the same operation where a hernia is found, drawing on my background as a general surgeon
- VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) of the flanks or upper abdomen in selected patients
- A new opening made for your belly button (umbilicus)
- General anaesthetic, typically 3 to 5 hours of operating time depending on the extent of surgery
- 1 to 3 nights in Maitland Private Hospital, walking from Day 1
- 2 surgical drains, usually removed before you go home or at your first review
Every operation is planned around your skin pattern, your health and your goals. The full technical detail, including how each variation differs, is in my complete guide to abdominoplasty after weight loss.
Why Come and See Me
- I am a Specialist Surgeon (FRACS) and have performed abdominoplasty surgery for over 15 years, with a practice focused on body contouring after significant weight loss
- I have developed 2 techniques specifically for post weight loss patients: the dual vector abdominoplasty and the circumferential hybrid abdominoplasty
- My general surgery background means a hernia found before or during your operation is repaired then and there, not referred on
- Telehealth consultations are available for regional patients, with your in person examination arranged before surgery
- All surgery is performed at Maitland Private Hospital, an accredited facility with 24 hour nursing care, and I see you on my rounds each day you are in hospital
- Your follow-up with me runs through the first 12 months after surgery and is included in the surgical fee
- After hours, you can call Maitland Private Hospital and speak with a nurse, any day
Risks and Recovery
Abdominoplasty after significant weight loss is major surgery. All surgery carries risk, and in post weight loss patients the rates of wound healing problems, seroma (fluid collection) and infection are higher than in other abdominoplasty patients. Serious complications such as blood clots (DVT) are uncommon but possible, which is why I assess your individual risk before surgery and plan prevention around it. Recovery takes weeks, not days: most patients need 2 to 4 weeks away from work depending on what they do, and longer before heavy lifting. You will have a scar, and results vary between patients. I cover all of this frankly at consultation, and you can read the detail in my dedicated articles on abdominoplasty complications and abdominoplasty recovery.
Cost and Medicare
Medicare item 30177 covers abdominoplasty after significant weight loss for patients who meet its criteria, including a stable weight and a skin fold causing documented problems, and eligibility reduces your out of pocket cost through Medicare and private health fund contributions. You will receive a written, itemised quote after your consultation, and you can read how the criteria and fees work in my guide to abdominoplasty cost and Medicare.
Your Steps to Surgery
1. Get your GP referral
A referral is required before your consultation.
2. Consultation with me
About 1 hour. We go through your history, examine your skin pattern and decide which operation suits you. A second consultation is at no cost.
3. Receive your written quote
Itemised surgical, hospital and anaesthetist fees, with the applicable MBS item numbers, within about 1 week.
4. Prepare for surgery
Pre-operative blood tests and nutritional preparation. Most patients have surgery 1 to 3 months after consultation.
5. Have your surgery at Maitland Private Hospital
1 to 3 nights in hospital.
6. Recover with structured follow-up
Close follow-up through the first 2 weeks after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, all included in your surgical fee.