Abdominoplasty can be performed for many reasons – post pregnancy, as a definitive solution for an abdominal hernia, massive weight loss, back issues or simply for aesthetic reasons. In an Abdominoplasty, the abdomen is rebuilt, re-contoured and core muscles are repaired to re-establish tension and core strength.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery and is designed to address the natural changes to the body following weight loss. Performing an Abdominoplasty on patients with excess fat content is highly dangerous and vastly increases the risks of surgery.
Abdominoplasty is my favourite operation as it can be so much more than a cosmetic procedure, performed correctly it can also restore core strength and function to the body.
Dr Alastair Taylor (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons | Provider No. MED0001401767)
Find out more about our treatments by selecting an option from the drop down menu.
Abdominoplasty surgery is designed to reshape the abdominal region by removing excess fat and skin to modify the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports the fat and skin. This procedure can be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature.
It involves the removal of all tissue from the umbilicus down to the pubis, relocation of the umbilicus, repair of the muscle wall and reshaping of the abdomen to produce a tighter, more contoured abdomen with increased core strength. If you put your thumb in your belly button and your finger above the pubis, anything you can hold, gets cut away.
You will have a scar from one hip to the other dipping down over the top of the pubic hair. The incision is designed to be as inconspicuous as possible and be hidden as much as possible by your swimwear, or by higher cut underwear.
An abdominoplasty operation takes 4 to 5 hours, is performed under general anaesthetic and requires up to 3 days stay in hospital. You will require 3 weeks off work and up to 6 weeks before returning to normal activity. You will also wear a compression garment after your operation.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Combined Abdominoplasty with Breast Augmentation with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Combined Abdominoplasty with Breast Augmentation with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Pregnancy stretches apart the midline of the abdomen which may not shrink back after childbirth and can leave a permanent weak area. This alters the way the abdomen works. It now bulges on standing and the weakness also spreads to the back and pelvis, leading to back pain and a weakened pelvic floor with stress incontinence.
The skin of the abdomen has been stretched in pregnancy and this may not shrink either after the second or third child. It can exhibit stretch marks and localised fat collections.
Your post pregnancy abdomen may be impacting on your daily life as it can impede your ability to get out of bed in the morning, get up off the floor, lift children or heavy shopping bags into cars, jump on the trampoline (or even laugh or cough) without bladder leakage.
An abdominoplasty operation can restore function like core strength and continence.
After pregnancy the abdomen can be seriously damaged, the muscles are separated and there is excess skin around the abdomen. An operation to fix this is not just liposuction, or even liposuction with removal of skin and fat, the abdomen needs to be rebuilt, re-contoured and tension re-established.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Postpartum Abdominoplasty with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
A hernia is ‘an unusual protrusion of abdominal contents through a hole in the abdominal wall.’
The development of abdominal hernias following pregnancy is common. Some women stretch their midline so severely during pregnancy the previously thick tissue becomes very thin and easy to tear. This leaves holes for the abdominal contents to poke through. These bulges can be felt in the upper abdominal midline and under the belly button. Hernias can be tender, especially if they do not reduce under gentle pressure. Bowels can also be caught in a hernia, become twisted and gangrenous which is a medical emergency.
The very nature of the abdominoplasty surgery allows a more exposed repair, which is stronger and more reliable than the traditional methods using a patch of plastic mesh. Operative exposure of the abdominal wall during an abdominoplasty allows reduction of the hernia and the muscle repair from the chest to the pubis removes the weakened mid-line problem.
It is not possible to repair a hernia in this fashion or perform an abdominoplasty if you plan on becoming pregnant in the future. A midline repair can impede abdominal expansion and the suture may rupture requiring the operation to be repeated.
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra
Abdominoplasty with hernia repair with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Massive weight loss leads to significant skin redundancy. Male or female body types may differ, but generally people who lose over 20 – 50 kg will carry a large amount of excess skin, which is largest right in front. Skin can retract with lost fat but only so far. Depending on the amount of weight lost, this excess skin can hang down almost to the knees. This loose skin still contains all the fat cells but they are now empty.
Liposuction is part of a weight loss abdominoplasty but not much fat is removed, it is mostly to help with tissue mobility. There is a greater emphasis on skin resection for contouring in this procedure and the scars are frequently longer than a post partum operation.
Learn more about body lift for weight loss here.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Post weight loss surgery with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Combining an abdominoplasty with breast augmentation is possible for aesthetic and reconstructive reasons. Breast augmentation is a purely cosmetic procedure with no medical or structural benefits, however some women may wish to undergo both surgeries as a combination abdominoplasty and augmentation can counter the natural aesthetic changes to the body post-partum and repair the damage done during pregnancy.
Combined Abdominoplasty with Breast Augmentation with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Combined Abdominoplasty with Breast Augmentation with Dr Taylor at the CAPS Clinic in Canberra. Note: The outcome shown is only relevant for this patient and may not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the patient's genetics, diet and exercise.
Obtain a Referral from your GP (Weight Loss Only)
Meet with Dr Taylor and Patient Co-ordinator
7 Day cooling off period
Arrange Surgery and Presurgery Appointments
Meet with Dr Taylor's Nurses regarding your hospital admission
Surgery performed under General Anaesthetic 3 Night Stay
Physio program to aid early recovery (Recommended)
Pressure Garment worn 24 hours a day
Appointment with Sole'vita nurses Garment worn only during the day
Return to work, Resume Driving, Walking
Light Exercise
Appointment with Dr Taylor, Remove Pressure Garment, Resume Normal Activities
Final Post-op Appointment with Dr Taylor
Done correctly an Abdominoplasty can not only modify the shape of the abdomen it can also restore core strength, improve back pain and urinary incontinence in post partum women.
Dr Alastair Taylor (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons | Provider No. MED0001401767)
ANY SURGICAL OR INVASIVE PROCEDURE CARRIES RISKS. BEFORE PROCEEDING, YOU SHOULD SEEK A SECOND OPINION FROM AN APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED HEALTH PRACTITIONER (EG. YOUR GP).
Dr Alastair Taylor (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons | Provider No. MED0001401767) will discuss the general and specific risks during your consultation, where you can ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Is it important that you have enough information to weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of your surgery. You will also be provided with more information to take home and read, and discuss with your family or loved ones.
Risks specifically associated with abdominoplasty surgery may include:
Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:
Dr Taylor performs abdominoplasty surgery either at Sole’vita Surgery or National Capital Private Hospital. Dr Taylor will discuss this further, and any options available to you, during your consultation.
Your surgery may be booked at our private hospital, Sole’vita Surgery, a licensed medical hospital accredited under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Sole’ vita Surgery is part of The CAPS Clinic, with all services conveniently based in the one location in Deakin, Canberra.
Our facilities include modern surgical theatres, sterilisation services and recovery areas. Our overnight rooms feature flexible privacy glass-panelling and personal ensuite.
All of the Sole’ vita team are fully qualified and registered medical personnel, with no more than 5 patients staying at once, our patient-to-nursing-care ratio is the best in Australia.
We allow up to a 3 day stay after your abdominoplasty surgery, so that you can take your time to rest and recover.
Dr Alastair Taylor (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons | Provider No. MED0001401767) is a highly qualified Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Learn more about Dr Taylor.
If your abdominoplasty surgery takes place at our Sole’vita Surgery private hospital, you can be assured that Dr Taylor leads a dedicated team of qualified health care professionals, including anaesthetic staff and nurses. His team have built a reputation for quality and are committed to achieving results for our clients whilst providing personalised care, with your safety, privacy and comfort at the forefront of all work.
Abdominoplasty is only claimable on both Medicare and your private hospital insurance for weight loss. To meet the criteria a patient must have lost five BMI points (not including partum weight) and remained stable at this weight for at least 6 months. All other indicators (post partum back pain, urinary incontinence, aesthetics) are therefore considered cosmetic surgery and will not attract a Medicare or health fund benefit and will be subject to GST. Hernias repaired as part of a cosmetic surgery forgo a Medicare rebate.
Fees include Dr Taylor Surgeons fee, Anaesthetist fee, Theatre and the Overnight Stay in Hospital costs, starting from $20,000.
Medicare rebatable (weight loss) patients with eligible health fund cover, fees start from $12,000.
To receive a formal quote you are required to have a consultation with Dr Taylor. The quote for the cost of your surgery is valid for 3 months. Some fees may not be included in this quote, including medications, pathology, physiotherapy and costs arising from any complications. Further information will be provided to you during your consultation.
Dr Taylor’s fee includes:
To help you prepare for your surgery and enhance your recovery, we offer you a pre-surgery program to start 4 to 6 weeks prior to your surgery. This includes taking a multivitamin to aid recovery and get you back on your feet faster. We also recommend an effective herbal medication to reduce the bruising and swelling associated with your surgery. You will also need to stop certain medications leading up to your surgery and we recommend ceasing smoking six weeks prior.
Planning for your surgery and your recovery in advance is vital. Understanding what you can and cannot do will ensure you are not put in a position where you put yourself or the success of your surgery at risk. All this will depend on your personal situation.
Dr Taylor insists you refrain from any major or minor physical duties and take three weeks off work. You will be provided with a discreet medical certificate to accommodate any time required off work.
On discharge from Sole’vita Surgery we recommend:
After your operation, you will have a catheter, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) machine, and drains. The catheter and PCA are removed on day two, and the drains are removed on the day of discharge.
On return from theatre, you will be placed in a very tight fitting compression garment. This garment is worn 24 hours a day (excluding showering) for the first two weeks and then during the day for another 4 weeks.
Extensive surgery bruising and swelling are to be expected. The liposuction component of the surgery will cause the most discomfort and often patients describe the straightening up process like a ‘Chinese burn’. It is for this reason we recommend a prolonged hospital stay. After your PCA is removed, taking regular oral pain medication can assist you to be more comfortable.
Dr Taylor will make hospital visits every day to manage your recovery. You may require up to 3 days stay in hospital. Discharge planning will include wound care and management of your dressings, prescriptions for medications, and follow up appointments.
You are encouraged to take a minimum of 3 weeks off work and plan not to be back to normal routine and activity for at least 6 weeks.
Two weeks after your surgery, you will come to Sole’vita Surgery to have your sutures removed and your wounds checked by one of our nurses. You will have follow up appointments with Dr Taylor at both the 6 week and 6 month stage of your journey.
Working with a local healthcare physiotherapy, we have introduced the ‘Early Intervention Program.’ This program allows you to straighten up faster, decrease pain, and generally feel more in control of your recovery. Patients are offered this program as an option for their speedy recovery.
