Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove abdominal skin and fat, and may include muscle tightening.

An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes skin and fat from the abdomen. It can also tighten abdominal muscles.

Abdominoplasty recovery usually takes between 6-12 weeks to fully recover. There are various types and adjuncts like liposuction that go with it. Hence, it’s important to read and follow the postoperative instructions that Dr Mistry and the team give you. We normally have you admitted into hospital for 2-5 days after which you go home to take it easy while you recover.

Pain, swelling, tightness and discomfort are normal and can be treated with medication, surgical garments, and proper body positioning. Rest and avoid strenuous activity during the first 2 weeks. Though you will see a significant change after the procedure it may take several months for the results to become fully visible, especially if liposuction is done at the same time.

Remember Dr Mistry and his team are there to help you through the recovery process and will individualise your regime during your postoperative visits.

The timing of results after a abdominoplasty varies based on factors like body type, procedure type, and post-op care. Some changes are visible immediately, but as swelling subsides over the next few months, results become more noticeable. The full outcome is usually seen within 4–6 months.

Both abdominoplasty and liposuction can focus on the midsection, but they address different concerns:

Abdominoplasty: Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens muscles.

Liposuction: Removes fat pockets from specific areas of the body but does not tighten skin or muscles. It’s best for individuals with good skin elasticity.

The best approach depends on you and your needs. A consultation with Dr. Mistry, specialist plastic surgeon, will help determine the right option for you.

Abdominoplasty is ideal for individuals who:

Have excess abdominal skin or fat that you would like to address surgically
Are in good overall health and at a stable weight
Are non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery
Have realistic expectations about the results

A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Mistry, is essential to assess your suitability for the procedure.

Yes, some visible scarring is expected after an abdominoplasty. However, Dr Mistry will place incisions strategically so they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. Initially, scars may appear red and slightly raised, but they typically fade over time, becoming less noticeable. The healing process varies from person to person and may take several months to a year. To minimise scarring, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. They can also recommend treatments such as silicone gels, laser therapy, or microneedling.

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients can gradually return to normal activities within several weeks to months after an abdominoplasty. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, listen to your body, and increase activity levels gradually. Strenuous exercise and activities that put strain on the abdomen should be avoided until your surgeon confirms it is safe. For personalised guidance on resuming specific activities, consult your surgeon during follow-up appointments.

Medicare may provide a rebate for abdominoplasty if the surgery is considered medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. For example, patients who have experienced weight loss and now suffer from functional problems such as rashes, infections, or difficulty with movement due to excess skin may be eligible.

The relevant Medicare item number is 30177, which applies under strict medical criteria.