Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty—often called a tummy tuck—is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and, where needed, tightening stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). For many people, changes after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or natural ageing can leave the abdomen with loose folds, stubborn bulges, and reduced core support that don’t respond to diet and exercise alone. A carefully planned abdominoplasty aims to restore a flatter, smoother silhouette and greater comfort in everyday movement and clothing.
At Mastakov Surgery, we provide tailored body-contouring solutions with a focus on safety, education, and realistic outcomes. Patients visit us from across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Hervey Bay for individualised care and a supportive recovery pathway.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) on the Gold Coast
Many of our Gold Coast abdominoplasty patients travel for tummy tuck surgery after pregnancy or major weight loss when loose skin, stubborn fat and diastasis recti don’t respond to exercise. At Mastakov Surgery, your tummy tuck on the Gold Coast is planned for natural contour, safe recovery and clear expectations from day one.
Why Gold Coast patients choose us
Consults available locally or via telehealth; surgery performed at accredited private hospitals in South-East Queensland.
Tailored options (full, mini, extended/circumferential, or lipo-abdominoplasty) based on skin excess, fat distribution and muscle separation.
Structured recovery program designed for the Coast’s warm climate and active lifestyle.
Planning your Gold Coast tummy tuck
Pre-op: medical history, abdominal exam and photography; we’ll confirm if muscle repair is indicated.
Travel & stay: arrange a support person to collect you; some patients book 1–2 nights near the hospital before heading home to the Coast.
Follow-up: early reviews can be arranged on the Gold Coast where possible, with later checks in person or via telehealth.
Recovery on the Coast
Compression garments are essential; choose breathable options for the humid Gold Coast climate.
Keep scars out of the sun; cover with clothing and use SPF once healed.
Beach walks are fine once you’re steady—no ocean or pool submersion until wounds are closed and you’re cleared (often ~4–6 weeks).
Delay surfing, heavy lifting and reformer Pilates until your surgeon okays progressive core work (usually 6–12 weeks).
Costs & rebates (QLD)
You’ll receive a personalised quote outlining surgeon, anaesthesia and hospital fees.
Where symptoms and criteria are met (e.g., functional problems with rashes or muscle separation), a Medicare item number may apply; eligibility is confirmed at consultation.
Where our Gold Coast abdominoplasty patients come from
Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Waters, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Varsity Lakes, Robina, Helensvale, Hope Island and surrounds (including Northern NSW).
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- You’re close to a healthy, stable weight and your abdominal shape no longer matches your efforts in the gym or kitchen.
- You have excess or overhanging skin (often after pregnancy or weight loss) that causes chafing, rashes, or difficulty with clothing.
- You notice muscle separation (diastasis recti) with core weakness, poor posture, or a persistent lower belly bulge.
- You’re a non-smoker (or willing to stop in advance of surgery) and in overall good health to support healing.
- You have realistic expectations about scars, downtime, and what surgery can and cannot achieve.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss operation. Rather, it’s a contouring procedure best for people whose weight is stable and who want to address lax skin, stubborn fat deposits, and muscle separation.
Benefits & Limitations
Potential Benefits
- A flatter, firmer abdominal profile with improved waist definition.
- Removal of redundant skin folds that may cause irritation or hygiene issues.
- Repair of diastasis recti to help support posture and core function.
- Improved comfort in clothing and activities, with many patients reporting a boost in self-confidence.
Important Considerations
- All surgery involves scars; abdominoplasty typically leaves a low horizontal scar and a small scar around the navel. Scars usually fade over time with proper care.
- Results are long-lasting when combined with healthy lifestyle habits and a stable weight.
- Future pregnancies or significant weight changes can affect the outcome; many patients prefer to plan surgery after completing their family.
Types of Abdominoplasty
Full Abdominoplasty
The most common technique for patients with laxity above and below the navel. A low, hip-to-hip incision is placed to remove excess skin and fat; the abdominal wall can be tightened if muscle separation is present. The navel is repositioned to match the new contour. Liposuction is often added for fine contouring.
Mini Abdominoplasty
Suited to select patients with mild to moderate laxity limited to the lower abdomen. The incision is shorter, usually below the bikini line, and the navel is typically not moved. Recovery may be quicker than with a full procedure.
Extended or Circumferential Techniques
For patients with significant laxity that continues around the flanks or lower back—common after substantial weight loss—an extended or circumferential approach may provide a more harmonious contour of the waist, hips, and lower back.
Abdominoplasty with Liposuction (Lipo-abdominoplasty)
Many patients benefit from combining a tummy tuck with targeted liposuction to refine the waist and upper abdomen, enhancing definition while addressing skin redundancy.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the paired rectus abdominis muscles that run vertically along the abdomen, often noticed after pregnancy or large weight changes. It can contribute to core weakness, back discomfort, and a persistent abdominal bulge. During abdominoplasty, these muscles can be brought back together with internal sutures to improve support and contour.
Your Procedure Day
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. Incisions are planned to sit low on the abdomen where they can be concealed beneath most underwear or swimwear. The skin and fat are carefully elevated, any diastasis is repaired if indicated, and excess tissue is removed. The navel may be reshaped or repositioned in a full procedure. Layered suturing, meticulous haemostasis, and gentle handling of tissues support healing and scar quality.
Small drains may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid build-up. A compressive garment is applied at the end of surgery to support the area and help control swelling.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is a partnership between you and your surgical team. We provide clear instructions and scheduled follow-up to monitor your progress.
Typical Timeline (Guidance Only)
- Days 1–7: Expect tightness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Short, frequent walks are encouraged to promote circulation. Keep your garment on as advised.
- Weeks 2–3: Many patients feel comfortable returning to light desk-based work. Driving may be possible once you’re off strong pain medication and can move comfortably.
- Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to normal daily activities. Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon.
- Weeks 6–12: Introduce core and higher-intensity exercise as advised. Swelling continues to settle; scars begin to mature.
- Long-term: Scar maturation can take 12–18 months. We’ll discuss scar care, sun protection, and optional therapies that may help your result.
Everyone heals at a different pace. We tailor advice to your procedure, health, and goals so you can return to life safely and confidently.
Risks & Safety
All operations carry risks. Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, seroma (fluid collection), delayed wound healing, unfavourable scarring, changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, and anaesthesia-related risks. Blood clots are an uncommon but important consideration after any major surgery.
We reduce risk through careful patient selection, pre-operative planning, evidence-based techniques, and attentive aftercare. You’ll receive a personalised consent discussion that covers benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
Results, Scarring & Longevity
You’ll notice an immediate change in abdominal contour, with shape refining as swelling subsides over the following weeks to months. Scars are permanent but typically soften and fade with time; their position is planned to sit low for discretion. Maintaining a stable weight, regular activity, and balanced nutrition helps protect your result in the long term.
Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes. Where appropriate, abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction, breast procedures, or other body-contouring surgery. Combining operations may allow a single anaesthetic and recovery period. We’ll explore whether this is safe and suitable for your health, goals, and anatomy.
Why Choose Mastakov Surgery
- Personalised planning: every abdomen is unique—your plan is tailored to skin quality, muscle tone, fat distribution, and your goals.
- Trusted care across SEQ: patients visit our Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hervey Bay locations for convenient consultations and follow-up.
- Safety-first approach: clear pre-operative preparation, modern surgical techniques, and supportive aftercare.
- Transparent communication: you’ll understand timelines, costs, risks, and expected results before you decide.
Thinking about a tummy tuck? The best first step is a thorough consultation to discuss your history, examine your abdomen, and outline a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
Abdominoplasty is a contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss operation. While some tissue is removed, the goal is to tighten and reshape the abdominal wall and skin. Maintaining healthy habits supports the best long-term outcome.
What does the scar look like?
Most patients have a low horizontal scar placed below common underwear or swimwear lines, plus a small scar around the navel for full procedures. Scar quality varies by genetics, aftercare, and time. We’ll provide guidance on scar care and sun protection.
How long is the recovery?
Many people return to light duties within 2–3 weeks, with more vigorous exercise phased in after 6 weeks (if cleared). Your exact timeline depends on the technique used and your personal healing.
Can I have abdominoplasty if I plan more children?
It’s possible, but future pregnancies can stretch the skin and muscles again. If you plan more children soon, it may be best to delay surgery until your family is complete.
Is liposuction required with a tummy tuck?
Not always. Liposuction can be added selectively to refine the waist or upper abdomen when beneficial. We’ll recommend what suits your anatomy and goals.
How do I choose between a mini and full tummy tuck?
It depends on where your laxity sits. If loose skin and bulging are confined mostly below the navel, a mini may suffice. If there’s laxity above and below the navel or muscle separation, a full technique is usually more appropriate.