Medicare Item Number 30175

•  Abdominoplasty – Removal of excess skin/ adipose tissue in conjunction with repair of existing rectus sheath diastasis (>3cm)

Medicare Item Number 30177

• Abdominoplasty – Removal of excess skin/ adipose tissue

Just like any operations, you do have the choice to self fund for the procedure.

Never-the-less, Dr Cheng will always advise you to undergo surgery through appropriate health cover for the following reasons:

• Abdominoplasty can be a complex operation with associated potential complications. Self-funding for the operation means that you may incur additional hospital costs if your recovery course changes because of complications. Health insurance offers you a peace of mind when it comes to surgery.
• Hospital fees often form the bulk of costs when self funding. Having appropriate health cover will help you save on this cost which will significantly reduce your surgical outlay

This can be an option in select cases although there is often strict criteria to determine your eligibility.

It is always best to consult with the team on whether this can be an option for you.

The cost of surgery will vary depending on the complexity of your case and the extent of work that needs to be done during the operation. It is INCLUSIVE of all aspects of post surgical aftercare.

For funded patients:

• Out of pocket surgical cost would typically range between $6000 to $9000 when factoring in surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees minus health fund/ medicare rebate

• Out of pocket surgical cost would typically range between $16000 to $19000 when factoring in surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital costs minus medicare rebate

The team can provide you with an estimated quote following your consultation with Dr. Cheng

Dr Cheng would recommend that you consider abdominoplasty surgery only when your weight has stabilised for over a year.

There is no clear cut answer as each case can be quite individualised. Never-the-less, being of a lower BMI (i.e. <30) would be a goal to aim for before proceeding with surgery.

Yes, you will be given an abdominal binder to wear for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. Following that, you should transition to a pre-purchased compression garment for 4 – 6 weeks to help reduce swelling, support healing, and improve contour.

• It is important to be well prepared and patients are encouraged to pre-purchase their garments prior to surgery:
  • Here are some brands (recommended by Dr Cheng) to consider:
    • https://www.exquisitebodies.com.au/
    • https://marena.com/
    • https://voe.es/en
    • https://www.precisemedical.com.au/

You would be encouraged to start walking soon after surgery.

When it comes to strenuous exercises and weights training, you should hold off until 4-6 weeks after surgery.

• Start gentle walking as soon as possible following surgery
• Avoid strenuous activities until after 4-6 weeks following surgery
• Heavy lifting (>10kg) should be avoided until 6 weeks after surgery
• Avoid swimming or jumping into water until wounds have completely healed (usually at the 4 week mark)

You will feel quite restricted after the initial phases of surgery/ recovery.

To be safe, you should reframe from driving for a period of 3 weeks.

• You can commence driving once you are:
  • Comfortable and off all strong pain medication
  • React without pain

Scar management starts from day 1 after surgery:

• Your wound would be dressed right after surgery and this dressing will stay on for 1 week before review
• from week 3 onwards, you will be switched to a silicone based dressing to help manage wound tension, while keeping it hydrated.
• Dr Cheng’s recommended scar therapy includes application of Silicone based tapes, followed by Stratemed or Strataderm dressings
  • Start Silicone tapes from 3 weeks after surgery
  • Then transition to Strataderm after 6 weeks post surgery for a total of 60-90 days
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure of scars

Smoking increases all of the potential complications associated with the procedure and significantly impacts on wound healing.

It is considered a contra-indication for having this operation.

if you smoke, it is important to re-frame from smoking for at least 6-8 weeks prior to surgery. You will also be required to hold off on smoking for another 1-2 months until you have fully recovered from surgery.

It is always advisable to consider abdominoplasty after you have completed your family and all of your pregnancies.

This is because pregnancies can alter the abdominal wall and affect existing results

The answer largely depends on what the other procedures are.

Skin removal surgery (abdominoplasty) can often be performed in conjunction with repairs of existing abdominal wall hernias and tightening of rectus sheath divertification.

You can discuss options with Dr Cheng during your consultation.

Abdominoplasty surgery is often accompanied by concurrent liposuction to help you achieve a balanced, proportionate contour that aligns with your overall body shape.