Abdominoplasty in Gold Coast: a Flat Stomach

No, weight loss is not what it does. Its purpose is to remove excess stretched skin and the fat apron and to restore the abdominal muscle wall. We operate at a stable weight; if your weight is still changing, start with a dietitian or endocrinologist.

Yes, you will have a scar; it is the unavoidable price of taking away excess skin. The classic tummy tuck incision runs from hip to hip across the lower abdomen, under the underwear or swimsuit line, while a mini tummy tuck's is much shorter. With time the scar fades and becomes thin.

That is exactly the purpose of the surgery: sagging skin and the fat apron are removed entirely, along with stretch marks below the navel. The upper abdominal skin is pulled downward by the surgeon, leaving a smooth tummy with no extra lift needed.

No, the procedure itself doesn't hurt — a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia, so you feel nothing. Tightness and soreness appear over the first days and are relieved with the painkillers your doctor prescribes; by the end of the first week the discomfort noticeably eases.

Everyone has the same restrictions after a tummy tuck: for the first 2–3 weeks, no physical exertion, heavy lifting or sudden movements, and for at least a month, no sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol or smoking. Sport comes back gradually and only with the surgeon's approval. Compression garments are worn for another 4–8 weeks.

You must be at least 18, with no contraindications. No upper limit exists — at our clinic each case is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment.

The scope of surgery makes the difference. For a small excess of skin below the navel, a mini tummy tuck is done: shorter incision, navel stays in place, faster recovery. The classic version removes the skin-and-fat apron across the whole abdomen, moves the navel and makes it possible to repair diastasis along the full length of the muscles.

Recovery comes in three milestones: 2–3 weeks until office work is possible, 1.5–2 months until swelling and tightness pass, and 6–12 months until the final result and scar are assessed, once the tissues fully adapt.

The skin that was removed won't grow back — that part of the result is permanent. Only significant weight gain will stretch the abdomen again, so it's important to keep a stable weight. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible but stretches the repaired muscles, so surgery is planned when your family is complete.

Yes, preparation is a must. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking medicines that affect blood clotting 7–10 days before a tummy tuck. The pre-surgery check-up covers blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound and consultations with a GP and anaesthetist. Get it done in advance, not the day before.

The answer is the same for everyone: the first changes are visible 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling subsides. Then there are two checkpoints: 1.5–2 months — an interim result, 3–6 months — the final contours.

Yes, you will stay in hospital: 1–2 days under medical supervision after a classic tummy tuck, and usually one day after a mini tummy tuck. Recovery then continues at home, monitored by the surgeon at scheduled check-ups.

The same list applies to everyone before a tummy tuck — blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a GP's report. Your surgeon provides the exact list at the consultation; tests are usually valid for 10–14 days.

No, it is not needed by everyone: a repair is done only when the rectus abdominis muscles are really separated. The surgeon notices diastasis at the examination, with ultrasound used to confirm it in case of doubt. Separated muscles are brought together in the same surgery, no separate procedure required.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is not prohibited, yet the sequence matters: childbirth first, surgery second. Otherwise skin and muscles stretch once more and part of the result is lost. Surgeons advise one thing: planning a child, wait at least a year after the procedure.

Yes, it is required — without the garment recovery is worse: it supports the tissues and reduces swelling. For the first 3–4 weeks it is worn around the clock, then for about another month during the day. The operating surgeon will name the exact period.