How Much Does an Abdominoplasty Cost in Melbourne?

Guide to Melbourne Surgery Prices for Abdominoplasty

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Abdominoplasty surgery is one of the top five most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. However, despite its prevalence, finding out the cost without booking a face-to-face appointment with a surgeon can prove to be very difficult.

Like most plastic surgeries, there is a major price variance when it comes to getting an abdominoplasty. This is because multiple factors need to be taken into account, including your surgeon’s qualifications, the technique they use, and where your surgery is carried out. Also, consider whether Medicare or your Private Health Fund will cover some of your costs.

Dr Craig Rubinstein is an experienced plastic surgeon in Australia, and he has performed thousands of abdominoplasties with and without muscle repair throughout the years.

URGENT UPDATE – The Australian Government has reinstated a Medicare Item Number for an abdominoplasty for some post-pregnancy patients suffering from Diastasis Recti (split abdominal muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number is effective 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.

If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number, you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.

Different Prices for Abdominoplasty Surgery

The following information will help break down the different price points and give you a better understanding of what you are paying for when you get an abdominoplasty in Victoria, Australia. It is not as simple as saying that the procedure will cost anywhere from $10,500 to upwards of $19,000. These numbers do not give you the whole picture.

There are many types and varieties of Abdominoplasty surgery, including:

• Simple skin-only abdominoplasty
• Full Abdominoplasty with muscle repair or standard abdominoplasty
• Abdominoplasty with liposuction or lipoabdominoplasty

For a post-bariatric surgery or a patient with significant weight loss, there are also:

• Extended Abdominoplasty: As the name suggests this type of abdominoplasty involves an extended area therefore a larger incision (around to the sides above the hips)
• 360 Abdominoplasty or Circumferential Belt Lipectomy: This involves an incision that creates a full circle completely around the abdominal area.
• Fleur De Lis (FDL) Abdominoplasty: Also known as a vertical abdominoplasty – full belt incision around the waist plus a vertical incision in front.

7 Factors that Affect the Cost of an Abdominoplasty in Melbourne

The price range of your abdominoplasty will be affected by Who, What, When, Where, Why and How it is done and You.

1. WHO will be performing your surgery?

• Do they have experience in this type of surgery?
• Have they done this before? Can they show you examples of their past work?
• Do they have professional accreditations and qualifications?

2. WHAT is included in your surgery quote?

• Not all quotes include all the costs you will incur for your abdominoplasty surgery.
• Unfortunately, they might exclude certain aspects, such as recovery aids, post-operative care, medication, surgery garments, facility fees, anaesthetic costs and others.
• It’s important that you carefully review your quote. So, you can clear up any grey areas you might have and make sure you aren’t hit with unexpected additions to your bill, post-surgery.

3. WHEN will your surgery take place?

• If your surgery is booked several months (or more) in advance, you need to be aware that prices and Medicare rebate criteria can change.
• We recommend speaking to our Patient Care Team about rapidly changing hospital fees to see if you could be affected.

4. WHERE will your surgery be performed?

• Will your surgery take place in a hospital under general anaesthetic with an overnight hospital stay for observation and pain management?
• Will you be ‘awake’ during your abdominoplasty using local anaesthetic and sedatives in a clinic backroom or day clinic?
• The second option puts you in a higher risk category, potentially leading to increased discomfort and chance of complications.

5. WHY are you having the procedure?

• Are you having an abdominoplasty procedure solely for cosmetic reasons? Is it a medically indicated surgery?
• If you are having your abdominoplasty surgery for corrective/medical reasons, it might increase the cost of your procedure. This is due to the fact it may be more complicated than a standard abdominoplasty.

6. HOW long will your procedure take to be performed?

• How long is your abdominoplasty procedure going to take? Has your surgeon fully customised, planned and tailored your surgery to your needs?
• The estimated surgical time for abdominoplasty surgery is 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. However, the theatre time required may vary from this estimate as there are many types of abdominoplasties.
• It should be noted that some newer doctors are much slower than others, as they haven’t refined their skills. Consequently, they can take a long time in theatre.
• Experienced surgeons are generally faster in theatre as their surgery is more organised and systematic.
• Abdominoplasty procedures that are more complex need more planning before surgery. They also require more surgical skill and potentially more theatre time. All these factors can result in a higher cost.

7. YOU (Complexity of the case)

Your price may reflect the complexity of your case, your anatomy, pre-existing medical conditions or whether it is a revisionary abdominal surgery. The cost of an abdominoplasty depends on multiple factors. It is not just your surgeon’s level of experience, but also on what you want and need. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Abdominal muscle repair
• Excess skin and fat to be removed
• Skinfold reduction required
• Hernia repair
• Liposuction shaping of the mons, stomach or flanks

What is Included in a Quote for Abdominoplasty Surgery?

As part of your financial informed consent, your abdominoplasty quote may include fees and costs such as:

• Your surgeon’s fee
• Assistant’s fee
• Anaesthetists fee
• Surgical theatre fee
• Hospital room fee – for staying in hospital – 1 or more nights
• Surgical extras like a pain block, extra medications etc
• Patient extras provided – post-op garments, scar treatments, after care etc

Not all quotes are transparent. In other words, not everything is being covered. You could incur extra costs for things like:

• Anaesthetic
• Hospital or day room fees
• Post-operative care
• Surgery garments
• Medication
• Scar treatments
• And more

Avoid being hit with unexpected costs post-surgery by making sure you review your price estimate and ask your surgeon any questions to get clarification.  

At Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery, we strive to be transparent with all our clients. Our quotes are itemised so, you know exactly what you are paying for.

Will Medicare or Private Health Insurance cover your Abdominoplasty Surgery?

To get coverage from your private health fund, you will need an MBS item number and the right level of cover. You will most likely only be partially covered for the cost of the surgery. Medicare only covers some abdominoplasty patients based on meeting strict criteria for weight loss or post-pregnancy diastasis recti (split abdominal muscles) .

Read more about Medicare funding of Abdominoplasty Surgery.

For more information Download Medicare and Health Insurance Guide!

Options for Paying Or Abdominoplasty Surgery

It is important to find out:

• Whether your Abdominoplasty surgery will be covered by Medicare.
• Whether your Private Health Insurer will contribute to the surgery and if you have the correct level of Private Health Cover.

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon for your Abdominoplasty

REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING;

• Firstly, it’s important to remember that all cosmetic surgery is invasive and has an element of risk.
• Secondly, surgery should always be planned, customised and performed by a qualified surgeon. This reduces risks and the need for revision surgery.
• Thirdly, everyone is different, and every surgery will be different. Never accept a one-size-fits-all approach.
•  Finally, for a successful result, a customised procedure is essential.

Read about Melbourne Abdominoplasty Surgeons and ask us about other surgeons that have FRACS recognition and trusted patient reviews.

About Dr Craig Rubinstein
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Dr Craig Rubinstein FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is an experienced Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon for breast and abdominoplasty surgery.

Dr Rubinstein offers women personalised abdominoplasty surgery and all forms of cosmetic breast surgery.

BOOK A CONSULTATION (03) 8849 1400

Next Steps in Your Surgical Journey

Want more information about your Procedure?

• Download a Free Procedure Guide on your chosen surgery.
• Visit the FAQs and read patient reviews to learn more about your intended procedure.
• For more information about pricing visit our cost page.
• You can also talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 8849 1400

About Your First Consultation

• Dr Rubinstein’s Consultation fee is $300.
• A referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
• A referral helps when claiming Medicare or Private Health Insurance coverage.
• Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

• You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
• Ensure you also take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents provided.
• Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes.