What an abdominoplasty is
An abdominoplasty (often called a "tummy tuck") removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and, usually, tightens the underlying muscle layer. Where the main problem is a hanging fold of skin, the operation to remove it is called a panniculectomy (or apronectomy). These are major operations, with real risks and a recovery measured in weeks.
Why combine it with a hernia repair
When a woman has both a hernia (or a diastasis with a hernia) and a significant excess of skin, combining the operations means:
- one anaesthetic and one recovery rather than two;
- direct, open access to the whole front of the abdominal wall, so the hernia and any diastasis can be repaired under vision;
- removal of skin that may be causing rashes, infection or discomfort in the fold.
The combination is not for everyone. It is a bigger operation than either part alone, and the wound complications that can follow an abdominoplasty (wound breakdown, fluid collections, infection, and changes in skin sensation) also affect the hernia repair beneath. Smoking, diabetes and a high body mass index each increase these risks considerably, and I will usually advise addressing them first.
What I do and do not do
I am a general surgeon who specialises in the abdominal wall. My interest in abdominoplasty is as part of treating a hernia or diastasis, or to deal with problematic skin after weight loss. I do not offer abdominoplasty purely for appearance. For some women a combined operation with a plastic surgeon is the better choice, and I will say so if I think it is.
No one can promise a particular result. Scars are permanent and vary from person to person, and individual results vary. We will go through the risks, the recovery, the alternatives (including doing nothing, or doing the hernia repair alone), and all the costs in writing before you decide. The abdominoplasty page on my practice site covers the operation in more detail, and my page on surgery costs explains how fees work.
Questions women ask me
Will Medicare or my health fund cover it?
Medicare covers some abdominoplasty and panniculectomy procedures only when strict clinical criteria are met, for example after significant weight loss or with a diastasis causing specified symptoms. Purely cosmetic surgery is not covered. We check eligibility against the current rules and give you the costs in writing before surgery.
How long is the recovery?
Longer than for a hernia repair alone. Most women need several weeks before returning to normal activity, and heavy lifting is restricted for longer. Your own recovery depends on the extent of the operation and your health, and we plan it together beforehand.
Seeing me
HERnia is the name I give to the care of women with hernias and abdominal wall problems. Appointments are made through my practice, and consultations are in Balwyn North, Coburg and Williamstown. A referral from your GP is needed for a specialist consultation to attract a Medicare rebate.
Request an appointmentCall (+61) 493 091 911Written and reviewed by Prof. Ramana Balasubramaniam, general surgeon, Melbourne. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot replace an examination. If you have a painful, hard lump that will not go back, with vomiting or severe pain, go to your nearest emergency department.