Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and repairs weakened or separated rectus abdominis muscles. It is a restorative procedure most commonly sought following pregnancy, significant weight loss, or changes associated with ageing.
Dr Ajay Chauhan performs abdominoplasty in Brisbane using a technique known as lipoabdominoplasty - a combination of liposuction and surgical excision that he refined through specialist training in France. This approach allows for more refined contouring of the abdominal area while preserving blood supply to the abdominal flap.This results in reliable healing and improves scar outcomes.
Dr Chauhan's technique does not require surgical drains, and can enable patients - in selected cases - to be discharged on the day of their procedure without an overnight hospital stay.
What Does Abdominoplasty Address?
Abdominoplasty is indicated for patients who have one or more of the following:
Excess loose skin of the lower abdomen that does not respond to diet or exercise
Weakening or separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti), commonly caused by pregnancy
Residual abdominal laxity following significant weight loss
A protrusion or contour irregularity of the lower abdominal wall
Dr Chauhan's Technique: Lipoabdominoplasty
Standard abdominoplasty involves the excision of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, repositioning of the navel, and repair of the abdominal muscles. Dr Chauhan's preferred approach - lipoabdominoplasty - integrates liposuction into this process, enabling more comprehensive body contouring in a single procedure.
Key features of Dr Chauhan's approach include:
Combination of liposuction and direct excision for improved contouring
No drain requirement, reducing discomfort and simplifying post-operative care
Techniques refined through post-fellowship training in France
Day surgery for suitable patients, meaning no overnight hospital admission is required
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
Abdominoplasty may be appropriate if you:
Are in good general health and at or near your goal weight
Have excess loose skin or persistent abdominal laxity that has not responded to lifestyle changes
Have completed your family (further pregnancies can affect surgical outcomes)
Are a non-smoker, or are prepared to cease smoking prior to surgery
Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. It is most effective for patients seeking correction of skin and muscle laxity rather than fat reduction alone.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Body Lift)
For patients who require correction of the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks simultaneously, a circumferential abdominoplasty - also referred to as a lower body lift - may be more appropriate. This procedure addresses body contour in 360 degrees and is most commonly indicated following significant weight loss. Dr Chauhan can discuss whether this option is relevant during your consultation.
What to Expect: Recovery Overview
Recovery from abdominoplasty varies depending on the extent of the procedure. General guidance includes:
Most patients require 2 to 4 weeks away from work and normal daily activities
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks
A compression garment is worn post-operatively to support healing and reduce swelling
Final results are typically visible between 3 and 6 months following surgery, once swelling has fully resolved
Dr Chauhan will provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions tailored to your individual procedure at your consultation.
The cost of abdominoplasty in Brisbane varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the operating facility, anaesthesia fees, and any additional surgical requirements. Some patients may be eligible for a Medicare or private health rebate where there is a functional clinical indication, such as significant diastasis recti.
A personalised quote will be provided following your consultation with Dr Chauhan. We encourage patients to contact our rooms to discuss costs, financing options, and what is included in the surgical fee.
Abdominoplasty Cost in Brisbane
Abdominoplasty Consultation
Dr Ajay Chauhan performs abdominoplasty in Brisbane. To organise a consultation, submit an enquiry online.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Liposuction removes localised deposits of fat but does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin, repairs the abdominal wall musculature, and may be combined with liposuction for improved overall contouring.
Dr Chauhan's lipoabdominoplasty technique incorporates both.
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Yes. A low horizontal scar is placed across the lower abdomen, typically positioned within the natural bikini line. A small circular scar around the repositioned navel is also present. Scar appearance improves significantly over 12 to 18 months.
Dr Chauhan will discuss scar placement and expected outcomes at your consultation.
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The procedure typically takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the extent of surgery required. It is performed under general anaesthesia.
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Abdominoplasty is generally recommended once a patient has completed their family. Further pregnancies can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles, potentially reversing surgical outcomes.
This is a discussion Dr Chauhan will have with you during your consultation.
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In some cases, a partial Medicare rebate may apply where there is a demonstrated functional indication, such as clinically significant diastasis recti. Private health insurance may contribute to surgical, hospital and anaesthesia costs if you hold an appropriate level of cover.
Dr Chauhan's rooms can assist in clarifying your eligibility prior to surgery.
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Circumferential abdominoplasty, or a lower body lift, addresses excess skin and tissue around the entire circumference of the lower torso, including the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks. It is typically indicated for patients who have experienced significant weight loss.
Dr Chauhan can assess whether this procedure is appropriate for your situation.
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Most patients require 2 to 4 weeks off work. Physical activity restrictions apply for 6 weeks post-operatively.
Swelling and bruising gradually subside over several months, with final results evident at 3 to 6 months.
Dr Ajay Chauhan MBBS FRACS
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Brisbane
Dr Ajay Chauhan is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He completed his formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Brisbane in 2012, followed by post-fellowship training in France, Germany, India, and the United States.
He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons (WSRM).
Dr Chauhan consults and operates at Wesley Medical Centre, The Wesley Private Hospital and Westside Private Hospital. His practice, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, is located at Suite 50, Level 4, 40 Chasely Street, Auchenflower.
AHPRA Registration: MED0001172663
