Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery)

After pregnancy, weight loss, or simply with age, many people notice excess abdominal skin and stubborn fat that do not respond to exercise or diet. These changes can cause physical discomfort, such as difficulty fitting into clothing, chafing under excess skin, or lower back strain. In some cases, even simple daily movements can feel restricted.

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles. The aim is to alter the abdominal shape and improve comfort and muscle support.

It is important to note that Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, it is most suitable for patients who have reached a stable weight and wish to alter their shape due to changes caused by pregnancy, ageing, or major weight loss. Research has shown that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), particularly above 35, can increase surgical risks. Maintaining a healthy weight before surgery helps support safety and healing.

Take the first step in your Abdominoplasty journey by exploring the Patient Journey section below.

Pre-Operation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat, lasting approximately 45 minutes. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your motivations, goals and expectations for surgery. A full health and medical history will be taken to ensure that Abdominoplasty is appropriate for you.

Dr Konrat will carefully examine your abdomen and surrounding areas to design a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome. You’ll receive an information brochure, a written quote, and time to consider your options.

To help retain important details, you may wish to bring a family member or friend to the consultation or take notes afterwards. You’re encouraged to contact the clinic by phone or email with any further questions before making your decision.

Pre-surgery preparation

• Blood tests are usually performed about one week before surgery.
• Fill any prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relief ahead of time.
• Maintain a nutrient-dense diet with vegetables, fruit, fish and salads to support healing.
• Supplements such as vitamins C and D, zinc and selenium may also be beneficial.
• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines for 14 days before and after surgery unless approved by your doctor, as they can increase bleeding risk.
• Stop smoking for at least six weeks before surgery and for one month afterwards.
• Inform Dr Konrat of any recreational drug use, allergies, or existing medical conditions that could affect anaesthesia or recovery.
• Pre- and post-operative instructions will be emailed once your surgery date is confirmed.

Our team remains available for advice or follow-up consultations to ensure you feel fully prepared.

The Operation

Abdominoplasty is performed in a licensed, accredited day-surgery hospital under general anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist. Surgery typically takes one to three hours.
A fine horizontal incision – around 10 to 30 cm long – is made just above the pubic area, extending from hip to hip. Through this incision, Dr Konrat:

• Tightens and repairs the abdominal muscles where necessary.
• Removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen.
• Repositions the navel when required.
• Places delicate silicone drains to collect fluid and reduce swelling.

The incision is then closed with sutures, and a compression garment is applied to support the abdomen during recovery. In some cases, liposuction of the waist, flanks or hips may be performed at the same time.

The drainage fluid usually changes from pinkish-red to pale straw colour over 3–7 days, after which the drains are removed.

Post-Operation and Recovery

After surgery, you’ll be discharged with antibiotics and pain medication. The team at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic will review you regularly, at 24 hours, 7 days, 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks, to monitor healing and adjust your recovery plan as needed.

You may also find it useful to review our Things to Do After Your Surgery guide.

Typical recovery timeline

• Most patients require 2–4 weeks off work, longer for physically demanding roles.
• Gentle walking can usually begin after 7–10 days.
• Strenuous exercise, swimming or gym workouts should be avoided for 6 weeks.
• Normal symptoms include soreness, swelling, tightness, bruising and mild pain for several days.
• Temporary numbness or reduced skin sensation may last up to 12 weeks, particularly below the navel.
• Localised swelling or firmness at the incision ends gradually improves over time.

Drain care


A small drain is placed in the lower abdomen and removed after 5–7 days. You’ll record the fluid amount daily using the markings on the collection bag; clear instructions will be provided before discharge.

Bathing


Keep your incisions dry until your first post-operative appointment when drains are removed. Sponge baths are acceptable; avoid full bathing, spas or swimming until cleared by Dr Konrat.

Driving


You must arrange for someone to drive you home and to your first review. Do not drive until Dr Konrat confirms it is safe to do so.

Activity guidelines

• Rest is essential in the first week. Avoid any pushing, pulling, lifting or strenuous movement.
• Use pillows behind your back and under your knees to keep your waist slightly flexed, it eases tension on the abdomen.
• Walk short distances around the house each hour while awake to promote circulation and reduce swelling.
• Avoid sexual intercourse and abdominal exercises for six weeks to protect internal sutures.

Medication and bowel care


Take your prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as directed. To prevent constipation, include high-fibre foods such as Kellogg’s Guardian Flakes or similar cereal daily, and stay hydrated.

Garments


Wear your abdominal compression garment continuously as advised. It supports the repair, minimises swelling and improves comfort.

Scars


Incisions are placed low on the abdomen within normal underwear lines to keep scars as discreet as possible. All surgery leaves scars; most fade over time. Silicone sheets or scar-reducing creams may be recommended once healing allows.

Ongoing Care

Healing continues for several months.
Follow-up appointments at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic allow Dr Konrat and her team to monitor your progress, answer questions, and provide ongoing support.
Each person’s recovery is unique, and closely following post-operative instructions is essential to encourage healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Deciding to have any surgery should be based on a clear understanding of both potential benefits and possible risks.

While Abdominoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure, it remains a significant operation that requires careful planning and recovery.

You should never make a decision based solely on information from a website.
We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat who will assess your medical history, explain the procedure in detail, and discuss all potential risks, benefits, and alternatives relevant to your individual case.

Understanding Surgical Risk

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia by a qualified anaesthetist in an accredited day-surgery hospital. Despite strict safety protocols, advanced monitoring, and modern equipment, complications can still occur – even though they are uncommon.

Before surgery, you will be counselled on the risks specific to general anaesthesia and tummy tuck surgery.

Allergies to anaesthetic agents or prescribed medications are rare, but possible. Please inform Dr Konrat and your anaesthetist of any allergies, previous reactions, or medical concerns well before your operation.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism

In rare cases, blood clots may develop in the deep veins of the legs (DVT). If these clots travel to the lungs, they can cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially serious complication that affects breathing.

Risk factors can include reduced mobility after surgery, certain medications such as the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, and individual medical conditions.

If you are taking hormonal medication, it’s important to discuss this with Dr Konrat and your anaesthetist prior to surgery.

Poor Wound Healing

Even with an uneventful operation, some patients may experience delayed wound healing. This is more common in people who smoke, have diabetes, or resume activity too soon after surgery.

Allowing adequate rest, following post-operative care instructions, and maintaining a healthy diet all help support recovery.

If delayed healing occurs, minor dressings are usually sufficient. In more severe cases, additional treatment or surgical repair may be required.

A nutrient-rich diet with lean protein (meat, fish, poultry, legumes) plus greens, fruits, and nuts supports tissue repair and overall recovery. For more preparation advice, see Things to Do Before Your Surgery.

Smoking

Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to healing tissues.
Smokers have a significantly higher risk of wound breakdown and infection after surgery.

For this reason, it is essential to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after abdominoplasty. The Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic team can provide guidance on smoking cessation support before surgery.

Bleeding and Haematoma

Despite surgical drains, small amounts of blood or fluid can occasionally collect under the skin (a haematoma).

In rare cases, this may require additional drainage or a return to theatre.

Medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents can increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid aspirin, certain supplements, and multivitamins for two weeks before surgery unless approved by your doctor.
These details are included in your pre-surgery instructions.

Seroma (Fluid Collection)

Seroma formation is one of the more common events after tummy tuck surgery. This fluid naturally contains proteins and healing factors but may accumulate between the skin and underlying muscle.

A mild seroma often resolves on its own, but if the collection is significant, Dr Konrat may perform a simple drainage procedure (aspiration) in the clinic around weeks two or three of recovery.

Persistent or recurring seromas are rare and may require corrective treatment.

Minimising Risk

Following all pre- and post-operative instructions is vital to support recovery and reduce potential complications.
Attending scheduled reviews allows early detection and management of any issues that arise.

For a more detailed overview of what to expect after your procedure, read our Abdominoplasty Recovery Guide. If you have questions about risks, please contact our team.