Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Gold Coast & Toowoomba & Postpartum Surgeries
Your surgeon
A/Prof Mark Magnusson
FRACS (Plast) · Specialist Plastic Surgeon · Gold Coast & Toowoomba
- FRACS (Plast) — Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Associate Professor, Griffith University
- Past President, ASAPS
- TGA Advisory Board Member (BIEWG)
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal — Editorial Board
- ASPS & ISAPS Member
- Specialist plastic surgeon since 2000
- Gold Coast practice established 2016
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation on the abdomen designed to address a number of common physical changes that can occur during the course of pregnancy. These changes can be loosely related to problems of the skin (looseness or stretch marks), problems of fat and fat distribution (uneven fat distribution, protruding fat or omentum complicated by rashes), and changes to the muscle (muscle separation primarily associated with pregnancy called rectus divarication). These problems are usually most severe centrally in the abdomen and abdominoplasty is a common procedure that addresses these changes very well. A/Prof Magnusson performs abdominoplasty at his Gold Coast consulting rooms in Southport and at his Toowoomba clinic, making specialist care accessible across South East Queensland.
Addressing changes following severe weight loss and pregnancy
Many of these changes can also occur following significant weight gain and subsequent weight loss and are typically greater when pregnancy is associated with weight gain and weight loss. Under these conditions changes occur in multiple areas of the body and it is common to address changes in more than one area at the same time. It is most common to address the breasts and body together.
These problems also occur in men in the setting of significant weight loss, frequently referred to as massive weight loss (MWL). MWL patients often have circumferential concerns (all around the body including the back/buttocks) although the abdomen is usually still the most affected area. The difference is that the looseness goes all the way around the body rather than simply in the abdomen and consequently many of these patients will consider a circumferential lower body lift (belt lipectomy) that addresses the abdomen, flanks, outer thigh, buttocks and lower back rather than just the abdomen.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) on the Gold Coast & Toowoomba
What problems does an abdominoplasty address?
Addressing the changes to the skin, maldistribution or excessive fat and separation of the abdominal wall muscles can address patient concerns about skin looseness on the abdomen. Loose and redundant skin folds are removed. The procedure can also target irregularities around the umbilicus/belly button. The skin that is removed is also the skin that is frequently most affected by stretch marks, and consequently, areas of stretch marks can often be removed. Tension in the skin also makes residual stretch marks and irregularities less visible in a similar way that lines on a bed sheet are less noticeable when the sheet is tight across the bed even though they are still present.
It is not well appreciated that there are very substantial functional improvements following abdominoplasty in addition to these aesthetic benefits. In 2018 A/Prof Magnusson contributed 77 of the total 214 patients to a prospective multi-centre study investigating these functional improvements. This research was instrumental in regaining item numbers for abdominoplasty when there is rectus separation of greater than 3 cm on ultrasound following pregnancy in the presence of significant physical symptoms. The typical physical symptoms associated with significant rectus separation include lower back pain (90% improvement with abdominoplasty), bladder leakage with stringing (80% improvement with abdominoplasty), slouching posture, weak abdominal core (unable to perform sit-ups, planking or hovers at the gym).
A/Prof Magnusson’s Gold Coast patients, many travelling from Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Robina, and Tweed Heads, are among those who have benefited most from this Medicare-covered muscle repair. Surgery is performed at Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, and Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport.
Types of Abdominoplasty: Full, Mini, Extended & Fleur de Lys
Not all abdominoplasties are the same. The right technique depends on the distribution and severity of your skin laxity, the degree of muscle separation, your overall body shape, and what you are hoping to achieve. A/Prof Magnusson performs the full range of abdominoplasty techniques at his Gold Coast consulting rooms in Southport and at his Toowoomba clinic, and will recommend the most appropriate approach following a thorough physical examination at your consultation.
Understanding the differences between techniques helps patients arrive at a consultation with realistic expectations and makes the conversation about surgical planning considerably more straightforward.
At a glance: abdominoplasty technique comparison
| Feature | Full abdominoplasty | Mini abdominoplasty | Extended abdominoplasty | Fleur de lys abdominoplasty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scar length | Hip to hip | Shorter, lower pubic area only | Hip to hip, extending around the flanks | Hip to hip plus vertical midline component |
| Navel repositioned | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Upper abdomen treated | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Flanks addressed | Partially | No | Yes | Partially |
| Muscle repair | Full length of abdominal wall | Lower portion only | Full length of abdominal wall | Full length of abdominal wall |
| Typical candidate | Post-pregnancy or moderate–significant laxity above and below navel | Isolated lower abdominal laxity with good upper tone | Laxity extending into the flanks; post-weight-loss patients | Massive weight loss with vertical and horizontal skin excess |
Full abdominoplasty
A full abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed technique and the one most people are referring to when they use the term “tummy tuck.” It addresses the entire abdominal wall, from the lower ribcage to the pubic hairline. A horizontal scar is placed low on the abdomen, positioned within or just above the bikini line where possible.
The procedure involves three key components. First, excess skin and fat are excised from both above and below the navel. Second, the separated abdominal muscles, a condition called rectus divarication or diastasis recti, are repaired along their full length using internal sutures. This muscle repair provides both the physical flattening of the abdominal wall and, in eligible patients, the functional improvements that qualify the procedure for a Medicare item number. Third, the navel (umbilicus) is repositioned through the new skin to sit in a natural position on the reconstructed abdomen.
A/Prof Magnusson performs full abdominoplasty at Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, and Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport.
Who is a good candidate for a full abdominoplasty?
- Moderate to significant skin laxity affecting the abdomen above and below the navel
- Abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) extending across the full length of the abdominal wall
- Post-pregnancy changes throughout the abdomen, particularly where both the upper and lower abdomen are affected
- Stretch marks concentrated in the lower abdomen; many can be removed with the excised skin panel
- Stable weight at or near goal weight; the procedure is not a substitute for weight loss
- Completed family planning, as future pregnancies can affect the longevity of the result
Mini abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty is a more limited procedure that addresses only the lower abdomen, the zone below the navel. It produces a shorter scar than a full abdominoplasty, does not require repositioning of the navel, and does not address the upper abdomen. Muscle repair, if performed, is limited to the lower portion of the abdominal wall.
The mini is often requested by patients who feel their concerns are minor or localised. It is important to understand, however, that a mini and a full abdominoplasty address different anatomical zones — they are not simply different points on the same scale. A mini abdominoplasty cannot correct skin laxity above the navel, will not reposition a low-lying or distorted navel, and provides only partial muscle repair. A/Prof Magnusson will conduct a thorough assessment and give you an honest opinion about whether a mini procedure will genuinely achieve your goals.
Who is a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty?
- Skin laxity confined strictly to the lower abdomen, below the navel
- Good skin tone and elasticity in the upper abdomen
- Minimal or no muscle separation above the navel
- A lower abdominal skin fold or overhang that has not responded to diet and exercise
- Patients who have previously undergone a full abdominoplasty and have isolated lower recurrence
- Realistic acceptance of the more limited correction that a mini procedure can achieve
Note: Many patients who initially enquire about a mini abdominoplasty are, on examination, better suited to a full abdominoplasty to achieve their stated goal. A/Prof Magnusson will advise you honestly on which procedure will actually take you where you want to go, and will not perform a smaller operation that is unlikely to meet your expectations.
Extended abdominoplasty
An extended abdominoplasty applies the principles of a full abdominoplasty across a wider anatomical area, extending the skin excision around the flanks, the sides of the torso, commonly referred to as love handles, and toward the lower back. The scar is longer than a standard full abdominoplasty, wrapping around the sides of the body. The upper abdomen, abdominal muscles, and navel are addressed in the same way as a full abdominoplasty.
The extended technique is most appropriate when skin laxity and excess tissue are not confined to the central abdomen but extend into the lateral trunk. This pattern is particularly common following significant weight loss, where the entire trunk, front and sides, has been affected. It is also used when persistent fat deposits or flank tissue rolls are best addressed as part of the same procedure.
Who is a good candidate for an extended abdominoplasty?
- Skin laxity and excess tissue extending beyond the central abdomen into the flanks and sides
- Significant weight loss, including following bariatric surgery where lateral trunk changes accompany central abdominal changes
- Persistent fat deposits or tissue rolls in the flanks that are best addressed in combination with the abdomen
- Prior standard abdominoplasty with a satisfactory central result, but residual laxity in the flanks
- Circumferential concerns involving the flanks, but not yet warranting a full lower body lift
Fleur de lys abdominoplasty
The fleur de lys abdominoplasty, also known as the T-shaped or inverted-T abdominoplasty, adds a vertical component to the standard horizontal scar, creating a scar pattern that resembles the fleur de lys symbol. This allows skin to be removed in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions simultaneously, addressing excess skin that a purely horizontal excision cannot correct.
This technique is most commonly indicated in patients who have undergone massive weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or significant lifestyle-driven weight reduction, and who have developed a large hanging apron of skin (pannus) that extends both horizontally and vertically across the abdomen. It is also used when a patient’s skin redundancy is so extensive that a standard horizontal excision would leave significant residual laxity in the central abdomen.
The fleur de lys technique involves a trade-off that patients must understand clearly before proceeding: a longer and more visible scar in exchange for a substantially more complete correction of severe skin excess. This is a conversation A/Prof Magnusson has with each patient individually, ensuring the final decision reflects both the clinical findings and what the patient is prepared to accept.
Who is a good candidate for a fleur de lys abdominoplasty?
- Massive weight loss; typically following bariatric surgery or equivalent; with significant skin excess in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the abdomen
- Pannus (hanging abdominal skin apron) that extends vertically as well as transversely
- Severe skin laxity where a standard horizontal excision alone would leave substantial residual redundancy in the central abdomen
- Prior abdominoplasty with persistent central vertical skin laxity not corrected by the original procedure
- Patients undergoing a circumferential lower body lift in whom the abdominal component warrants vertical skin excision in addition to horizontal excision
- Acceptance of a more extensive scar pattern in exchange for a more complete correction
Choosing the right technique: A/Prof Magnusson’s approach
Determining the correct abdominoplasty technique is not a decision that can be made from a photograph or an online questionnaire. It requires a physical examination that assesses your skin elasticity, fat distribution, degree and location of muscle separation, the presence of any hernias, and the quality of your existing scars. It also requires an honest conversation about what you are hoping to achieve and what you are prepared to accept in terms of scar length, recovery time, and surgical complexity.
A/Prof Magnusson sees patients considering abdominoplasty at his Gold Coast clinic in Southport (Suite 6, Level 5, 123 Nerang Street) and at his Toowoomba consulting rooms. He will not recommend a procedure that will not realistically achieve your goals and will tell you plainly if a smaller operation is unlikely to meet your expectations, or if a more extensive one carries risks that are not justified by the likely benefit in your individual case.
Patients travelling to the Gold Coast for a consultation from Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Robina, and the Tweed Coast are welcome at the Southport rooms. Appointments can be arranged by contacting reception on 1300 662 960.
Following your consultation, you should understand and have answers to the following questions:
- Are you a good candidate for this surgery?
- What type of procedure am I going to need to achieve my goal?
- Are your goals realistic and achievable?
- What will be the length, quality, duration and location of scarring?
- What are the important aspects of recovery?
- What will be the timing of my return to work and other activities?
- What are the risks of surgery and the likelihood of complications, and what is required to manage them?
- What is required of me both in preparation for the procedure and the recovery from surgery?
ABDOMINOPLASTY & COMBINED ABDOMINOPLASTY AND BREAST SURGERY:
Undertaking cosmetic surgery (also known as aesthetic plastic surgery) is an intensely personal and private decision that can have positive effects for the correctly selected patient. Success comes from helping individual patients clarify their goals and then creating a bespoke plan to achieve them. With a combination of communication, experience and knowledge, A/Prof Mark Magnusson has helped many patients across Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast. As a specialist plastic surgeon with consulting rooms in Southport, he is one of the most experienced abdominoplasty surgeons on the Gold Coast, and the only surgeon in the region whose research directly contributed to reinstating Medicare item numbers for muscle repair. Let A/Prof Magnusson help you with your aesthetic journey.
The consultation.
When you attend your consultation with Dr Magnusson you will initially be seen by a nurse who will check your height and weight to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), medical history, your current medications, any allergies you may have and clinical photographs for your record will be taken. These images are a private and confidential part of your medical record and are not shared in any way without your consent and prior approval. Clinical photographs greatly assist the consultation process as we can look at photographs of the body from angles that you would not normally see to help explain relevant points of the examination and treatment decisions that may be considered. It is similar photos of others that you will see to help understand what a realistic outcome is.
Information that is important includes past surgical procedures, medications, allergies and adverse reactions to medications.
You will be seen in a lengthy consultation with A/Prof Magnusson. He will want to determine your goals, expectations and motivating factors.
Your body mass index will be assessed as there is a differential rate of risk and different outcomes associated with different body weights and shapes. A/Prof Magnusson will have a frank discussion about your own risk profile and your goals in this regard. This surgery has many forms and in some patients additional procedures are indicated.
An examination will be performed that will include:
- The assessment of skin elasticity and the distribution of stretch marks if any are present
- Fat distribution and volume all the way around the body
- Buttock laxity, fat content and shape
- The separation of muscles in your abdomen and whether or not there are any hernias present.
- The quality and type of scarring present.
- The presence of any additional problems such as skin irritations.
- A/Prof Magnusson will then spend time educating you about the various elements of the surgery, what they are designed to do, and how this could relate to you specifically.
Commonly there is more than one option to consider. The natural tendency is to choose the smaller and simpler option. However, an important aspect of choosing a procedure is to have a clear goal and understand how the various elements of the procedure interact to lead to outcomes. This will help clarify which procedure or combination is going to get you closest to that goal. While these procedures are powerful they can’t do what they can’t do.
Choosing an alternative procedure which won’t logically take you to your goal may be performed well, you may recover well, and yet you may not be completely satisfied. If your goal and the surgical procedure do not align it is time to pause and realign your decision-making to accept the alternative outcome or change your procedural selection to avoid this.
Dr Magnusson will guide you along this path. Consultations are available at his Gold Coast clinic in Southport (Suite 6, Level 5, 123 Nerang Street) and at his Toowoomba rooms, with surgery performed at accredited private hospitals on the Gold Coast.
Abdominoplasty Before and After Gallery
The before and after gallery below features real abdominoplasty results from A/Prof Magnusson’s Gold Coast and Toowoomba patients. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, extent of surgery, and recovery.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION FOR A COMBINED ABDOMINOPLASTY AND BREAST SURGERY FROM BRISBANE, GOLD COAST & TOOWOOMBA
A/Prof Magnusson will be able to provide you with additional information regarding the tummy tuck or combined abdominoplasty and postpartum procedures. He has helped clients in Brisbane and across Queensland with these procedures. You can arrange an appointment by contacting reception at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinics.
Abdominoplasty – Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an abdominoplasty cost on the Gold Coast & Toowoomba?
The cost of abdominoplasty on the Gold Coast varies depending on the extent of the procedure (full, mini, or extended), hospital fees, and anaesthetist costs. Gold Coast abdominoplasty surgery is performed at Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, or Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport, all accredited facilities. During your consultation, A/Prof Magnusson will provide a detailed, personalised quote. In some cases where rectus diastasis (muscle separation) exceeds 3 cm, Medicare item numbers may apply, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
Is abdominoplasty covered by Medicare in Australia?
Medicare item numbers are available for abdominoplasty when there is documented rectus abdominis separation (diastasis) of greater than 3 cm that causes functional impairment. A/Prof Magnusson was instrumental in research that contributed to reinstating these Medicare item numbers. Patients with a valid Medicare item number may also be eligible for private health insurance rebates for the hospital component. Purely cosmetic abdominoplasty without muscle repair does not attract a Medicare rebate.
What is the difference between a full and mini abdominoplasty?
A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen — removing excess skin and fat from above and below the navel, repairing abdominal muscles along their full length, and repositioning the belly button. It is best for patients with significant skin laxity or muscle separation. A mini abdominoplasty is a less extensive procedure that focuses on the lower abdomen only, below the navel. It involves a shorter scar and no repositioning of the navel, making it suitable for patients with localised lower abdominal skin laxity and good upper abdominal tone.
What is the recovery time after the surgery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within 2-4 weeks of abdominoplasty surgery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and physical work should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. A compression garment is worn for approximately 6 weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Final results — including scar maturation — develop over 12 months. A/Prof Magnusson’s team provides a full week-by-week recovery guide at consultation.
What is the BMI cut-off for abdominoplasty?
There is no single universal BMI cut-off for abdominoplasty; however, most specialist plastic surgeons recommend patients be at or close to their stable goal weight — typically a BMI under 30 — before proceeding. Surgery at a higher BMI carries increased risks of complications including wound breakdown, seroma, and DVT. A/Prof Magnusson assesses each patient individually during consultation to determine surgical suitability.
Can abdominoplasty be combined with breast surgery?
Yes. Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with breast procedures — such as breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), or breast reduction — in what is often referred to as a mummy makeover. Combining procedures means a single anaesthetic, a single recovery period, and coordinated results. A/Prof Magnusson will assess whether combined surgery is appropriate for you based on your health, goals, and surgical complexity.
How long do abdominoplasty results last?
Abdominoplasty results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight after surgery. The removed skin and repaired muscles do not return to their pre-operative state. However, significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect the result. For this reason, A/Prof Magnusson recommends that patients have completed their family before undergoing abdominoplasty.
What are the risks of abdominoplasty surgery?
As with all surgery, abdominoplasty carries risks. The most common include seroma (fluid collection beneath the skin), temporary numbness, and scar visibility. Less common risks include wound breakdown, infection, asymmetry, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Serious complications are uncommon when surgery is performed by a specialist plastic surgeon in an accredited hospital. A/Prof Magnusson discusses all risks in detail during your pre-operative consultation. His Gold Coast patients have access to comprehensive pre- and post-operative support from his Southport consulting rooms.