How much does an abdominoplasty cost in Sydney?

There is no single price for an abdominoplasty. The total depends on the operation you need, how long it takes, the anaesthetic and the nights you spend in hospital. That is why Dr Reema Hadi, a specialist plastic surgeon, gives you a written, itemised quote after your first consultation.

This guide explains each part of the fee, what makes it go up or down, when Medicare or private health insurance may help, and how to compare quotes fairly.

The short answer

The cost of an abdominoplasty in Sydney varies widely, because a partial abdominoplasty and a belt lipectomy are very different operations. The total cost varies from $10500 all inclusive to $20500 with no private health insurance and no item number. Your written quote is the figure to rely on, because it is based on your examination and the plan you agree with Dr Hadi.

At The Swan Clinic you receive your quote within a few hours of the first consultation, according to our patient information page.

What the fee is made of

Your quote brings together the fees of everyone involved in your care. Each one is shown separately.

• Surgeon's fee: Dr Hadi's fee for planning and performing the operation. It depends mainly on what is done and how long it takes.
• Anaesthetist's fee: charged by the specialist anaesthetist who looks after you during surgery. It depends on the length of the operation and the type of anaesthetic.
• Hospital and theatre fee: covers the operating theatre, nursing care, your hospital bed and surgical supplies. Our hospitals are Kareena private hospital, Caringbah or the Swan Clinic, Miranda. The number of nights you stay makes a big difference.
• Compression binder: you wear an abdominal binder for several weeks after surgery. Two binders are included.
• Going-home medicines: antibiotic and pain relief tablets to take home.
• Follow-up visits: Swan's patient information page says follow-up visits in the clinic are at no extra charge

Consultation fees are separate. The first consultation is $300 and is non-refundable. Your second consultation with Dr Hadi is at no extra charge.

What changes the price

• The type of abdominoplasty: a partial abdominoplasty treats only the area below the belly button. A full, extended, fleur-de-lis or belt lipectomy operation treats a larger area and takes longer. Swan's pages give 2 to 3 hours for a reverse abdominoplasty and 3 to 4 hours for a belt lipectomy.
• Muscle repair: repairing separated tummy muscles (diastasis recti) adds time to the operation.
• Liposuction at the same time: liposuction of the flanks and back can be done with an abdominoplasty which adds theatre time .
• Nights in hospital: Swan's belt lipectomy page says two to four nights. Shorter operations may need fewer.
• Other surgery at the same time: combining a tummy tuck with breast surgery or a mons lift changes every fee. See our post pregnancy surgery guide.
• Whether a Medicare item applies: this changes what you pay yourself, not the work involved.

Medicare and private health insurance

Medicare does not cover an abdominoplasty done to change how your tummy looks. Private health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery either.

A Medicare benefit may apply only when you meet every criterion of a Medicare (MBS) item. The two most relevant items are:

• Item 30175: a radical abdominoplasty with muscle repair after pregnancy. It needs a muscle gap of at least 3 cm on diagnostic imaging, documented pain or other symptoms, physiotherapy that has not helped, and no pregnancy in the last 12 months. It can be claimed once per lifetime. The schedule fee is $1,161.05 and the Medicare benefit is $870.80.
• Item 30177: an abdominoplasty after significant weight loss, when the loose skin causes a skin condition that has not settled with 3 months of treatment, interferes with daily life, and your weight has been stable for at least 6 months. The schedule fee is $1,179.70 and the benefit is $884.80.

These benefits go towards the surgeon's fee only, at 75% of the schedule fee, as listed on MBS Online on 13 October 2026. The anaesthetist bills separately and the hospital charges its own fee. Whether you qualify is decided at your consultation, against the published criteria [CHECK 9].

When an item does apply, private hospital cover may also pay towards the hospital fee and part of the medical gap, depending on your policy. Call your fund with the item number and ask what you will pay yourself. Our guides to Medicare and abdominoplasty and diastasis recti surgery and item 30175 explain the criteria in full.

Why quotes from different clinics differ

Two quotes for an abdominoplasty can describe quite different things. Before you compare totals, compare what each one covers.

• Which operation: mini, full or extended, with or without muscle repair or liposuction.
• Which fees are included: some quotes show only the surgeon's fee, with the anaesthetist and hospital billed later.
• Where it is done and for how long: a private hospital stay with nursing care costs more than a shorter stay.
• Who gives the anaesthetic: at Swan, a specialist anaesthetist looks after you throughout.
• Aftercare: who you call after hours, how many follow-up visits are included, and who pays if a complication needs treatment.
• Who operates: check the surgeon's specialist registration on the Ahpra register. Our guide to choosing an abdominoplasty surgeon shows how.

What your written quote should show

The Medical Board of Australia's cosmetic surgery guidelines say the surgeon must give you cost information in writing before you consent. It should cover:

1. The total cost of the planned operation.
2. The surgeon's fee.
3. The anaesthetist's and any assistant's fees, or how to find them out.
4. The hospital or day-surgery facility fee, including theatre fees.
5. Possible costs of care after surgery.
6. Possible further costs, for example a revision or extra treatment.

If anything is unclear, ask before you sign. A good quote leaves you with no surprises.

When you pay

You pay the consultation fee at your first appointment. Under the Medical Board guidelines, no other money is payable until after the cooling-off period. That period is at least 7 days after your two consultations and signed consent, and surgery cannot be booked or a deposit paid before it ends.

You must be 18 or older, and you need a referral from your GP or another specialist before your first appointment.

Finance, payment plans and super

Under the Medical Board of Australia's guidelines, a surgeon must not offer, promote or recommend loans or commercial payment plans for cosmetic surgery. The Swan Clinic does not offer finance or payment plans.

Some people ask about early release of their superannuation. That decision is made by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), not by the clinic, and it has its own rules. We don't arrange or advise on it, so speak to the ATO or a financial adviser if you are thinking about it.

Questions to ask about cost

• Which operation are you quoting for, and does it include muscle repair or liposuction?
• Does the total include the anaesthetist, the hospital, any assistant and the binder?
• How many nights in hospital is the quote based on?
• Which follow-up visits are included?
• What would I pay if I needed treatment for a complication or a revision?
• Do I meet the criteria for a Medicare item, and if so, which one?

Results and risks

A lower price never changes the operation or its risks. A tummy tuck is major surgery, all surgery carries risks, and results vary from person to person. Read our guide to abdominoplasty risks, see what recovery involves, or visit our main abdominoplasty page.

To book a consultation with Dr Hadi, call 02 9526 6885 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an abdominoplasty cost in Sydney?

It depends on the operation, the anaesthetic and your hospital stay, so there is no single price. Dr Hadi gives you a written, itemised quote after your first consultation.

Does Medicare cover an abdominoplasty?

Not when it is done for appearance. A benefit may apply under items such as 30175 (after pregnancy, with muscle repair) or 30177 (after significant weight loss), but only if you meet every criterion.

Will my private health insurance pay for an abdominoplasty?

Usually only when a Medicare item applies and your hospital cover includes it. Call your fund with the item number and ask about waiting periods and your out-of-pocket costs.

Is a partial abdominoplasty cheaper than a full abdominoplasty?

It is a smaller operation, so it often takes less time. Your fee still depends on what you need, so your written quote is the reliable answer. Our guide to partial or full abdominoplasty explains the difference.

How much is the consultation?

The first consultation with Dr Hadi is $300 and is non-refundable. The second consultation is at no extra charge.

Do you offer payment plans or finance?

No. Medical Board of Australia rules do not allow surgeons to offer, promote or recommend finance for cosmetic surgery.

Can I use my superannuation?

Early release of super is decided by the ATO, not the clinic. We don't arrange it or advise on it.

Are follow-up visits extra?

Swan's patient information page says follow-up visits in the clinic are at no extra charge.