Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) by plastic surgeon Mr Ian Holten FRACS at National Capital Private Hospital, Canberra. The procedure removes excess abdominal skin and fat, tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti repair), and repositions the navel for a flatter, more contoured abdominal profile. Suitable for patients following significant weight loss or post-pregnancy. Performed under general anaesthesia at the fully accredited NCPH facility in Garran ACT.

Abdominoplasty at Canberra Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery is performed by Mr Ian Holten FRACS FRCS(Plast) at National Capital Private Hospital in Garran — a fully accredited ACT surgical facility equipped for complex reconstructive and cosmetic surgery under general anaesthesia. Tummy tuck surgery addresses the combined problem of excess abdominal skin, subcutaneous fat deposits, and separation or weakening of the underlying rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti) — a condition commonly seen after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or as a consequence of abdominal surgery. The standard full abdominoplasty involves a low horizontal incision within or just above the pubic hairline, excision of the excess skin and fat apron between the incision and the navel, release and repositioning of the umbilicus through the reshaped skin, and plication (suturing together) of the medial edges of the rectus muscles if diastasis is present. Muscle repair is a clinically significant component for many post-partum patients, as diastasis can cause functional core weakness, chronic lower back pain, and difficulty with abdominal muscle activation — problems that respond to surgical repair but not to diet or exercise alone. In Canberra and the ACT, where there are relatively few FRACS-credentialled plastic surgeons performing abdominoplasty, Mr Holten's practice at NCPH offers residents access to specialist-grade abdominal contouring surgery within the ACT rather than requiring travel to Sydney. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia with a one-night hospital admission. Recovery involves a compression garment worn for six weeks, with return to light activity at two to three weeks and strenuous activity at six to eight weeks. If diastasis repair is clinically indicated, a Medicare rebate under item number 30177 may apply to the muscle repair component — eligibility is assessed at consultation. Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks and hips for comprehensive waist and abdominal contouring.