Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that brings many patients to Form and Face to consult with Dr Benjamin Norris about excess abdominal fat and skin. This trend isn’t unique to our practice in Bondi Junction. Tummy tucks are one of the five most requested cosmetic procedures in Australia.

What’s the main attraction?

- Elimination of stretch marks
- Removal of excess skin related to weight loss and pregnancy
- A more contoured abdomen
- A narrower waist
- Removal of excess skin in the abdominal area
- Improves muscle function following pregnancy and weight loss

If you’ve been thinking about abdominoplasty, it’s important that you have the latest information about new legislation that affects Medicare rebates for this procedure.

Medical vs. Cosmetic Tummy Tucks

Based on their anatomy and body contouring goals, patients may require a full abdominoplasty, lower abdominoplasty, or mini-abdominoplasty. Cosmetic tummy tucks are frequently sought by women with children who combine the procedure with breast enhancement for a complete body re-contouring and “mummy makeover.”

Abdominoplasty surgery is classified in one of two ways, based on the reason for the procedure:

Medical Abdominoplasty – relieves bladder control problems, corrects ventral hernias, and contributes to better abdominal tone and posture, as well as relief from back pain related to these problems. There’s another significant medical benefit to this surgery. A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that tummy tucks led to “significant and lasting weight loss for many patients, especially those who were overweight and obese.”
Cosmetic Abdominoplasty – Massive weight loss due to diet, exercise, or pregnancy, can leave many individuals with loose skin at the abdomen. The only way to correct this problem is surgically. A cosmetic tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing the underlying muscle.

What 2016 Changes in Tummy Tuck Rebates Mean to You

As of January 1, 2016, cosmetic abdominoplasty has been removed from the Medicare Schedule. This means:

There are no Medicare rebates for surgeon’s fees.
There is no private health insurance coverage for hospital and related expenses.

Because the vast majority of patients seeking cosmetic abdominoplasty are women, this decision has sparked quite a bit of controversy. The feeling is that the law has a disproportionate impact on mothers who argue that abdominoplasty following pregnancy provides both medical and body-contouring benefits.

The new Medicare rules dictate that women seeking rebates for a tummy tuck in Australia

Must have experienced 5BMI or more of weight loss (10kg for 150cm tall, 12kg for 160cm tall, 14kg for 170cm tall, 16kg for 180cm tall)
Must have maintained a stable weight for six months or more
Are experiencing skin irritation that has not improved after 3 months of treatment
Have skin folds that interfere with activities and daily life

Get Tummy Tuck Rebate Facts at Form and Face

Do you need a cosmetic or medical tummy tuck? Will you qualify for a Medicare rebate? Has your confusion about these questions led you to give up your quest for a shapelier figure and better health? Form and Face can help.

If you’re unhappy with your body and would like to know more about how abdominoplasty surgery at our Bondi Junction practice can help you, please contact Form and Face on 02 9387 3800 to schedule an exploratory consultation.