At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, one of the most common questions I hear from patients is:
“Is abdominoplasty surgery just for weight loss?”
Let’s explore what this procedure really is—and what it’s not.

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a body contouring surgery that removes excess skin and fatfrom the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It’s often sought after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when skin and muscles have stretched and may not return to their original form.

Is It a Weight Loss Surgery?

The short answer is: No. Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. It’s not a replacement for healthy eating or regular exercise.
Instead, it’s about reshaping and restoring the abdominal area after major changes like pregnancy or weight reduction. For best results, patients should already be at or near their goal weight before surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty is someone who:

-Has realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve

-Has loose or sagging abdominal skin

-Experiences abdominal wall bulging or weakness

-Is in good general health

-Has achieved a stable weight

Click to reveal

BEFORE

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AFTER

DISCLAIMER: All before and after photographs are actual cases of Dr. Julian Liew, and are examples only. All surgical results are subject to individual patient variability and do not constitute an implied or certainty for the result.

Will You Lose Weight from the Surgery?

While some weight loss may occur due to the removal of skin and fat, it’s usually minimal. The true value lies in the improved shape, contour, and core function.
In fact, by repairing separated muscles (a condition known as diastasis recti), the surgery can also improve core strength and stability. Many patients report feeling more confident and motivated to maintain their new figure post-surgery.

Addressing Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti)

Muscle separation is common after pregnancy or major weight changes. During an abdominoplasty, these muscles can be carefully brought back together.
This functional repair often results in better posture, less lower back discomfort, and improved core strength.

Functional Benefits Beyond Appearance

Aside from a flatter and firmer midsection, abdominoplasty can also help with:

-Increased confidence and comfort in daily life

-Improved core muscle tone

-Reduction in skin irritation from excess folds

-Relief from certain types of lower back pain

-Enhanced posture

Considering Surgery?

If you’re thinking about abdominoplasty, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what the surgery can and can’t achieve. At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, I take the time to thoroughly discuss your goals and walk you through every step of your journey.

Enquiry?

Dr Julian Liew, Reconstructive & Plastic Surgeon

Dr Julian Liew is a highly qualified, Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical training.  Currently he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction  and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Austin Health.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.


Julian’s subspecialty interest is in Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Surgery.  In order to further his expertise, Julian completed a fellowship in these specialty areas at the world-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, United Kingdom.

As a skilled Microsurgeon and Specialist Plastic Surgeon his attention to detail and to the skill and precision of the procedure is only paralleled by his passion for the patient-centric experience and his complete involvement along with his talented team, through the patient’s entire surgical journey.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and training future plastic surgeons at Austin Health, where he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.