For many patients following pregnancy or major weight loss, abdominoplasty offers renewed confidence and comfort. And at The Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr Julian Liew ensures every patient receives expert, personalised care throughout their recovery.

What Happens During Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty involves removing loose, sagging lower abdominal skin and excess fat. For patients whose abdominal muscles have separated (a condition called diastasis recti), Dr Liew also repairs and tightens the muscle layer.

This procedure helps to:

• Smooth and tighten the abdominal contour
• Restore a firmer, more toned appearance
• Improve core strength and stability
• Enhance posture and comfort

Every tummy tuck performed by Dr Liew is carefully tailored to suit each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

How Long Does Abdominoplasty Surgery Take?

The surgery generally takes around two hours.
If combined with other procedures—such as a breast augmentation, breast lift, or liposuction—it may take slightly longer.

Following surgery, patients stay in hospital for two nights. This allows Dr Liew and his team to closely monitor early recovery, manage discomfort, and ensure patients feel supported and safe before returning home.eduction may offer significant relief and quality-of-life improvements.

When Can I Start Exercising Again?

Healing properly is crucial for long-term results. Here is a general guideline:

0–6 weeks

❌ No lifting over 5kg
❌ No strenuous activity
✔ Light walking only

6+ weeks

✔ Gradual return to normal daily movements
✔ Light exercise

Around 8 weeks

✔ Slowly reintroduce core exercises, Pilates, yoga, and gym training
✔ Listen to your body — progress carefully

Dr Liew provides each patient with a personalised recovery plan to ensure the best balance of safety, comfort, and results.

Click to reveal

BEFORE

Click to reveal

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.

When Can I Drive Again?

Most patients can resume driving after 2–3 weeks, provided:

• They can move freely without significant pain
• They are no longer taking sedative or strong pain medications
• They feel safe and confident controlling a vehicle

How Soon Can I Return to Work?

This depends on your job:

• Work from home: At least 2 weeks off
• Office-based role: 4–6 weeks off
• Jobs requiring lifting or physical activity: Minimum 6 weeks, because lifting more than 5kg too soon can affect healing

Your recovery timeline will be discussed in detail during your consultation so you can plan time off confidently.

Why Patients Choose Dr Julian Liew

Abdominoplasty is a major procedure, and choosing an experienced, thoughtful surgeon is essential. Patients trust Dr Liew because he provides:

• A personalised, natural result
• A structured, comfortable recovery process
• Clear communication before and after surgery
• Careful monitoring to minimise complications
• A supportive, compassionate team experience

At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, we guide you through every step of your journey—from preparing for surgery to achieving your best possible outcome.

Considering Abdominoplasty?

If you’re thinking about a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr Julian Liew to discuss your goals and create a personalised surgical plan.

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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.