Everything you need to know about body contouring surgery — candidacy, timing, cost, recovery, and what to expect.
Getting Started
Consultations & Referrals
No referral is required to book a body contouring consultation with Dr Florica. You can book directly online. A GP referral may help with Medicare rebates on certain components of the procedure depending on your clinical circumstances — our team will advise at your consultation.
Body contouring is generally recommended once your weight has been stable for 3–6 months — typically 12–18 months after bariatric surgery. Operating while weight is still fluctuating can significantly compromise results. Good nutritional status and adequate vitamin and protein levels are also important for safe wound healing.
Suitable candidates are adults who have achieved significant weight loss, have maintained a stable weight for 3–6 months, have excess skin causing cosmetic or functional concerns, are non-smokers (or have ceased well before surgery), and are in good general health. The best way to confirm suitability is through a personal consultation with Dr Florica.
Cost & Medicare
Fees & Funding
The panniculectomy component (removal of a large abdominal apron / pannus) may attract Medicare rebates when performed for functional clinical reasons — such as chronic skin infections, rashes, or hygiene difficulties — following massive weight loss. Most other body contouring procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by Medicare. Our team will advise on eligibility at your consultation.
A personalised Informed Financial Consent (IFC) detailing all fees, applicable Medicare rebates, health fund contributions, and your estimated out-of-pocket costs will be provided before any surgery is booked. We encourage you to contact your health fund before your consultation to understand your level of cover.
For procedures that may attract a Medicare rebate (such as panniculectomy), any level of private hospital cover may contribute to hospital costs. Contact your health fund to confirm which procedures are covered under your policy and whether any waiting periods apply.
Recovery & Outcomes
After Surgery
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery. For circumferential abdominoplasty: hospital stay is 2–4 nights, light activities at 3–4 weeks, full activity at 8–12 weeks. For isolated abdominoplasty: 1–2 nights, desk work at 2–3 weeks. Final results are visible at 6–12 months as swelling resolves and scars mature.
Yes. Body contouring always involves incisions and therefore scars. Scars are carefully positioned in locations that can be concealed by clothing and swimwear, and typically fade significantly over 12–18 months. The vast majority of patients consider the scars a highly acceptable trade-off for the dramatic improvement in body contour and daily comfort.
Yes — absolutely. Smoking significantly impairs wound healing by reducing blood flow to the skin. It dramatically increases the risk of wound breakdown, infection, and skin necrosis after body contouring surgery. Cessation of smoking (including vaping and nicotine products) at least 6 weeks before surgery is required. Dr Florica will not operate on active smokers.
In many cases yes — the circumferential abdominoplasty already combines multiple areas in a single operation. Arm lifts and thigh lifts are typically staged separately (3–6 months later) to limit anaesthetic time and allow optimal healing between procedures. Dr Florica will recommend the safest and most effective staging at your consultation.
Have More Questions?
Our team is happy to answer your questions before you book. Call us or book a consultation with Dr Florica.