Arm lift (brachioplasty)
Typical total $10,000-$18,000. Add-ons (e.g., liposuction) can change the range.
- Day surgery or overnight
- Compression garments typically included
- Return to desk work often 1-2 weeks
Post weight loss body contouring cost Australia
2026 price guide: what skin removal after weight loss typically costs in Australia
Quick answer: single-area post weight loss procedures in Australia often range from $10,000-$22,000. Combined or circumferential procedures (such as a body lift) can range from $25,000-$45,000+. Your total depends on the areas treated, theatre time, hospital stay, and eligibility for any Medicare/private health contributions.
$10k-$22k
Typical single-area range (arms, thighs or tummy)
$25k-$45k+
Body lift/circumferential ranges
Itemised
Surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and aftercare explained
Cost at a glance
Clear price bands by area, plus what each quote includes.
Rebates and cover
When Medicare item numbers and private health may apply.
Plan and pay
Staging vs combining, finance options and key timing tips.
Next steps
Photos + consult = accurate, written, personalised quote.
Cost summary by area
These Australia-wide price bands are indicative and include surgeon, anaesthetist and private hospital fees for typical cases. Final quotes vary with anatomy, scope, complexity and hospital stay.
Thigh lift
Typical total $12,000-$22,000 depending on inner vs vertical lift and theatre time.
- Overnight stay common
- Liposuction may be combined
- Activity limits for several weeks
Abdominoplasty
Standard to extended abdominoplasty typically $12,000-$28,000.
- Extended procedures increase cost
- Hospital stay often 1-3 nights
- Rebate may apply if strict criteria met
Body lift (belt lipectomy)
Typical total $25,000-$45,000+ based on circumferential scope and stay length.
- Longer theatre time
- Inpatient stay common
- Often staged if multiple areas required
What Australian providers publish for post-weight-loss body contouring
Body contouring after major weight loss is the area where Medicare items most often apply, because the clinical criteria were written for exactly this situation. Costs are high and vary widely between providers.
Provider
Published price
What it covers
Source & date checked
Gold Coast Plastic Surgery
Body lift (belt lipectomy) from $43,100; Fleur de Lis/extended abdominoplasty from $26,000; thigh lift from $18,800; arm lift from $18,800
All-inclusive surgical packages
goldcoastplasticsurgery.com.au - page dated Jun 2024, checked 25 Aug 2026
Dr Scott Turner (Sydney)
Fleur de Lis / circumferential body lift from $24,700 where an eligible Medicare item applies; from $35,000 cosmetic
All-inclusive
drturner.com.au - page updated Jul 2026, checked 25 Aug 2026
Plastic Surgery Hub (compiler)
Body lift $20,000-$35,000 (surgeon $10,000-$15,000, anaesthetist $3,000-$5,000, hospital $7,000-$15,000); thigh lift $8,000-$15,000; arm lift $8,000-$15,000
All-inclusive with component breakdown. Industry compilation, not a single clinic’s price
plasticsurgeryhub.com - page updated Feb 2026, checked 25 Aug 2026
Australia Plastic Surgery (Sydney)
Thigh lift $13,990-$19,990; arm lift $9,990-$16,990
Thigh lift described as all-inclusive; arm lift basis not stated
australiaplasticsurgery.com.au - page dated Jan 2026, checked 25 Aug 2026
Reading these figures
- The two body-lift figures genuinely diverge - $43,100 at one clinic against a $20,000-$35,000 compiled range. That is real clinic-to-clinic variation on a long, complex operation, not a reporting error.
- Staging changes the total. Most people having post-weight-loss contouring need more than one operation, and each attracts its own fees. Ask for the whole plan to be costed, not just the first stage.
- A surgeon’s fee is not the price you pay. Where a provider publishes a surgeon-only fee, hospital/theatre and anaesthetist charges are billed on top and can add several thousand dollars.
- These are advertised starting prices at a point in time. They are not averages, they change frequently, and they vary by state and by complexity.
- There is no independent survey of cosmetic surgery prices in Australia. This is a compilation of what providers publish about themselves, not market research.
- Nothing here is a quote. Only an itemised written quote from a practitioner who has assessed you is reliable.
Medicare and this procedure
This is the strongest Medicare case in cosmetic surgery, and the item set was written specifically for redundant skin after major weight loss.
MBS item
What it covers and who qualifies
Schedule fee
30179
Circumferential lipectomy, as an independent procedure, to correct circumferential excess of redundant skin and fat that is a direct consequence of significant weight loss, with or without radical abdominoplasty. This is the “body lift” item
$1,452.00
30177
Lipectomy for redundant abdominal skin and fat directly consequent on significant weight loss, in conjunction with a radical abdominoplasty
$1,179.70
30166
Removal of redundant abdominal skin and lipectomy as a wedge excision, for functional problems following significant weight loss of at least 5 BMI points, weight stable at least 6 months
$897.70
30169
Removal of redundant non-abdominal skin and lipectomy for functional problems following significant weight loss of at least 5 BMI points, weight stable at least 6 months - one or two non-abdominal areas. This is the item for arm and thigh skin removal
$718.15
The eligibility criteria are strict and all must be met. Item 30177 requires: intertrigo or another skin condition that risks loss of skin integrity and has failed three months of conventional treatment; and the redundant skin and fat interferes with activities of daily living; and weight has been stable for at least six months following significant weight loss. “Significant weight loss” is defined as a loss equivalent to at least five BMI points. Benefits are not available for cosmetic purposes. Fees are schedule fees as at the 1 July 2026 indexation, checked 25 August 2026. These items cannot be co-claimed with one another, which matters if you are having several areas done. Private hospital cover generally engages only once a Medicare item applies - cover tiers and waiting periods vary by fund, and we could not verify fund-specific rules or out-of-pocket data for these procedures, so ask your fund directly. Confirm items at MBS Online.
A schedule fee is not a rebate. Medicare pays 75-85% of the schedule fee depending on the setting, and the gap between it and what a surgeon actually charges is yours to pay. MBS fees are reindexed every 1 July. Confirm the current fee and criteria at MBS Online rather than relying on any figure republished elsewhere - including ours.
How your quote is calculated
Transparent pricing helps you plan confidently. Here’s how we build an accurate, itemised quote for post weight loss body contouring.
1
Scope and goals
We confirm areas of concern (abdomen, arms, thighs, back), skin quality, stability of weight and whether staging or combining is safest.
2
Time and setting
Estimated theatre time, private hospital type (day surgery vs inpatient), and expected length of stay are set based on your case.
3
Eligibility checks
We assess if any Medicare item numbers may apply and how your private health fund would contribute to hospital costs if eligible.
4
Written quote
You receive an itemised quote covering surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garments and standard aftercare-plus finance and scheduling options.
What affects post weight loss body contouring cost
Prices vary widely because every plan is unique. These are the most common cost drivers in Australia.
Number of areas
Arms, thighs, abdomen, back or circumferential lifts increase time and facility costs.
Complexity
Primary vs revision surgery, scarring, skin tone and need for liposuction adjust fees.
Hospital & stay
Private hospital type, length of stay and regional rates differ across Australia.
Team & aftercare
Surgeon seniority, anaesthetist grade, garments and follow‑up inclusions vary.
Planning and paying for surgery
Combine vs stage
Combining can reduce duplicated hospital fees, but safety limits time under anaesthetic. Many patients stage procedures 1-3.
Strategy
Medicare & private health
Some post weight loss procedures may qualify if strict criteria are met. Confirm item numbers and waiting periods.
Coverage
Finance options
Payment plans and medical loans are available to approved applicants.
Payment
Timing and readiness
Stable weight, good health and smoking cessation support safer surgery and predictable quotes.
Readiness
Transparent quotes
Request an itemised breakdown so you know exactly what’s included and any likely extras.
Clarity
Related procedures and cost pages
Compare options that are often part of a post weight loss plan, including individual procedures and broader planning resources.
Tummy tuck cost
Standard to extended abdominoplasty pricing and cost drivers.
Ask about abdominoplasty quotesBody lift and thigh/arm options
Circumferential lifts, thigh lift and arm lift guidance.
Check package pricingFinance and coverage
Payment plans, Medicare/private health and national cost comparisons.
See post weight loss eligibilityFrequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about post weight loss body contouring costs in Australia.
Will I get one quote or separate quotes for each area?
Expect an itemised quote that lists each area (e.g., arms, thighs, abdomen), add-ons such as liposuction, and the combined total if done together. If staging, you’ll receive a quote for each stage.
Do quotes include garments and follow-up?
Most comprehensive quotes include one set of garments and standard aftercare visits. Ask if additional garments or extended follow-up incur extra fees.
Can I reduce costs without cutting corners?
Maintain a stable healthy weight, stop smoking, consider staging vs combining as advised, confirm eligibility for any rebates, and choose the right facility level for your case. Avoid unsafe shortcuts.
What if I need revision surgery?
Revision policies vary. Ask what is covered, for how long, and any conditions. Get this in writing with your initial quote.
City pricing snapshot (Australia)
Private hospital fees and provider availability can differ by city. Use these hubs to explore local options and planning tips.
East Coast
Major centres with broad facility access and scheduling windows.
- Cosmetic Surgery Sydney
- Cosmetic Surgery Melbourne
- Cosmetic Surgery Brisbane
- Cosmetic Surgery Gold Coast
West & South
Facility and bed fees can vary; ask about off-peak scheduling.
Ask about local hospital feesPlanning resources
Safety, consent and recovery guidance before you book.
Speak to our teamConfidential cost enquiry
Get a personalised quote for post weight loss body contouring
Share your goals and areas of concern and our Australian team will guide you through likely costs, Medicare/private health eligibility and whether combining or staging suits you best.
Itemised pricing
Transparent surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees.
Finance & timing
Payment options and scheduling that fit your plan.
Tell us what you need and we'll match you with a clinic that will contact you directly. Free, no obligation.