‘Tummy Tucks’ Could Soon Be A Free Procedure For New Mums!

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is asking for the government to reclassify abdominoplasty procedures (tummy tucks) so that they are covered on the medicare rebate scheme. That way, there would be a significant reduction in post partum women suffering with chronic pain.

New research shows that women who have a ‘tummy tuck’ following childbirth can significantly reduce back pain and urinary incontinence by as much as 85 per cent. Currenly there are over 1.6 million Australian women who suffer with back pain and incontinence due to childbirth.

Tummy tucks were reclassified as a cosmetic procedure by the Department of Health in 2016 which means women must now pay up to $6,000 to have the procedure.

“Women should not be unfairly penalised for giving birth,” said Mark Ashton, President of ASPS. “There are many operations performed for the relief of chronic pain and instability incurred by sports injuries that are reimbursed by Medicare. Abdominoplasty should be considered in a similar light in that it is a procedure that fixes and instability and addresses pain and function issues.”

The news has been met with mixed emotions by mothers who have commented on social media. While a large number would love to make changes to their bodies after childbirth (ie. tummy tuck or breast surgery) there are also those who have found the findings offensive.

“Absolutely not. My body is perfect just the way it is,” says one mum, while another says she wouldn’t get the tummy procedure but would definitely go for other cosmetic options such as a breast reduction.

How do you feel about having tummy tucks covered by Medicare? Would you have one done if they were free?

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