SYDNEY Swans ruckman Kurt Tippett will be out for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his injured left hamstring tendon. 

The Swans initially hoped Tippett would be able to avoid surgery and return within six weeks, but after consultation with a surgeon, the club determined surgery was the best option.

Leading medical expert Dr Peter Larkins believes Tippett will be "touch and go" to return before the end of the home and away season, with the Swans projecting an earliest return date of round 21.

"Somewhere in the eight to 10 week period is realistic with this type of injury now," Larkins told AFL.com.au.

"It could easily blow out to 10 weeks, but there's only been a handful of players who have had this type of injury so there hasn't been a lot of experience with these ones."

The big ruck-forward faces a race to be back fit and in form for the finals, with a projected earliest return date of round 21.

"We wanted to ensure the best possible outcome for Kurt, so our medical team conducted extensive consultation and research on the best way to heal this type of injury," Harley said. 

"The decision to operate was made yesterday and Kurt underwent surgery in Melbourne last night to have a procedure on his tendon. 

"The surgery was a success and we're hopeful Kurt will be ready to return in eight weeks."

According to Larkins, the placement of the injury is on the side of the knee, where the hamstring finishes. The last player to have a similar type of injury was North Melbourne's Nick Dal Santo last season. 

Dal Santo missed 10 weeks with the injury in 2015. 

"There's a certain psychological benefit to certain players when they have the repair done," Larkins said.

The 29-year-old has been in career-best form so far in 2016 after taking over from retired 2012 premiership ruckman Mike Pyke this season.

The Swans face Melbourne and their star ruckman Max Gawn on Sunday at the SCG, with off-season recruit Callum Sinclair thrust into the No.1 ruck role.