An abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens your stomach muscles and removes loose skin and fat from your abdomen to create a flatter, more toned and shapelier tummy.
A tummy tuck is a relatively straightforward procedure that typically takes up to three hours depending on the type of abdominoplasty you choose.
It is usually performed under general anaesthetic.
The benefits of a tummy tuck are that it allows you to regain your figure, feel more confident about your body shape and, wear a wider choice of outfits. Often loose excess skin develops due to age, pregnancy and extreme weight loss and may cause feelings of self-consciousness. It is suitable for both men and women.
As a tummy tuck surgically tightens weak muscles and removes excess skin and fat it flattens your abdomen and it can also improve your posture as the tightened muscles support your spine.
A tummy tuck can lead to a change in your clothing size. Most patients go down a size or two in their clothing, some won’t change size, and some although rarely will go up in size. Clothing sizes are not standardised between manufacturers so this causes further discrepancy over change in clothing size.
A tummy tuck is for those who suffer with excess skin around the stomach area. For many, having excess skin around their tummy can affect their confidence and lead to low self-esteem. Undergoing tummy tuck surgery can help improve the appearance of your waistline, which can help boost your confidence.
There are a number of variations of a tummy tuck and your cosmetic surgeon will talk you through the different options and offer advice about the best choice for you.
They include:
As with any surgical operation, a tummy tuck carries various risks and complications, such as the risk of infection, poor wound healing, and blood clots. Your medical professional will discuss these in more detail so you are fully aware of the potential complications.
The cost of your abdominoplasty will depend on the exact type of tummy tuck procedure you have. Following your consultation process, you will be advised of the guide package price which includes any outpatient care for 60 days post discharge plus one follow up consultation.
We offer a number of finance options to pay for your abdominoplasty surgery, including: All-inclusive Total Care where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance, pay as you go and, medical finance loans.
Before you arrive for your tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will have asked you to prepare in order to reduce the risk of complications. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop. If you have diabetes, your sugar levels will need to be under good control
A full abdominoplasty is major surgery and as such you must be prepared for the operation and recovery time to heal. A mini abdominoplasty is less invasive and has a faster recovery time.
You will stay in hospital for one to four nights.
Recovery time following a tummy tuck will depend on the type of surgery you have. Full abdominoplasty involves making an incision from one hip to the other.
Initially after a tummy tuck you will have bruising and swelling, you will feel tired and have moderate pain and discomfort for several days after this surgery. This will eventually subside, you can take painkillers to reduce your pain. One home you must rest and recover for two to three weeks and not partake in strenuous physical activities for up to eight weeks.
You will have a much quicker recovery if you opt for a mini tummy tuck and you can expect to return to your normal activities in a week or so.
A full recovery typically takes between four to eight weeks.
You will have an abdominal scar that is normally hidden by your underwear. It will fade overtime and become barely noticeable.
Ramsay is a leading provider of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments in the UK. Ramsay Health Care Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated to providing a personal, friendly and professional cosmetic surgery service. Find out more about why you should choose Ramsay for your cosmetic surgery treatment here.
Having a tummy tuck at Ramsay Health Care you can rest assured that you will receive the best cosmetic surgery for your individual needs and desires.
We work with surgeons who are GMC registered and included on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, are specialised in abdominoplasty operations, and who have worked in both the NHS and private sector.
Our hospitals are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and appropriately equipped with specialist plastic surgery resources.
Our customer service and clinical staff are available to answer your queries during your stay and will provide detailed information about your recovery for you to take home.
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreAn otoplasty procedure can help men, women and children of all ages to overcome the embarrassment and distress caused by irregular shaped or protruding ears.
Breast uplift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic operation to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape. The procedure is very similar to breast reduction surgery. However, in a breast lift procedure your breasts are reshaped by tightening the skin, without removing any breast tissue.
Common acne management approaches are problematic. At best, inconsistent, at worst harmful, conventional methods do not satisfactorily solve this widespread problem.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of the labia minora so that they are less obtrusive and equal on both sides.
Duchy Hospital, Truro, part of Ramsay Health Care, is excited to announce the launch of Aquablation® therapy, a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Saint Piran Pro Cycling, the UK’s number one team, and Cornwall's Duchy Hospital, announce a partnership designed to help promote positive physical and mental wellbeing across Cornish communities.
Duchy Hospital have invested in the latest edition of the Body Jet liposuction machine, learn all about it from Plastic Surgeon, Mrs Rebecca Dunlop.