Abdominoplasty

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:

• Full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – is more major surgery than the other options and takes longer to perform. It may be your best option if you have a lot of excess skin. A curved cut will be made from one hip to the other and fat is removed using liposuction. Your surgeon will cut under the skin above your belly button and pull it down and tighten it.
• Mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – is suitable if you have just a little excess skin and usually takes around one hour. Your surgeon will make a small incision just above the pubic area to remove this surplus skin.
• Apronectomy (Mini Tummy Tuck) - Apronectomy (modification of the mini-abdominoplasty - mini tummy tuck) is a surgical removal of the large excess of skin and fat which is hanging out over the pubic area which is commonly called an apron.The procedure is needed mostly for patients after a massive weight loss due to a weight loss surgery or who suffer post-pregnancy issues. Apronectomy is often performed under general anaesthesia and may also be performed with another abdominal surgery on both men and women.
• Endoscopic tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) - is recommended if only the muscles of your abdominal wall need to be tightened and typically takes one hour to perform. Your surgeon will make small incisions and use special surgical instruments to tighten the muscles.

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.