TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tucks, also known by their medical name ‘abdominoplasties’, are surgeries that aim to make the belly look slimmer and firmer. They usually involve removing loose or excess skin and fat that isn’t affected by exercise, as well as stretch-marked skin, and may involve repairing and tightening muscles and tendons in the stomach.

Most women seek abdominoplasty after having children or losing weight, as these life events can make them feel they have excess skin around their abdomen. The procedure can also be a way of removing areas of skin that feature multiple stretch marks or scarring from previous surgeries.

Tummy tucks are not a way to lose weight, so are only usually recommended if you have a healthy, stable body mass index (BMI). You should be close to your goal weight too, and have been around that weight for six to 12 months.

Over 3,000 tummy tuck operations took place in the UK in 2019, according to Statista figures. Two types are usually performed. A partial (or mini) tummy tuck removes fat and skin around the bottom of the abdomen. A full tummy tuck involves removing a greater area of skin and fat, including the tissue around the belly button, which is then reattached. The abdominal muscles may also be tightened.

The right tummy tuck for you depends on several factors. You can discuss which would best suit your needs in your free surgical consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Book your consultation today.

During your tummy tuck surgery, your stomach is completely reshaped and your overall silhouette is improved. The procedure can be used to remove loose and sagging skin as a result of significant weight loss. The pouch of fat that many women are left with after pregnancy can also be removed to re-tighten the area.

The surgery may involve repairing and retightening weak stomach muscles that have separated during pregnancy or weight gain. The results will be a flatter, tighter stomach overall, which allows you to wear fitted clothing more confidently. Many people say that having abdominoplasty surgery has increased their overall self-esteem.  

An abdominoplasty can be the right option for some people, but it is not a substitute for diet and exercise. The procedure is best to be performed on patients who are at a healthy, manageable weight, so that it is easier for them to maintain the results achieved after surgery.  

If you’re thinking about having a tummy tuck, it’s important to have a full understanding of the risks and complications that may arise. While our expert surgeons have extensive expertise and years of experience in carrying out these procedures, all types of surgery carry a level of risk. 

For a tummy tuck, you will be left with a scar running across your lower abdomen and, if you require a full abdominoplasty, a scar around your belly button. Scarring will be red and raised post-surgery but can be expected to start fading after around six weeks. After the procedure, you may have the sensation that your tummy is being pulled when you stand up, but this will improve after time. Pain and bruising are to be expected after the surgery, but there is also a risk of bleeding, numbness and infection. 

As a responsible provider of cosmetic surgery, we understand that each individual’s procedure is different, so our treatment plans are tailored specifically around your own unique needs. Because of this, the tummy tuck cost can vary, depending on the area/s you’re having treated.

We place a great deal of importance on our free face to face, no obligation consultations, during which you can discuss your requirements with your surgeon assistant. They’ll provide a detailed overview of the surgery cost and the various payment plans we have available. As well as being able to pay for your procedure outright, you can choose to spread the cost over several years via our flexible finance plans. Please view our pricing and finance page to read more about these.  

And if you join our Membership programme, Transform Me, you’ll have access to exclusive discounts and offers relating to your treatments with us. 

Your procedure will differ based on whether you have a full tummy tuck or a mini abdominoplasty. During a full tummy tuck operation, your surgeon will make a curved incision along the base of your abdomen between your hips, just above your pubic area. Excess skin and fat will be separated from the abdominal muscles and removed, as well as your tummy button. The muscles will then be realigned and tightened. A second incision will also be made to re-position your belly button in the remaining skin, which will be moved downwards and attached to the base of your abdomen. A mini tummy tuck surgery (or partial abdominoplasty) involves a shorter incision being made across the base of your stomach. Excess skin and fat are separated from the muscles and removed, before being stitched down to the base of your abdomen.

The abdominoplasty procedure will take around three hours, and you’ll be put under general anaesthetic. You’ll need to stay in one of our specialist hospitals for at least two nights where our nurses will take care of you.

The recovery time after a tummy tuck is initially six weeks, so we advise that you take up to six weeks off work. After your surgery you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours. We advise that you don’t drive for two weeks and check with your insurance provider that you’re covered after surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for up to 12 weeks to make sure there is no strain on the scar.

You will stay in hospital for at least two nights. Our surgeons and nurses will take care of you during your stay and we’ll ensure you feel well enough before returning home.

You should expect to see the results of the procedure around six weeks after surgery. You’ll initially have swelling and bruising from the procedure and will need to wear a compression garment for the six-week period after surgery to help your newly toned stomach recover.

Whether you decide to go for a standard tummy tuck or a modified tummy tuck , your surgeon will discuss with you the best method to help you achieve your desired goals. During the surgery, a curved incision is made along the base of your abdomen, and excess skin and fat is removed. The remaining skin is pulled back into place and incisions are closed with stitches. During the procedure, your surgeon will also make a second incision to re-position your belly button.