What happens in a tummy tuck procedure?
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.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a significant procedure, but it can bring lasting benefits for women who have tried all the less invasive means of losing weight and skin open to them.
Firstly, mini and full abdominoplasties remove excess skin and stretch marks that can be detrimental to self-image and confidence. By creating a flatter, more toned look, the surgery can provide a clear boost in quality of life post-weight loss or after pregnancy.
Alongside this, an abdominoplasty may also help you keep on track with your weight loss goals and support a healthy and active lifestyle, thanks again to the improved appearance of your abdomen.
If the abdominal muscles are tightened, as is the case with a full tummy tuck, muscular flexibility and posture can be improved over the long term, helping exercise and back pain issues.
The formation of hernias can be reduced too, as well as problems with bladder and bowel function, such as stress urinary incontinence. And due to the removal of fat and skin during a tummy tuck, the potential for conditions such as heart disease, gallbladder disease, gallstones, sleep apnoea, and diabetes can be reduced.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
While tummy tuck surgery is routinely performed by our experienced surgeons, all types of surgery come with a level of risk. And to ensure complete understanding, anyone considering an abdominoplasty should know the risks and possible side effects.
Abdominoplasty side effects typically include pain, stomach cramps, bruising, swelling, post-surgery bleeding, numbness around the scar, and skin irregularities. As with any major operation, there is also the risk of complications related to the use of general anaesthesia and infections, though these are rare.
Thankfully, the decades of experience our specialist surgeons possess ensures that all these risks are minimised as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, your surgeon assistant will talk you through all the possible risks associated with tummy tuck surgery in detail, providing you with in-depth guidance and answers to any and every question you may have.
Is tummy tuck surgery right for me?
Tummy tucks are not considered safe for everyone. They are only typically performed on post-pregnancy or weight-loss patients who have a large amount of excess skin that is troubling them. Patients must also be over 18 and be fit and well.
Patients should ideally have achieved a stable goal weight and have a healthy lifestyle and diet. That means if you are prone to gaining and losing large amounts of weight quickly, or intend to have more children, abdominoplasty surgery might not be the best option. This is because putting on excess weight can reverse the appearance achieved by the procedure.
To make sure that a tummy tuck is right for you, your surgeon will consult with you thoroughly before you decide on whether to go ahead with the procedure. They will look at your abdominal fat, skin, and muscle, and will talk you through all available options.
Can you have a baby after a tummy tuck?
While having a baby is a safe thing to do after a tummy tuck, the stretching of the abdominal skin and muscles can sometimes reverse the effects of the procedure and require surgical revision. Every patient is different, but it is usually advised that women complete their families before having the procedure.
Why choose Transform for your tummy tuck?
Transform has provided expert tummy tuck surgeries for countless women. We understand how the procedure may differ depending on the patient, the risks involved, and the ways in which recovery can be helped. We provide a leading standard of care that eases you through your journey and provides clear, positive results, every step of the way.
By consulting with you thoroughly before, during, and after your abdominoplasty, we make sure that your care is personalised. This is made possible by our specialised approach:
• Our abdominoplasty surgeons are expertly trained, have decades of experience, and therefore have an in-depth knowledge of the procedure. They are fully registered by the General Medical Council (GMC), and many have produced scientific papers on cosmetic surgery topics.
• Our costings are simple to understand, and if you require finance, we offer several flexible and totally transparent options to suit all budgets.
• Our clinics feature friendly, professional staff and have quality facilities that are designed to put you at ease and provide an excellent standard of care. And once you are discharged, our free aftercare services ensure your smooth recovery.
• Every Transform clinic works in line with all guidance from the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Infection Society, and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, giving you total peace of mind.
How much will a tummy tuck cost?
Everyone’s abdominoplasty is different, so our treatment plans and pricing differ depending on your specific needs. Mini or partial tummy tucks cost less than full abdominoplasties, but because we are a responsible cosmetic surgery provider, you will be able to discuss the costs clearly and early on during your free consultation with our surgeon assistant. You can also check the price of the procedure via our price checker form.
How long does a tummy tuck take?
The abdominoplasty procedure will take between one and five hours . Mini tummy tucks take between an hour to two hours, while full tummy tucks are longer – two to five hours. These timings depend on the patient and procedure, but you’ll be told the specific details of yours during your surgical consultation.
How long will I have to stay in hospital after my abdominoplasty?
After your abdominoplasty procedure, you will have to stay in our hospital for at least two nights. During this time, our surgeons and nurses will take good care of you, ensuring you are feeling well enough before you return home.
How long will it take me to recover after a tummy tuck?
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.
How long after the tummy tuck will I start to see results?
You should expect to see the results of the abdominoplasty around six weeks after your surgery. You’ll initially have swelling and bruising from the tummy tuck and will need to wear a compression garment for the six-week period following your procedure to help your newly toned stomach recover.
When can I return to work after my abdominoplasty?
Tummy tuck recovery times vary from person to person. We usually advise you to take between two to three weeks off work, depending on how physically demanding your job is. Your surgeon will discuss this with you and advise on when returning to your job after your tummy tuck is appropriate in line with your occupation.
A tummy tuck is a form of cosmetic surgery which is designed to make the abdomen appear slimmer and firmer. The technical term for tummy tuck is abdominoplasty and it typically involves removing excess or loose skin that can’t be reduced through exercise. Most women seek abdominoplasty post-pregnancy or after weight loss if they feel they have excess loose skin. It’s important to note that tummy tucks are not a weight loss solution and they won’t replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
How will I feel after my tummy tuck surgery?
Your tummy will feel sore after abdominoplasty surgery, and you should expect to see some bruising and swelling for a few months following your procedure. Pain relief will be provided during your hospital stay, and we will give you advice on how to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
When can I do exercise after a tummy tuck?
You’ll need to avoid exercise after your tummy tuck surgery for at least six weeks. This is because you must give your body time to heal. We usually recommend resting as much as possible so that you can help your abdominoplasty recovery. It can also be a good idea to get help around the house to reduce the chance of injury.
Will I have any tummy tuck scars following surgery?
Tummy tuck operations almost always leave scars, usually across the lower abdomen. Most people find that this scarring can be hidden by underwear, and it will fade over time. For full tummy tuck patients, a scar around the belly button is also common.
The length of time it takes for tummy tuck scars to fade varies, but it can take up to a year after surgery before you can see the final appearance of your scar.
