Tummy tuck

Your first appointment

The first step is to talk to your surgeon assistant over the phone. You’ll be able to talk to them about why you’re considering abdominoplasty surgery, the likely tummy tuck price and finance options, how much time you’ll probably need to take off work, and when you’d like to have the surgery. If you feel ready, we’ll then book you in for your free consultation with one of our expert GMC-registered surgeons.

Your surgical consultation

At your free consultation, your surgeon will ask you about the results you want to achieve from your tummy tuck operation. You can discuss every aspect of the abdominoplasty, from the surgical methods and recovery time to the benefits and risks, with no obligation to go ahead. There are a few different types of surgery, including standard - or ‘full’ - tummy tucks and modified – ‘mini’ tummy tucks – so your surgeon will talk to you about the method that will best help you achieve your goals. This surgical consultation can be carried out either over video chat or in person at your local clinic.

Abdominoplasty is a major procedure and it’s important to be fully informed about the process, the operation and the results you can realistically expect, so please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you have. Our surgeons are extremely knowledgeable and happy to provide any information you need. If you feel ready to go ahead and book your surgery, they’ll then refer you to a clinic nurse who’ll a thorough pre-operative assessment and carry out any necessary investigations to ensure your fitness to proceed with the surgery.

The surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and you’ll need to stay in hospital for at least two nights after surgery. On the day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon so you can go through the consent form and ask any last-minute questions. You’ll then be introduced to the rest of your surgical team before going into theatre.

During the three hour procedure, your surgeon will use either a standard or modified tummy tuck method depending on your needs, which they will have discussed with you in advance. For a standard or “full” tummy tuck, a long incision is made into the abdomen running above the pubic area in a curved shape, and a second incision is made to remove your belly button. Your surgeon will then pull your tummy muscles back togethed stitch them in place. Excess fat is removed, and your belly button repositioned before any excess skin is removed and the rer anmaining skin is pulled into place, with the incisions closed with stitches. For a modified or “mini” abdominoplasty, excess fat and skin is removed from below your belly button and the muscles tightened, but the belly button remains in place.

Recovery

You’ll stay in hospital for at least two nights following your tummy tuck procedure. Our staff members are specially trained in cosmetic surgery patient care and are friendly and approachable, striving to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. We’ll be here throughout the tummy tuck recovery process to help you recuperate quickly and safely. Your tummy is likely to be sore and swollen after surgery and you’ll be fitted with a tight-fitting support garment. This will help with the healing process, though you will have bruising and swelling for a few weeks.

Before you go home, your nurse will talk to you about essential tummy tuck aftercare, including the importance of wearing the compression garment, how to take care of your stitches and the practicalities of hygiene and bathing. We’ll also make an appointment for you to see your surgeon again within two weeks to remove your stitches and check on your progress.

Aftercare

We believe that the highest quality aftercare is just as important as the abdominoplasty surgery itself, so we’re here to support you. You’ll need to give your body plenty of time to heal and we’ll give you detailed guidance on the best way to do this. You’ll have a further post-op appointment so we can check that you’re healing well and are happy with the results. When your compression garment is removed you should see an immediate improvement, though it may take a few more months for your tummy to settle completely into its new toned state.

If you have any questions or concerns at all, you can contact our 24/7 helpline phone number. For your peace of mind, all cosmetic surgery patients have access to our two-year aftercare programme.