Our recommended specialists are expert aesthetic surgeons, constantly and consistently making sure their patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery are cared for at the highest standard and with utmost skill and artistry.
Schedule your consultation with an expert abdominoplasty surgeon today. You will discuss the different surgical options for your abdominoplasty, suitability, possible alternative or complementary procedures, as well as cost.
Treatments
1Results
12 weeksSurgery time
3-4 hoursHospital time
12 hoursMobility
12 hoursWashing
2 daysStay home
10 daysOff-Work
10 daysExercise
8 weeksFull recovery
12 weeksTummy Tuck Surgery Before and After Images
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as ‘abdominoplasty’, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the UK. An abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin, tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall and creates a firmer, tighter appearance in the abdomen or stomach.
Abdominoplasty usually follows a significant weight change, either through pregnancy, lifestyle choices or the natural ageing process that affects skin elasticity and results in excess, sagging skin. The procedure also works to remove stubborn fat and repair underlying abdominal muscles that are not susceptible to diet and exercise alone.
There are several approaches to abdominoplasty depending on different factors, including the patient-specific preconditions (such as the level of skin laxity) and best achievable results. The amount of excess skin determines the size and position of the scar while any collection of fat is addressed through liposuction. Patients after pregnancy that are usually left with a separation in the two rectus muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall will require muscle repairing and tightening.
Different Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Full
During a full tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon will make an incision across the underwear line (or bikini line) in order to lift the abdominal skin, allowing for tightening and repairing of weakened abdominal muscles. Any excess skin will then be trimmed and pulled back to the incision line. The navel (belly button) is then repositioned.
Mini
The same techniques are used for both the mini tummy tuck and the full abdominoplasty. However, the mini tummy tuck is suitable for patients with less excess skin and removable fat. A mini tummy tuck operation targets the lower abdomen, or the ‘bulge’ under the naval, thus involving fewer incisions and scarring, and without the need to reposition the belly button.
Lipoabdominoplasty
Lipoabdominoplasty is the combination of liposuction with a tummy tuck procedure. In addition to excess skin, many patients carry excess subcutaneous fat deposits in their abdomen. In such cases, surgeons will need to use liposuction to harvest the fat in order to produce an optimal result.
Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
Usually limited to patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, that resulted in massive weight loss (30 to 50 kg) and large amounts of excess skin. The excision of skin is thus central to such operation, resulting in substantial scarring. This surgical option is not commonly used. However, when relevant, it offers the most extensive improvement in appearance.
Why Choose Our Recommended Surgeons for Your Tummy Tuck?
Our recommended tummy tuck surgeon is Mr.Omar Tillo, a double board-certified surgeon specialising in a range of body contouring procedures, including all types of tummy tuck surgeries. Having performed the procedure on hundreds of patients, he is one of the most experienced tummy tuck specialists in the UK. Always prioritising natural-looking results, Dr Tillo is adept at tailoring the procedure according to the unique anatomy of the patient and creating precise incisions that minimise scars.
How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost?
You will discuss a bespoke solution and price with your chosen plastic surgeon. However, the surgeons that we work with charge from £8,900 for a mini tummy tuck and £10,000 – £12,000 for a full tummy tuck. These prices reflect all pre and post-operation checkups, nursing care, theatre time, surgeons’ fees, anaesthetist fees, and dressings. There could be additional minimal costs tied to post-op medicinal care.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure is suitable for individuals who are interested in contouring their abdomen after significant weight loss. As tummy tuck surgery is primarily aimed at tightening excess skin, patients should be at their ideal weight, as losing further weight might result in further loose skin. Women who are planning future pregnancies should withhold undergoing a tummy tuck.
During a consultation with your doctor, you will discuss whether a surgical procedure is the best option for achieving your desired result. A full medical history will be taken during your consultation to uncover any allergies, medication administration or other issues that might be unsuitable for any anaesthesia or surgical interventions.
What should I expect with my tummy tuck surgery?
You will meet your chosen surgeon prior to your operation for a consultation. During your consultation, you will discuss your concerns, your desired results and expectations, and whether a surgical option is the right path for you.
The tummy tuck surgery procedure itself takes between 2 to 4 hours and is performed under general (intravenous) anaesthetic, but in some cases can also be performed under sedation. You will discuss your suitable anaesthetic at your consultation. Tummy tuck surgery is generally considered a day-case procedure, so depending on the scale of the surgery, you will be able to go home on the same day of the procedure following a few hours of recovery time monitored by a nursing team.
How should I prepare for my tummy tuck?
Your surgeon will outline a strict preparation plan for you to follow prior to your surgery based on your individual needs. However, in general terms:
– In the 6 weeks leading up to the procedure, all patients are advised to avoid all forms of nicotine and alcohol.
– In the week before the procedure patients are advised to avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including among others, Ibuprofen, naproxen and high-dose aspirin
– On the day of your abdominoplasty, no drinking or eating for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery. Water is allowed up to 2 hours before your operation.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
A detailed outline of your post-surgery recovery and timeline will be thoroughly discussed before and after your procedure and a follow-up assessment arranged. However, it is invaluable that you take time to rest and recover from your surgery. In order to contribute to your successful and safe healing, you should take the following time-frames under consideration:
– 1 week: A follow-up consultation with your surgeon will take place in order to review your incision sites and safe healing. In order to avoid blood clotting, you should start walking lightly as soon as you can while avoiding placing strain on your incision sites.
– 1- 2 weeks: Post-procedure pain usually fully subsides, you can safely return to driving. Depending on your type of job you can safely return to your workplace and normal activity in a careful manner, avoiding any strain.
– 3 – 4 Weeks: You can now safely raise your arms and lay on your stomach if desired. You can safely enjoy light cardio activity.
– 4 weeks: You can safely return to taking hot baths or saunas if desired.
– 6 Weeks: Post-surgical garment managing bruising and swelling can now be removed.
– 8 weeks: Final check-up with your surgeon. You can safely enjoy contact sports and resume most sporting activities.
– 12 weeks: You can safely return to strenuous exercise if desired. Swelling and bruising subside and you can start visibly appreciating the results of your operation.
– 6-12 months: The safe healing of your scars is underway. You should continue your scar care regimen as discussed with your surgeon, which usually includes daily administration of scar ointments or gels, avoiding sun exposure, and massaging (once the incision fully heals). The final outcome of your procedure may take several months to show, but the improvement to your appearance is visible and well underway.
How many operations will I need?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed in one singular operation.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck surgery?
All surgical procedures carry risks which will be openly discussed with you during the consultation and again before your surgery. Risks and side effects of body plastic surgery include scarring, infection, bleeding, bruising and pain. Anaesthesia also carries its own risks which will be discussed.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Tummy tuck surgery results are expected to last many years, and in some instances, indefinitely. However, it is essential to understand that the patient undergoing abdominoplasty surgery has a crucial role in retaining the results of the surgery by maintaining a stable weight through healthy lifestyle choices and diet. It is also important to be aware of the natural ageing process that may result in declining skin elasticity.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
The tummy tuck surgery procedure is often combined with liposuction to remove fat and improve the contours of the abdomen. Our recommended surgeons pride themselves in utilising the latest technologies to tighten excess skin, dissolve fat, reduce cellulite and stretch marks.