Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Restore your abdominal contour and core strength. Removes excess skin, repairs separated muscles, and restores a flatter, firmer profile.
Quick Facts
Type
Surgical (GA)
Duration
~2 hours
Hospital
Full: 1 night / Mini: day
Time Off
2-3 weeks
Exercise
6 weeks
Final Results
3-6 months
Cost
From £8,000
Revision Rate
8.9%
Overview
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). This procedure restores a flatter, firmer profile and helps restore core strength and posture. Our no-drain technique has been published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, with a published revision rate of 8.9% compared to the industry average of 11-34%.
Unlike many practices, we do not require compression garments post-procedure, focusing instead on optimal dressing techniques and patient comfort.
Alternative option: If you have good skin elasticity and no muscle separation, liposuction alone may be suitable for your goals.
Who Is This Procedure For?
- •Excess skin and fat after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- •Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) causing back pain or abdominal bulging
- •Loose, sagging skin not responding to diet and exercise
- •Those seeking to regain core strength and improve posture
- •Relief from skin discomfort or rashes caused by excess skin
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Standard (Full) Abdominoplasty
An incision is made hip-to-hip, typically hidden by underwear or swimwear. Excess skin and fat are removed, separated abdominal muscles are repaired (plication), and the belly button is repositioned to maintain natural proportions.
Mini Abdominoplasty
Addresses only the lower abdomen with a shorter scar and no belly button repositioning. Ideal for patients with minimal excess skin above the belly button.
Extended Abdominoplasty
Recommended for patients with massive weight loss, extending the scar around the flanks to address excess skin in those areas.
Risks & Considerations
- ⚠Bleeding: Less than 5 in 100 (published rate 1.8%)
- ⚠Infection: Rare (published rate 4.5%)
- ⚠Seroma: Fluid collection (published rate 7.7%)
- ⚠Delayed Wound Healing: Central wound areas may heal more slowly but resolve with appropriate dressings
- ⚠Scarring: Permanent, typically hidden by underwear or swimwear
- ⚠Numbness: Above the scar, usually temporary
- ⚠Belly Button Changes: Shape or symmetry may differ slightly
- ⚠Asymmetry: Slight imbalance in contour may occur
- ⚠Revision Surgery: May be needed (published rate 8.9%)
Recovery Overview
Days 1-3
Rest and hospital stay. Pain managed with medication.
Days 4-7
Increasing mobility at home. Dressings maintained.
Week 1
Nurse check-up. Monitor for complications.
Weeks 2-3
Return to desk work. Avoid heavy lifting.
6 weeks
Can resume gentle exercise and normal activities.
3-6 months
Final results visible as swelling subsides and scars mature.
Patient Information Leaflets
Download our comprehensive patient information leaflet to learn more about the procedure, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Full Abdominoplasty Aftercare Guide
Already had your procedure? Visit our detailed online aftercare guide with recovery timelines, checklists, medication schedules, and when to contact us.
Mini Abdominoplasty Aftercare Guide
Detailed aftercare guidance specific to mini tummy tuck recovery with recovery timelines, checklists, and when to contact us.
Questions? Get in Touch
Our team is here to answer your questions about abdominoplasty and help you determine if this procedure is right for you.