Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
What is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
Abdominoplasty, which is also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that flattens the abdomen by surgically removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. This allows the abdominal wall muscles to be tightened. This is a major procedure that requires general anaesthesia. It is not an alternative to weight-loss.
Why have an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is suitable for men and women of a stable weight and in good health. Women might consider having an abdominoplasty to remove excess skin resulting from pregnancy. Additionally, men and women who have lost a lot of weight are often left with lots of saggy, excess skin which can be removed from the abdomen with a tummy tuck.
How is an abdominoplasty carried out?
To begin with, a large incision is made across the lower abdomen. Through this incision, the skin from the abdominal wall underneath the belly button is separated and the excess skin of the abdomen is cut away and the excess fat removed. The incision is then closed with stitches. An abdominoplasty can be either partial (mini tummy tuck) or complete, depending on how much excess skin and fat there is, and where it is mostly located. During a complete tummy tuck, it is likely that the belly button will need to be moved. Drainage tubes are placed in the incision to drain excess fluids following surgery.
Preparation for an abdominoplasty:
It is important to stop smoking for a period before surgery, usually at least two weeks. Days before the operation it may be necessary to stop taking certain medications. There will also be a period of fasting before surgery.
Aftercare:
The patient must keep in mind that the scar resulting from the operation is permanent, although its size will depend on the type of incision made according to the surgical requirements of each case. The days following the procedure, the patient will have a little pain and discomfort, so the doctor will prescribe painkillers. You will need up to six weeks off work and exercise whilst you heal. You won’t be able to drive either for a number of weeks. It may be necessary to wear a special elastic control support for a few weeks to encourage healing and to reduce swelling. After six weeks, you can stop wearing the elastic support and return to most normal activities.


An expert’s guide to abdominoplasty
By Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe
2022-07-02
Pregnancy, rapid or extreme weight loss, and natural ageing can all conspire to cause loose, sagging skin around the belly. However, with the growing popularity of plastic surgery comes a solution: abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck”. Esteemed plastic surgeon Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe explains: See more


Is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) right for you?
By Mr Ahid Abood
2022-07-02
Are you considering a tummy tuck? Mr Ahid Abood provides you with his specialist expertise to help you understand if this procedure will help you reach your goal. See more


What should I expect after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
By Professor Charles Malata
2022-07-02
Considering a tummy tuck? Your plastic surgeon will outline what happens during and after the procedure but we were fortunate to talk to one of our experts Professor Charles Malata for an in-depth look at what the recovery process entails. Read more on his step-by-step account of what happens to your body following abdominoplasty. See more


Abdominal separation: what you need to know
By Mr Navid Jallali
2022-07-02
Are you struggling to get back to a flat stomach after pregnancy? Or have you noticed a bulge that’s only developed since you started weightlifting? You could have a problem with your abdominal muscles that sit-ups won’t cure, as consultant plastic surgeon Mr Navid Jallali MD FRCS (Plast) explains… See more
-
Mr Navid Jallali
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Facelift
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
- Rhinoplasty (nose job)
-
Mr Alastair MacKenzie Ross
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Electrochemotherapy
- Keloid scars
- Scars
- Liposculpture
- Skin cancer
-
Mr Mo Akhavani
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast augmentation
- Facelift
- Gynaecomastia
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
-
Mr Maisam Fazel
SurgeryExpert in:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast cancer surgery
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast reduction
- Gynaecomastia
- Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery
-
Mr Nicholas Parkhouse
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Scars
- Moles
- Skin cancer
- Facelift
- Breast reduction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- See all

West Valley Hospital
West Valley Hospital
Level 9, Interchange 81 - 85 Station Road, Croydon
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors

Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors

The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group
100 Harley St
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
West Valley Hospital
Level 9, Interchange 81 - 85 Station Road, Croydon, South LondonExpert in:
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Plastic surgery, reconstructive and aesthetics
- Gastroenterology
- Ophthalmology
- Urology
-
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, SE1 South Bank LondonExpert in:
- Adult and paediatric services
- Adult Diabetes
- Allergy
- Cardiology
- Child Diabetes
- Clinical Dermatology
-
The Plastic Surgery Group
100 Harley St, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Abdominoplasty
- Eyelid surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Facelift
- Gynaecomastia
- Buttock lift
- See all