Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is also called abdominoplasty surgery. It’s a surgical procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, while also tightening the abdominal muscles
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is also called abdominoplasty surgery. It’s a surgical procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, while also tightening the abdominal muscles
Key Points
Surgery at a Glance
- Surgery Time: 1 - 5 hours
- Hospital Stay: Varied
- Light Exercise: 4 - 6 weeks
- Full Recovery: 12 weeks
Procedure Time:
1 - 5 hours
Hospital Stay:
Varied
Light Exercise:
4 - 6 weeks
Fully Recovered:
12 weeks
Procedure Time:
1 - 5 hours
Hospital Stay:
Varied
Light Exercise:
4 - 6 weeks
Fully Recovered:
12 weeks
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Detail
A tummy tuck is also called abdominoplasty surgery. It’s a surgical procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, while also tightening the abdominal muscles. It can help patients who have loose, sagging abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles, perhaps due to significant weight loss, pregnancy or ageing.Â
- A flatter, more toned abdomenÂ
- Reduced or eliminated excess skin and fatÂ
- Can improve muscle toneÂ
- Can improve self-confidence and self-esteemÂ
- Can help make you more comfortable in fitted clothingÂ
- InfectionÂ
- BleedingÂ
- Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)Â
- ScarringÂ
- Fat necrosisÂ
- Numbness or changes in sensationÂ
- Anaesthesia risksÂ
There are a few different kinds of tummy tuck procedure. Your surgeon will advise you as to the best one for you, based on factors such as how your abdomen looks and the results you’d like to achieve. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which means that you’ll be completely unconscious and pain-free during the operation.Â
A mini tummy tuck removes skin and fat from the lower tummy only and is often used for patients with less excess skin and fat. The procedure can include tightening the lower abdominal muscles. Â
The most popular type of abdominoplasty, a full abdominoplasty can remove more fat and skin than a mini tummy tuck and involves making a bigger incision horizontally across the lower abdomen, usually from hip to hip just above the pubic area. The muscles above and below the belly button can also be tightened during the procedure. Â
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can remove a lot of excess skin on the upper and lower stomach and your surgeon will use horizontal and vertical incisions during this type of surgery.Â
It’s possible to choose to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction for a flatter and more toned tummy area.Â
There are many reasons why someone may choose to have a tummy tuck. Pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural ageing process can lead to excess skin and fat accumulating in the abdominal area which doesn’t respond well to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can remove this excess tissue, helping to achieve a flatter and more toned abdomen.Â
Those who have lost a substantial amount of weight can be left with sagging skin and residual fat deposits, and a tummy tuck can help provide a more proportional body shape. Pregnancy can cause stretching and changes to the abdominal area that are difficult to reverse naturally, and so many women choose a tummy tuck to restore their pre-pregnancy shape and address issues like loose skin and stretch marks.Â
Some people experience diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate or weaken. This often occurs as a result of pregnancy. A tummy tuck can repair these muscles, improving core strength and reducing back pain.Â
Because the appearance of the abdomen can significantly impact body confidence, a tummy tuck can help to improve your self-image and boost your confidence.Â
It’s important to arrange in advance for someone to drive you home after your abdominoplasty and have someone to stay with you for the first few days following surgery.Â
How long it’ll take you to recover from a tummy tuck will depend on the extent of the surgery you’ve had and the rate at which you generally heal, and so can take from a number of weeks to several months. To help make a speedy and successful recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend your follow-up appointments as scheduled. Â
You won’t be able to drive for at least 2 weeks, and you’ll need to take from 4-6 weeks off work – the precise length of time will depend on the type of job you do and the type of procedure you’ve had. You’ll also have to wear a compression garment for up to 12 weeks after surgery as this will help to support your abdomen and reduce any swelling.Â
From Our Team
Your Journey
Step 1
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Step 2
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
Step 3
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
Step 4
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Tummy Tuck FAQ's
Some of the factors that may make you a good candidate for abdominoplasty include being at a healthy weight, or having a BMI of less than 30, but having loose or sagging skin in the abdomen area, and/or weak or separated abdominal muscles. You should also be motivated to make the necessary lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, in order to maintain your results.Â
No, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. While it does remove excess skin and fat, its main purpose is to improve the appearance of the abdominal area, not to help with significant weight loss. It can help if you have already lost weight and have sagging, loose skin which you’d like to remove. It’s also effective if you’ve found that your skin has stretched and not returned to its pre-pregnancy state after having children. Â
Yes, sometimes it’s possible for stretch marks to be tightened or cut away so that they look less noticeable. Your surgeon will be able to help you understand what may be possible at your consultation.Â
Yes, abdominoplasty is often combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or a mummy makeover to achieve more comprehensive aesthetic results. If you’d like to know more about this, you can discuss your options with your surgeon at your consultation.Â
Meet Our Team
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Sur Wellness presents an approach that truly stands unparalleled. It brings a fresh, multidimensional perspective to patient care, taking the journey beyond just medical excellence. Coupled with our unique VIP and medical concierge offerings, Sur’s approach caters not only to the physical, but also to the emotional and holistic needs of our patients. It’s this synthesis of care, commitment, and luxury that offers a new, profound dimension to the patient experience, setting Sur Wellness apart in the realm of surgical well-being.