Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed July 4th 2024
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgery that cuts off the extra skin and fat from your midsection. There are three types:
Partial abdominoplasty – only removes extra skin/fat below the belly button. Does not tighten the muscles.
Complete abdominoplasty – Removes skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen, along with correcting weakened and separated abdominal muscles.
Extended abdominoplasty – removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, and lower back.
A tummy tuck is not a weight solution.
Those who are obese or are going through weight fluctuations should get one because all it does is remove loose skin and extra fat. So, it’s most effective on those in good health with a steady weight who have stubborn belly fat or saggy skin around their abs.
Tummy tucks are popular with both men and women. They are especially good for:
A tummy tuck in London is usually performed under general anaesthesia and follows the steps given below:
The medical staff will take you to the recovery room after your tummy tuck. Here, they watch you closely as you gradually wake up from anesthesia.
Once you are fully awake and stable, they move you to the hospital room. How long you stay depends on your recovery. Patients generally stay for 1 or 2 nights. You may have some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. This is entirely normal. Your surgeon will give you medication to manage the pain.
Once you are ready to go home, your cosmetic surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions so you can have a stress-free recovery. These include:
A tummy tuck effectively tightens loose or sagging abdominal skin, resulting in a firmer and more toned appearance.
This procedure removes excess fat deposits from the abdominal area, helping to achieve a flatter and more contoured stomach.
A tummy tuck can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles, resulting in improved muscle tone and core strength.
By eliminating excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck can enhance overall body contours, creating a more balanced and proportionate silhouette.
Many patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence and body image following a tummy tuck, as they feel more comfortable and satisfied with their appearance.
With proper maintenance and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, providing enduring benefits for years to come.
Opting for a tummy tuck in London comes with certain risks and complications. While the best way to minimise these risks is to go to an accredited cosmetic surgeon, it is essential to be aware of them to make the best decisions related to your treatment plan. These risks include:
Numbness in the abdomen may occur due to temporary nerve disruption during the procedure. This typically improves over time as the nerves heal.
Skin sensitivity and swelling in the treated area are both common side effects of surgery. They should subside as the body heals.
Scarring, but with proper care, scars should fade over time and become less noticeable.
Bruising and pain are managed with pain medication.
More serious, albeit rare, risks include:
Infection
Blood clots
Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
If you have concerns or need further information, consider scheduling a free consultation with our medical team in London, who will address all aspects of the tummy tuck procedure and develop a personalised plan for you.
As a CQC Approved Hospital, we maintain the highest standards of safety, delivering top-quality patient care and remarkable results. At London Private Hospital, you can expect:
Get in touch with us to learn more about the procedure and tummy tuck cost in London.
You are probably a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you fit the following criteria:
That depends on the type of surgery. A full tummy tuck takes 2–4 hours at our medical centre.
You will see the difference immediately! The surgeon removes a significant amount of extra skin and fat, after all. So, even with the swelling, you will see a slimmer shape. You will see even more improvements over the next six months.
Absolutely! Once your surgeon cuts the skin and fat, it can’t grow back! Yet it is important to maintain or even lose weight. Gaining weight can put pressure on the surgical site. It can even cause a hernia down the road.
While not painful, a tummy tuck is not the most comfortable right after surgery. The swelling, stitches, and special garments will make daily life a bit challenging. Also, you may not be able to lie on your side or stomach for the first couple of weeks. But this discomfort will subside as you heal.
Yes, while you can get pregnant after having a tummy tuck, we don’t advise it. This is because pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, undoing the tummy tuck. So we recommend waiting until you’re done having children before having this surgery.
After your procedure, you will recover in our luxury facility for at least 2 to 4 days. Once the surgeon is happy with your healing, you can go home. We will give you full aftercare instructions to help you manage any discomfort. It is important to have plenty of rest following this surgery.
Our surgeons provide detailed aftercare instructions that include:
We suggest complete rest for the first few days after surgery. Then, you can begin some light exercise. You should not attend the gym or play any strenuous sports for at least 4–8 weeks.
The most common issues seen following a tummy tuck are:
These are all temporary and generally go away as your body heals.
We understand that financing a procedure is a significant consideration, which is why we offer flexible options to suit your needs. Discover our financing plans and pricing details, and explore how you can achieve your aesthetic goals without the financial burden. Private Surgeon Consultation FREE 30 minutes of dedicated time Comprehensive health assessment and goal discussion Thorough examination to determine suitability Detailed explanation of the surgical process Tummy tuck surgery Zero Deposit Required Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs Expert Guidance from Our Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon Exclusive Private Hospital Accommodation
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