Results: 3 months
Procedure Time: 2 – 4 Hours Recovery Time: 2 – 8 Weeks
Pricing: Starting from £7990
Pain Level: Moderate
Results: Permanent
Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed Aug 30th 2025
A tummy tuck in London, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape and firm the abdomen. It removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles to give the midsection a flatter, smoother appearance.
Tummy tucks are especially helpful for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or changes due to ageing that leave them with sagging skin or weakened abdominal muscles.
There are several types of tummy tucks:
It’s important to remember that a tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss surgery. The best candidates are those at a stable, healthy weight, who still struggle with loose skin or weak muscles around the midsection. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re a good candidate, you probably are if you:
People choose an abdominoplasty for a variety of personal and aesthetic reasons. It’s a versatile procedure that can:
At London Private Hospital, tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of abdominoplasty and the individual treatment plan.
Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
Patients are then taken to a recovery room for monitoring and will usually stay in the clinic for 1 to 2 nights. In some cases, recovery may last up to 2 to 4 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual progress.
Recovery is a vital part of the tummy tuck journey. While the results are visible early on, healing does take time. Right after surgery, you’ll feel sore and swollen — this is completely normal. We’ll provide you with medication and supportive care to keep you comfortable.
Many patients begin to see an immediate improvement in their shape. Even though swelling will initially obscure the final look, you’ll still notice that your stomach appears flatter. The final results typically develop over the course of 3–6 months as the body heals.
Is a tummy tuck painful? It’s not necessarily painful, but it can be uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks. You may feel tightness, experience swelling, and be limited in your movement. Sleeping on your side or stomach may not be possible at first — but this discomfort gradually fades.
Our team will provide you with a personalised set of aftercare instructions to guide your recovery. These typically include:
When can I exercise again? Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery. However, we recommend avoiding the gym or any intense physical activity for at least 4–8 weeks, depending on how your body responds.
Yes — tummy tuck results are considered permanent. The fat and skin removed during the procedure do not return. However, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is essential. Gaining significant weight after surgery may affect your results and even lead to muscle strain or hernias.
Additionally, if you plan to have more children in the future, we recommend postponing your tummy tuck. While it’s safe to become pregnant after the procedure, doing so can undo the improvements, especially muscle tightening.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, though complications are rare when your abdominoplasty is performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon in London in a CQC-approved facility.
Common side effects include:
More serious risks — such as infection, blood clots, or reactions to anaesthesia — are rare but possible. At London Private Hospital, we take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.
When choosing where to have your tummy tuck in London, it’s crucial to trust your care team. At London Private Hospital, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, one-to-one care.
Here’s why patients choose us:
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, we’re here to help. Our team can answer any questions you have about pricing, recovery, and what to expect — with no pressure or obligation to commit.
Click here to book your free consultation and take the next step towards feeling confident and comfortable in your own body.
You may be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
If you’re done having children and want a more contoured midsection, this could be an ideal procedure for you.
The length of surgery depends on the type of tummy tuck. A full abdominoplasty typically takes between 2 to 4 hours at our London facility, while a mini tummy tuck or extended version may vary slightly based on your needs.
You’ll notice a slimmer, tighter shape almost immediately after surgery, even with post-op swelling. As the healing process continues over the next three to six months, your final results will gradually take shape.
Yes, the results of a tummy tuck are considered long-lasting. Once excess skin and fat are removed, they won’t return — provided you maintain a stable weight. Gaining significant weight can stretch the muscles or skin again and may even cause complications like hernias.
Most patients describe the experience as uncomfortable rather than painful. Swelling, tightness, and restricted movement are expected in the early days. You may need to sleep on your back and wear compression garments. This discomfort generally improves within the first two weeks.
Technically, yes — you can become pregnant after a tummy tuck. However, we strongly advise waiting until after you’ve completed your family. Pregnancy can reverse many of the benefits of the procedure, particularly muscle repair and skin tightening.
After surgery, you’ll stay in our private clinic for 2 to 4 days, where our medical team monitors your recovery closely. Once discharged, we’ll send you home with a full aftercare plan and support to help manage swelling, prevent complications, and guide your healing.
Our personalised aftercare includes:
Your surgeon will review your progress and update your activity guidelines accordingly.
We encourage light walking shortly after surgery. However, strenuous workouts, gym sessions, and sports should be avoided for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how your body heals. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance on gradually returning to physical activity.
The most common side effects include:
These effects are usually short-term and improve as your body recovers. Your surgeon will provide solutions to manage discomfort and monitor you during follow-up appointments.
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
