Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Rediscover your confidence with a Tummy Tuck – the transformative procedure that eliminates excess skin and fat, revealing a flatter, firmer, and more youthful abdomen

Tummy tuck is also known by its medical description, abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure for removing redundant skin from the abdomen and reconstructing the rectus muscle of the abdomen to give a more contoured, flatter and tighter-looking abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery is increasingly popular in the UK and ranks just behind liposuction in its popularity as a body contouring procedure. Abdominoplasty is a highly effective method for removing saggy and stretched skin that often develops after pregnancy or massive weight loss.

RELATED: Tummy Tuck FAQs – Q&As about Abdominoplasty Surgery

The presence of extra fat beneath the skin of the abdomen leads to the overlying skin stretching out. When someone successfully loses a large amount of weight, this stretched-out skin cannot return to its original tight and contracted state. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin diminishes, leading to thinning of the skin and a resultant loss of skin elasticity which increases the likelihood of sagging and wrinkle formation. In older patients, even a loss of small amounts of weight can result in a significant amount of skin laxity due to the loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis. It is very common for women after pregnancy to develop excess redundant skin and loose, weakened abdominal musculature due to the increase in the volume of the womb during pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery is a highly effective procedure for restoration of the female body shape to the pre-pregnancy state.

Nowadays, abdominoplasty is rarely performed in isolation and is most commonly combined with other body contouring procedures, including liposuction. Many women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy and breastfeeding will also have a breast augmentation with or without a breast lift at the same time as a tummy tuck. The combination of abdominoplasty surgery with a breast augmentation or lift is often referred to as a mummy makeover. It is very popular with an increasing number of women unhappy with the shape of their bodies after childbirth.

Why have a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is a highly successful procedure when carried out by an expert surgeon at Centre for Surgery. It can deliver long-term results provided that patients maintain a stable weight and avoid any fluctuations in weight to avoid the risk of recurrent skin laxity. Your surgeon may recommend against having a tummy tuck until you have completed your family as the risk of developing recurrent laxity is high for women who have had a tummy tuck followed by further childbirth.

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Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures at Centre for Surgery. Our surgeons are experienced in all types of tummy tuck surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation of the abdomen. The tummy tuck procedure can produce impressive results in both women and men.

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the abdominal region by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. The procedure results in an improved abdominal contour, tone, and function. The abdominal area may become loose over time due to factors such as age, pregnancy, significant weight loss, prior surgeries, and hereditary factors.

This cosmetic surgery is suitable for both women and men who are in good physical shape and have maintained a stable weight for at least three months prior to surgery. It is recommended that the body mass index (BMI) be below 30 to be considered a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. The duration of the procedure can vary from two to five hours, and patients usually require hospitalization for one to two days.

During the procedure, a horizontal incision is typically made in the pubic region, with the exact placement and incision length depending on the amount of skin to be removed and the patient’s abdominal structure. The final scar is strategically placed to fall discreetly within the patient’s underwear and swimsuit lines.

After the surgery, drainage tubes are usually left in place for up to a week, and a compression garment must be worn for six weeks post-surgery to support the healing process. While any bruising or swelling may resolve within six weeks, it can persist for several months. Light activity may be resumed two to three weeks following the procedure, but heavy lifting and vigorous activities should be avoided for up to eight weeks.

Browse our tummy tuck photo gallery to see the results achieved by our surgeons at Centre for Surgery. The before and afters below offer a sampling of the patient photos we have on file. When you come to see us for a consultation, a wide variety will be available.

RELATED: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before And After Photos

 

 

 

 

 

The abdominoplasty operation, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is an optimal choice for both women and men who are in good health, physically fit, and either close to their ideal body weight or have achieved a stable weight following significant weight loss. For individuals who have devoted considerable time and effort to rigorous dieting and exercise but are still struggling to achieve a flat, toned stomach or firm up loose skin marred by stretch marks, undergoing surgery may enhance their overall appearance. As a result, they can regain self-assurance when wearing form-fitting clothing and no longer feel the need to conceal their figure in baggy garments.

There are numerous advantages associated with abdominoplasty surgery, such as:

1. Elimination of surplus skin and fat in the abdominal region: The procedure effectively removes excess skin and fat, helping to create a smoother, more toned appearance.
2. Reinforcement of underlying abdominal muscles: A tummy tuck not only deals with superficial issues but also strengthens the underlying abdominal muscles, which can provide added support to the spine and improve posture.
3. Enhancement of torso contours: By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles, abdominoplasty surgery can help to create a more defined and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
4. Restoration of a flat, smooth stomach: The surgery results in a smoother and flatter tummy, which can boost one’s confidence and comfort in various clothing styles.
5. Increased ease in fitting into regular clothes: With a flatter and firmer abdomen, patients often find that they can comfortably fit into a wider range of clothing, including form-fitting garments.
6. Reduction of irritation, chafing, and infections in the lower abdominal fold: Excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen can cause discomfort and irritation due to friction and chafing. By eliminating this excess tissue, abdominoplasty surgery can alleviate these issues and reduce the risk of infections.
7. Enhanced exercise tolerance and support for weight loss activities: After undergoing abdominoplasty surgery, patients often experience improved exercise tolerance and find it easier to engage in physical activities that can further aid in their weight loss journey. This can contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle and promote long-term weight maintenance.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed at Baker Street clinic using TIVA general anaesthesia. All our tummy tucks are outpatient procedures which means you will be admitted and discharged on the same day. Centre for Surgery is one of only a handful of providers in the UK to specialise in day-case abdominoplasties.

Benefits of TIVA anaesthesia for tummy tuck

Total Intravenous Anaesthesia, also known as TIVA, is an advanced form of general anaesthesia that has several advantages over traditional general anaesthesia. Unlike traditional anaesthesia that uses volatile gases, TIVA exclusively uses medicines administered through the IV route. The medicines used in TIVA are quick-acting and short-lasting, resulting in a smooth and quick recovery for patients, even for longer procedures such as tummy tucks.

The recovery profile of TIVA is much better than traditional anaesthesia, with patients typically ready for discharge from the hospital after only about three hours in recovery. In contrast, traditional anaesthesia can cause delayed recovery due to prolonged dizziness, drowsiness, and an increased risk of nausea and sickness. Additionally, TIVA avoids the use of muscle relaxants, which can prolong recovery and increase the risk of complications.

TIVA is regarded as a gentler form of general anaesthesia that provides a superior quality of anaesthesia experience for patients. Many patients who have undergone TIVA have reported that the quality of the anaesthesia was better than any anaesthesia they had previously received in the hospital. If you are considering a surgical procedure that requires general anaesthesia, you should speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of TIVA.

A full abdominoplasty takes 3-4 hours to perform on average. In the case of combined procedures such as breast augmentation or breast lift, the procedure duration could take 5-6 hours.

Step by step tummy tuck

• STEP 1: You will be placed under general anaesthesia
• STEP 2: If required – the surgeon will perform liposuction to the flanks – you will lie on your front for this step
• STEP 3: Liposuction using the SAFElipo technique is performed on the abdomen
• STEP 4: The belly button is freed from the surrounding skin with a circular incision
• STEP 5: An incision is made along the lower abdomen just above the public hairline – the length will vary on the amount of skin to be removed
• STEP 6: The abdominal skin flap is created to the lower part of the sternum, and the redundant skin is then removed
• STEP 7: The abdominal muscles are repaired
• STEP 8: The belly button is brought out to a suitable position and sutured in position
• STEP 9: The abdominal incisions are closed
• STEP 10: Two drains are inserted, dressings are applied, and a postoperative compression garment is applied

An abdominoplasty is performed as an outpatient surgery. This means you will be able to return home the same day as your tummy tuck and recover in the comfort of your own home. You will need someone to drive you home, and you may wish to have someone stay with you for the first few days following the procedure.

Different Types of Abdominoplasty & Tummy Tucks

1 – Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini Abdominoplasty – usually not including tummy muscle repair

A mini-abdominoplasty is a smaller procedure than a full abdominoplasty. The procedure involves the removal of the loose skin from below the umbilicus. The procedure also involves the surgical tightening of the lower abdominal muscles. A mini-abdominoplasty is ideally suited for patients on the lower end of BMI (BMI<23) who have skin laxity below the umbilicus only and not above the umbilicus. The scar from a mini tummy tuck is shorter, with a shorter recovery and downtime. A full abdominoplasty may be more suitable with skin laxity above the umbilicus. As with a Brazilian abdominoplasty, the use of liposuction is used to contour the waist and is performed as a day case without any requirement for the insertion of drains.

One of the main advantages of a mini tummy tuck is that it can address smaller, more localised areas of the abdomen in those who otherwise have good skin elasticity. Similar to a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is a highly effective surgical technique to tighten and contour the lower abdomen with long-term results, provided that patients eat a healthy diet and maintain a stable weight.

2 – Full Abdominoplasty or Full Tummy Tuck – including muscle repair

A full abdominoplasty addresses the removal of redundant extra tissue involving skin and fat. The muscle layer is also reconstructed, which helps to create a more narrow torso. Repairing the muscle layer is also referred to as rectus diastasis repair. A full abdominoplasty is ideal for patients after pregnancy or who have undergone weight loss. Traditional abdominoplasty does not involve liposuction and has become something of an obsolete technique in recent years.

3 – Brazilian abdominoplasty – Combining Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

A full abdominoplasty has generally been a major surgical procedure with recognised complications including postoperative bleeding, seroma formation, delayed wound healing and abnormal scarring. Often complications require many post-op appointments with the doctor leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. Surgeons at Centre for Surgery specialise in the Brazilian tummy tuck or Brazilian abdominoplasty, similar to a full abdominoplasty. It involves removing excess skin, muscle repair of the rectus muscle, and creating a new position for the belly button. The key difference is the addition of liposuction to the above to facilitate a gentler method of mobilising the excess skin without excessive dissection and compromise of the blood supply to the skin flap. This leads to better healing and less risk of postoperative wound complications.

A Brazilian tummy tuck should not be seen as a lesser version of a full tummy tuck. It does not involve more steps and is a more effective body contouring procedure than an old-style ‘cut and shut’ abdominoplasty, which is still most commonly performed in the UK. A Brazilian tummy tuck takes longer to perform than a full tummy tuck due to the extra liposuction required, but the dramatic results achieved are well worth the extra time needed. In keeping with all the other types of tummy tuck performed at Centre for Surgery, a Brazilian tummy tuck is performed as a day case procedure and has a more favourable side risk profile compared with a full abdominoplasty.

Benefits of Brazilian Abdominoplasty:

• Significantly less postoperative pain and discomfort
• A shorter period of downtime
• Lower risk of localised seroma or haematoma formation
• Day case procedure, which means you get to go home and recover at home, leading to better healing.
• A more defined and smaller waist as a result of liposuction combined with the tummy tuck

Downsides of a traditional tummy tuck:

• An inpatient stay of 2-3 nights is required with the risk of acquiring nasty hospital superbugs
• Increased period of recovery required
• Higher risk of haematoma formation
• More pain and with a regular requirement for postoperative opioid medicines given IV

4 – Extended Abdominoplasty – a longer incision to reach reduce the sides & flanks

Extended abdominoplasty involves the removal of extra skin and tissue from the flanks in addition to the abdomen. This often requires liposuction in addition to skin excision. The incision is longer than for a full abdominoplasty to ensure full correction to the sides. If you have extra muscle looseness in the hips and flank area in addition to abdominal laxity, an extended abdominoplasty may be an appropriate option. Liposuction is always a key component of an extended abdominoplasty.

5 – Fleur-De-Lis abdominoplasty

A subset of patients who present for abdominoplasty surgery will have extra redundant skin both vertically and laterally. A standard abdominoplasty may not adequately address the loose skin located centrally. The Fleur-De-Lis technique of tummy tuck involves both the standard low horizontal incision and a vertical incision. The resulting incision resembles an inverted T shape with a small midline vertical aspect extending from the midline of the horizontal scar upwards towards the belly button.

6 – Circumferential abdominoplasty or Body Lift

A circumferential abdominoplasty or 360 tummy tuck or body lift is a major procedure compared with a standard full abdominoplasty. It is an ideal procedure for massive weight loss patients who often have extensive hanging skin all the way around their torso. The incision encircles the torso and is performed in 2 stages – first, the front is addressed, followed by the back and sides. Circumferential abdominoplasty is often combined with a thigh and buttock lift. This is known as a lower body lift or belt lipectomy – A major body contouring procedure. At Centre for Surgery, body lift surgery is always carried out in a two-stage procedure to ensure proper healing.

Caesarean section scar revision

After a Caesarean section, it is not uncommon to develop a prominent fold of skin that sits above the C-section scar. The prominence of the scar is due to the attachment of the scar to deeper structures, and therefore any fat or lax skin above looks much more obvious. Many women notice that the bulge protrudes through tight-fitting clothing. The extra skin and fat can be surgically removed, and this can be combined with liposuction if appropriate. The Caesarean scar revision procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and as a day-case procedure.

Revision abdominoplasty

Our surgeons see a growing number of patients who have had tummy tuck surgery with another surgeon elsewhere and are disappointed with their results. Our surgeons have sub-specialist expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction in the NHS and have years of experience performing revision tummy tuck surgery for patients who had their first procedure elsewhere – often overseas in places like Turkey.

Reasons to seek revision tummy tuck:

• Excess fat not removed at the original procedure
• A poorly shaped umbilicus
• Insufficient muscle repair
• An unsightly scar
• A poorly placed scar (often too high)

RELATED: Can I Get A Second Tummy Tuck?

Upon the completion of your abdominoplasty procedure, your surgeon will insert drains beneath the abdominal skin, apply a specialized dressing to promote wound healing and fit you with a surgical compression garment. All abdominoplasty surgery at Centre for Surgery is performed as a day case which means you will be able to go home later the same day. The drains may be removed before you are discharged from the clinic, or during your first follow-up appointment at days 5-7.

During your recovery period, your body will naturally remain slightly flexed at the waist and knees to increase comfort and alleviate tension on the incision site. The tight sensation in your abdomen may persist for several weeks post-surgery. You may also experience numbness around the incision area and the belly button, which could potentially be permanent. The surgical scar will gradually fade, starting around six months and taking up to two years to achieve its final appearance. Bruising and swelling may last for several months.

Upon discharge, you will be provided with prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics. Ensure someone is available to fill your prescriptions, drive you home, and assist you during the initial days of your recovery. You may remove the compression garment for brief periods while at home and shower with the dressings in place.

Your return to regular activities should be gradual and paced according to your comfort level. Recovery times will differ between patients, but you should anticipate the following:

• Taking at least two weeks off work
• Refraining from driving for two weeks
• Avoiding moderate to high-intensity cardiovascular exercises for six weeks
• Waiting three months before resuming abdominal core exercises (such as sit-ups)
• Arranging for assistance with childcare for young children for at least the first three weeks post-operation

You will have a follow-up appointment with the nursing team within the first week after surgery to ensure your wounds are healing properly and to remove drains if necessary. Your surgeon will monitor your progress closely during the first year and provide guidance on scar management, wearing compression garments, and gradually resuming normal activities.

Adhering to all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome from your abdominoplasty surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck has some risks and potential complications that patients should be aware of before undergoing surgery. Some of the most common risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery include:

1. Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after any surgery, but excessive bleeding can be dangerous and may require additional treatment or surgery.
2. Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Patients will be given antibiotics before and after surgery to help reduce this risk.
3. Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the legs after surgery and may travel to the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Patients may be given blood thinners and encouraged to move around as soon as possible after surgery to reduce this risk.
4. Scarring: Tummy tuck surgery will leave a scar, which can be extensive depending on the amount of skin removed. However, a skilled surgeon will make the incision in a way that minimizes scarring and ensures the best possible cosmetic outcome.
5. Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness or reduced sensation in the abdominal area after surgery. This is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.
6. Seroma: Seroma is a collection of fluid that can form under the skin after surgery. This can be uncomfortable and may require additional treatment to drain the fluid.
7. Wound healing problems: In rare cases, the incision may not heal properly, which can lead to an opening in the skin or other complications.

Our surgeons are trained to create low transverse incisions which sit directly above the pubic area. The length of the tummy tuck scar will depend on the type of tummy tuck that is chosen. The appearance of the tummy tuck scars will be influenced by proper care of the area and following the post-procedure instructions to optimise its appearance.

Top Tips to Help with Tummy Tuck Scar Healing

• It is important to keep the postoperative dressings for the recommended duration.
• Avoid stretching the area too much. An example would be bending backwards, which may stretch the scar.
• Avoid sun exposure. Sun exposure leads to excess scarring and delays wound healing.
• Use recommended silicone scar gels and medical-grade brown tape.
• Have patience. Any scar takes time to mature and fade. Scars that are still overly prominent can be treated with several modalities, including laser or Morpheus8. Centre for Surgery has a specialist department for scar revision of all types of scars at our 106 Crawford Street clinic.

There are a number of factors that will determine the overall cost of your tummy tuck procedure, and the final quotation will be given after a face-to-face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.

With over 15 years of experience in performing all types of abdominoplasty in London, including full, mini, extended, and Brazilian abdominoplasty, we at Centre for Surgery are confident in our ability to select the right procedure for you. We understand that every patient’s needs are unique, which is why we offer bespoke options rather than a “one size fits all” approach to abdominoplasty surgery.

Over the last decade, the techniques for abdominoplasty surgery have vastly improved, and we have kept up with the latest advancements to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes. We own and manage our own surgical facilities, and our surgeons perform a maximum of one tummy tuck per day, always scheduled for first thing in the morning. This allows us to take the time needed to properly perform abdominoplasty surgery, which is a demanding procedure that requires precision and attention to detail to achieve the best results.

Unlike other providers who may cram 3-4 procedures into one day, we take much longer to perform abdominoplasty, which is reflected in our 99.3% patient satisfaction rate. We believe that it is essential for our surgeons to be well-rested and mentally and physically sharp to perform abdominoplasty, and we do not compromise on the quality of care we provide.

At Centre for Surgery, we have our own purpose-built operating theatre facilities located in central London and Watford. We do not use third-party providers, which allows us to provide the highest standards of care at affordable prices.

All of our surgeons live and work in London, and we do not work with fly-in, fly-out surgeons from other countries. This is important because complications can and do occur, and our surgeons are readily available to manage any issues that may arise. Our surgeons are supported by a first-class nursing team who are on hand for you for any concerns you may have, no matter how minor.

At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Our surgeons are full members of the following:

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of an abdominoplasty, schedule a consultation with one of our top cosmetic surgeons at Centre for Surgery. Our patient coordinators are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the procedure and they have been directly trained by our team of consultant plastic surgeons.

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Medical References – Further Reading

• WebMD article on Tummy Tuck