Abdominoplasty (Tummy TucK)

You can have an abdominoplasty - sometimes called a "tummy tuck" - when your abdomen needs major reshaping. Your excess skin and fat are removed, and stretched or separated muscles are repaired.

The operation

You are given a general anaesthetic for this operation.

You have a long incision made across your lower abdomen and the excess soft tissue is lifted off the wall of your abdomen. Your skin is then pulled down and the excess removed. Your belly button is repositioned through a new small opening.

Body lift

After massive weight loss, the folds on your waist can extend right around your back. In these cases, we do what is called a "body lift". This operation removes excess skin and fat from around your entire waist. It combines abdominoplasty with an outside thigh lift and a buttock lift.

After the operation

You will normally spend 2 nights in hospital. Most people get back to normal levels of activity 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. However, you need to restrict vigorous exercise such as gym work for at least 6 weeks.

Your specialist will give you full information at your consultation about what to expect.

The end result

The operation leaves a long scar passing just above the pubic hair. How far the scar extends depends on how far around your waist we have to operate. The repositioned belly button will have a small scar around it.

The outcome for you is:

your excess skin and fat has gone
you have a flat tummy with tightened muscles
you are able to wear the clothes you want.

Risk of complications

Abdominoplasty is reasonably extensive surgery and complications are always a possibility. Your specialist will inform you fully at your consultation of any possible complications.

Arrange a consultation

Options for abdominal reshaping

Use the links below to find out more.

Mini-abdominoplasty with or without liposuction
Liposuction