Transform your body with a personalised tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) in London and Hertfordshire, where we specialise in sculpting the abdominal area. Tailored to meet individual needs, this procedure aims to refine silhouettes and elevate confidence. Read on to find out more.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck surgically removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and restores weakened or separated muscles for a smoother abdominal profile.
At a Glance
Surgery time
2-3 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthetic
Hospital stay
Day case or 1 night
Recovery
2 weeks scar healing; 8 weeks total recovery
What is an Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and if required realignment of separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
Understanding the reasons people choose a tummy tuck, the risks and potential life-changing benefits can make you feel more confident about your decision to proceed with surgery. This guide helps you explore the key factors related to a tummy tuck procedure.
Reasons to choose
Many people choose a tummy tuck to address loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area that is stubbornly unaffected by diet or exercise. Loose skin often arises after pregnancy or a significant amount of weight loss. It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution and candidates should be at a near ideal bodyweight before the procedure.
Benefits
Abdominoplasty offers aesthetic and functional benefits.
Key benefits include:
- Tightening of loose skin: Ideal for those with sagging abdominal skin due to ageing, weight loss, or post-pregnancy changes.
- Removal of excess fat: Helps eliminate stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise.
- Reduction of stretch marks: Particularly those on the lower abdomen.
- Restoration of abdominal wall integrity: Strengthens and tightens the abdominal muscles, improving core stability and posture.
- Enhanced body contour: Creates a smoother, firmer abdominal profile, enhancing overall body shape and confidence.
Risks
It’s important to know the potential risks before any procedure. In the case of an abdominoplasty, these include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Wound infection
- Wound dehiscence (separation of the incision)
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary embolism (PE)
These risks are uncommon and in general, patients achieve excellent results. Mr Ridha will discuss these with you in detail before you make any decision to proceed.
Who is a good candidate?
If you are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen, following pregnancy and/or weight loss or have stubborn fat that you can’t get rid of through diet and exercise, then you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck. It is important that you are in good health, near your ideal weight and have realistic expectations of the procedure. You must be a non-smoker as smoking will increase the risk of complications and affects healing. A tummy tuck isn’t a substitute for weight loss.
Related Conditions
Excess loose, abdominal skin is sometimes known as a ‘belly apron’.
Body
Tummy Pouch
A tummy pouch, also known as a pooch, or belly apron actually has a technical name; a panniculus.
‘Love handles’ is an affectionate term for the accumulation of excess fat that sits around your hips
Body
Tummy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are indented skin marks often found on the tummy, hips, breasts or buttocks.
One common issue post-pregnancy is tummy muscle separation or diastasis recti.
Body
Mummy Rejuvenation
Doing something about your post-pregnancy body is something you can choose to do for you
Book a Consultation
Take the first step toward your ideal look by booking a consultation with our expert surgeon.
Understanding what a tummy tuck involves, can help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey. The procedure is carefully planned to achieve the results you desire, whilst keeping your safety and comfort paramount. From your initial consultation to recovery, each step is designed to offer a smooth experience. We outline below what you can expect from the process.
Consultation
If you decide to have your tummy tuck surgery with us at HR Plastic Surgery, this is what you can expect:
Mr Ridha will consult with you personally, listening carefully to understand your goals, before examining you in the presence of a chaperone. He will then discuss suitable treatment options, the risks and benefits, recovery times and expected outcomes.
Procedure
A tummy tuck is carried out under general anaesthesia typically takes 2 to 3 hours and can be performed as a daycase or an overnight hospital stay. The procedure begins with an incision above the pubic region, marginally longer than that used for a Caesarean section, complemented by a circular incision to liberate the belly button from its surrounding tissue.
The abdominal skin and fat are lifted, enabling an evaluation of the rectus abdominus muscles and their reapproximation should there be a separation. This will help strengthen the abdominal wall and create a more contoured silhouette.
The excess skin and fat are removed, potentially supplemented by liposuction for enhanced abdominal shaping. The incisions are then sutured with dissolvable stitches, the scar secured with surgical tape and an abdominal binder applied for optimal support.
Recovery
Post-surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area for monitoring. Discomfort is managed with prescribed analgesics, which are also provided on discharge. An abdominal binder, worn for six weeks, helps reduce swelling.
Showering is permissible the day after surgery. Incisions typically heal within two weeks and most patients can resume work within 10-14 days. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least eight weeks.
Adhering to Mr Ridha’s specific instructions is crucial, as recovery varies per individual and may necessitate tailored guidelines.
Procedure Results
The choice to have a tummy tuck is a personal decision. It can be useful to see previous before and after results to understand what you can expect and help you to make up your mind.
Pricing?
Prices from
£9100
Cost varies depending on the surgeon’s experience, the specific technique used, and the complexity of the procedure. At HR Plastic Surgery, we provide transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to help make tummy tuck surgery more affordable. Our team will discuss the cost and available financing options at your initial consultation. You can find more on our pricing and payment plans page*.
FAQs
Is Abdominoplasty the same as a mini tummy tuck procedure?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, differs from a mini tummy tuck by addressing the entire abdominal wall, removing excess skin and fat and tightening the full length of the abdominal muscles if required. The mini version focuses on the area below the navel.
How long is Abdominoplasty surgery?
Abdominoplasty surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours, depending on patient needs.
What is the recovery time of an Abdominoplasty?
Complete recovery can take 6-8 weeks. During this time, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, so it’s important to rest and limit physical activity to ensure optimal healing.
Is an Abdominoplasty painful?
An abdominoplasty does result in some discomfort due to the tightening of abdominal muscles and removal of excess skin, but pain management through prescribed medications makes the recovery process easily manageable.
Can you get pregnant after having a tummy tuck?
Falling pregnant after a tummy tuck is possible, but it’s advisable to delay the procedure until after completing your family. Pregnancy post-tummy tuck will alter results due to weight gain and stretching of the abdominal skin and muscles.
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Tummy Tuck Information Sheet
Preparing Safely for Surgery
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