A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter midsection.
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.
2-3 hours
General anaesthetic
Day case or 1 night
2 weeks scar healing; 8 weeks total recovery
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.
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.
Abdominoplasty offers aesthetic and functional benefits.
Key benefits include:
It’s important to know the potential risks before a tummy tuck procedure. These include:
These risks are uncommon and in general, patients achieve excellent results.
Mr Hyder Ridha will discuss these with you in detail before you make any decision to proceed.
Mr Hyder Ridha is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon and a full member of the
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
He is also listed on the
GMC Specialist Register
And is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
Excess loose, abdominal skin is sometimes known as a ‘belly apron’.
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
Stretch marks are indented skin marks often found on the tummy, hips, breasts or buttocks.
Doing something about your post-pregnancy body is something you can choose to do for you
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 tummy tuck 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.
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.
| Immediately after surgery | The recovery from a tummy tuck starts immediately post-surgery, when 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. |
| Day 1 | Showering is permissible the day after surgery. |
| Within 2 weeks | Incisions typically heal within two weeks. |
| 10–14 days | Most patients can resume work within 10–14 days. |
| Up to 6 weeks | The abdominal binder should be worn for six weeks. |
| Avoid for at least 8 weeks | Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least eight weeks. |
| Individual guidance | Adhering to Mr Ridha’s specific instructions is crucial, as recovery varies per individual and may necessitate tailored guidelines. You can read our blog on stages of tummy tuck recovery for more details. |
The choice to have a tummy tuck is a personal decision. It can be useful to see before and after tummy tuck results to understand what you can expect and help you to make up your mind.
£9100
The cost of a tummy tuck in the UK varies depending on the cosmetic surgeon’s experience, the specific technique used, and the complexity of the procedure. At HR Plastic Surgery, we provide transparent tummy tuck prices 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 abdominoplasty consultation. You can find more on our pricing and payment plans page*.
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.
Tummy tuck surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours, depending on patient needs.
Complete abdominoplasty 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.
A tummy tuck procedure 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.
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.
If you based in Hertfordshire or London, then you can find a HR Plastic Surgery clinic near you. But even if you are based further afield , it would still be worth considering a tummy tuck with a leading plastic surgeon like Mr Hyder Ridha, and all of his state-of-the-art clinics are easily accessible.
Browse our collection of brochures, guides, and forms to learn more about our procedures, prepare for your visit, or explore your options. Simply download what you need to get started.
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