Tummy Tuck UK
A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure which can help to improve the appearance of the stomach, increase body confidence and help to alleviate insecurities about this area of the body. Many people seek this form of surgery following pregnancy or significant weight loss to target the problems diet and exercise failed to rectify.
An abdominoplasty or a ‘tummy tuck’ procedure helps to remove excess fat deposits, tighten loose tissue and sagging skin, and improve muscle and skin tone around the middle and lower abdominal region, making it firmer and flatter.
Is an abdominoplasty right for me?
An abdominoplasty is an effective procedure if the skin of your abdomen has been previously stretched and has not shrunk back or has reduced elasticity. A tummy tuck procedure may not be appropriate for people who are over-weight or as an attempt to lose weight. As a guide you should consider a tummy tuck after your weight has been stable for at least 6 months and you are not trying to lose any additional weight.
There are also related procedures such as a Brazilian tummy tuck (tummy tuck with liposuction), or mini procedures that may be more relevant for you.
Types of procedure
There are a number of abdominoplasty procedures available:
- Full Abdominoplasty – Suitable for men and women who have a large amount of excess skin. A full tummy tuck is also referred to as a standard tummy tuck, it removes fat, repairs torn muscles and removes any excess skin.
Read all about Braidy’s experience
- Extended Abdominoplasty– This is recommended to patients with excess fat and skin in the flanks, upper hip, and lower back regions. This procedure will remove skin and fat from all of these areas while also repairing any torn muscles.
- Mini Abdominoplasty–For patients who have a smaller amount of tissue between the area below the tummy button to above the pubic region, your skin in this area may have a dimpled texture but doesn’t actually over-hang.
- Brazilian Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)–The combination of a tummy tuck with liposuction, this option is best for patients with more excess skin than fat. It aims to achieve what a full (classic) abdominoplasty does but with less risk and a quicker recovery time. It is becoming more common to remove stubborn pockets of fat and leave you with a slimmer contour.
The first step in the procedure is to perform liposuction of the entire front abdominal wall and usually also lipo of the flanks before a tummy tuck procedure is performed.
- Mini Brazilian Abdominoplasty (Lipominiabdominoplasty) – this is suitable for men and women with a smaller area of abdominal skin and fat that requires removal, a limited or ‘mini’ abdominoplasty can also be performed in the ‘Brazilian’-style with liposuction performed first.
Your surgeon will advise you on what type of abdominoplasty is right for you to achieve the best possible outcome.
How much does tummy tuck surgery cost?
Tummy Tuck prices are quoted individually and tailored to your specific needs as every patient’s requirements are unique and you may desire Lipomodelling performed on other areas of your body. At your £25 surgeon consultation, you will receive a premium cosmetic surgery experience, your surgeon will fully examine you and discuss your personal surgical requirements. Then they will talk you through exactly how much your procedure will cost based on your precise requirements, so there will be no surprises and no hidden extras. Take a look at our guide prices page, you can use our starting price as a general indication of a Tummy Tuck cost and also see what a maximum budget could be for a more complicated or intensive procedure. Your surgeon will see you for all appointments leading up to your Tummy Tuck surgery, and the journey afterwards. Our pre- and post-operative care is uniquely personalised. With detailed pre-surgery care notes and comprehensive aftercare instructions, you will enjoy a first-class experience. Your Tummy Tuck Surgery cost includes:
- A 40-minute consultation with one of the UK’s most qualified and experienced specialist cosmetic surgeons
- After your first consultation, if required, a second and third consultation
- All your procedure costs and overnight stay
- Our MyBreast lifetime aftercare – we offer all patients follow up appointments for life so you can give us a call 5 or even 10 years after your surgery and pop in and see your operating surgeon whenever you like
Our commitment to you, which you will experience through our long-term care policy, is just as serious as your commitment to having surgery. If you’d prefer not to make the full payment up front, we also offer Finance Packages so you can spread out your payments. Book A Consultation
The procedure
Abdominoplasty is most commonly performed under general anaesthetic. The surgery usually begins with an incision just above the pubic area, along the bikini line across the abdomen, from hipbone to hipbone. A second incision will be made around the belly button to free it from the abdominal tissue. The skin will be separated from the abdominal wall exposing the abdominal muscles (rectus muscles). The rectus muscles will be stitched back into position, tightening the muscles and reducing the waistline. After the muscles have been repositioned and tightened, excess skin will be removed. The remaining skin will be placed over the abdominal area and stitched into place. The belly button will then be brought out through the skin in its new location. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last? A tummy tuck is an effective procedure, which in many cases does not require repeat surgery. However, pregnancy or significant weight gain followed by weight loss may result in excess stomach skin which may require a repeat abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will discuss steps to ensure lasting results. Book A Consultation Recovery It is natural to experience some discomfort and pain immediately following an abdominoplasty procedure. You should allow for time to recover following surgery, which normally takes around 6-8 weeks. For a full tummy tuck procedure, you should generally allow the following time periods before activity:
- Back to work – 1-2 weeks
- Exercise – 6-12 weeks
- Sex – 6-12 weeks
- Swimming – 4-6 weeks
- Long haul flights – 1 month
As with any surgery, an abdominoplasty comes with a risk of complications which will be discussed in your consultation. If you have any worries following surgery, such as prolonged or heightened pain, we can help with our comprehensive MyBreast aftercare promise.
FAQs
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks? A tummy tuck can get rid of stretch marks but only on excess skin that is removed. Surgery may not be able to remove them all because some stretch marks may be on areas of skin that are not removed with the surgery. Stretch marks occur on anybody who experiences weight gain followed by rapid weight loss. They are caused as a result of fractured collagen in the skin that quickly stretches. Overstretched skin, with fractured collagen, loses its ability to shrink or contract. Stretch marks can be purple or red in colour at first, they then naturally fade to white once scar tissue develops over time, this can take from 12 to 18 months. Should I have a tummy tuck if I am planning to have children? Pregnancy can alter the results of a tummy tuck procedure in the same way as weight gain, so the appearance of stretch marks, separation of the muscles, and other factors may determine if revision surgery is needed after the bay’s birth. Not all pregnancies are planned, so it is important to know that pregnancy after tummy tuck is possible and reasonably safe but not recommended. Am I too young/old for a tummy tuck? The best age for a tummy tuck is above 35 or when you’ve had your last child. Having a tummy tuck is a big decision to take when diet and exercise alone will not help – and for women whose skin has been stretched after having had several children. It is major surgery and you need to be fit, so for long lasting results and the best recovery we would recommend the best age is between 35-65. Should I have a tummy tuck if I am planning to have children? Pregnancy can alter the results of a tummy tuck procedure in the same way as weight gain, so the appearance of stretch marks, separation of the muscles, and other factors may determine if revision surgery is needed after the bay’s birth. Not all pregnancies are planned, so it is important to know that pregnancy after tummy tuck is possible and reasonably safe but not recommended. Am I too young/old for a tummy tuck? The best age for a tummy tuck is above 35 or when you’ve had your last child. Having a tummy tuck is a big decision to take when diet and exercise alone will not help – and for women whose skin has been stretched after having had several children. It is major surgery and you need to be fit, so for long lasting results and the best recovery we would recommend the best age is between 35-65.
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MyBreast have the UK's finest cosmetic plastic surgeons and we're committed to offering you the highest standard of care, before, during and after your surgery. MyBreast offers free virtual consultations with your operating surgeon.
Please give us a call on 0203 642 1490 to book your consultation or pop your details on our form and one of our friendly patient advisors will call you to answer any questions you may have and book your appointment. We will give you all the information and time you need to think about your cosmetic surgery wishes. And, we'll be here, caring for you every step of the way.