Private Abdominoplasty

There's more than one type of tummy tuck, so your consultant will talk you through your options to help decide what’s right for you. If you're having a standard abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make a cut across the lower tummy. They'll take away excess skin from below your belly button, remove any fat using liposuction, tighten your muscles and reposition your belly button. An extended abdominoplasty involves removing fat and skin from your groin and lower back. In a mini abdominoplasty, the position of your belly button won't change.

The treatment will be carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep. The procedure usually takes between two and five hours. You'll be cared for in hospital for at least a couple of nights after the operation. Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.

Tummy tucks can be quite painful, so you'll be offered pain relief while you're in hospital. It's common for the discomfort to continue for a couple of weeks so be prepared to use pain relief as and when you need it. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, but it usually takes up to six weeks to fully recover. Prepare to take four to six weeks off work, get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity. You will also need to avoid driving for a few weeks – ask your consultant and your insurance company what they advise. The type of scar you're left with will depend on the type of procedure you had.