Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

Summary of treatment

Procedure time 1 – 3 Hours
Anesthetic General
Hospital Stay 0-1 Nights
Sensitivity period 1 Week
Back to work 3-4 Weeks
Full recovery 4 Weeks
Duration of results Permanent
Treatable complications Swelling, Bruising, Infection

Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that focuses on contouring the abdominal region by flattening and tightening the muscles; and removing excessive skin atrophy. The surgery may be reduces underlying stubborn fat that can’t be achieved with organic measures of dieting and exercising or non-invasive measures of body contouring ( Disclaimer – Result can vary from person to person ).

Indications

It often happens when individuals aim to have a makeover by losing weight and rejuvenating their lifestyle with proper diet; even the right measures of weight loss can leave behind some amount of hanging skin particularly on the abdominal region. The same can occur after childbirth as well wherein along with the stretch marks, large sum of lax skin folds remain in the tummy, which cannot be contoured with dieting or exercising.

The problems can be resolved with either of the following two tummy tuck procedures depending on the extent of tissue and fat removal.

• Full Abdominoplasty: The procedure is carried out on patients exhibiting unwanted fat deposit accompanied with a drop in the skin layer or muscle underneath.

• Modified (mini) Abdominoplasty: The procedure is carried out on patients who in spite of having good muscle tone displays excessive skin covering and also has crinkly stomach.

However, Tummy Tuck is not the perfect option for losing weight.

Tummy Tuck Technique

A horizontal incision line is generally used for performing the procedures of Abdominoplasty; the surgeon tends to keep it within average swimsuit lines if possible. The length of the incision is directly proportional to the amount of loose skin, which is to be removed. We usually employ advanced techniques allowing the navel’s position to remain the same; however, there can be slight alteration. In fact, in most cases the navel has an improved exposure.

All patients need not undergo traditional tummy tuck; for a few “mini” (or limited) abdominoplasty works perfectly. In the one to one consultation session with the surgeon team at our Clinic, the medical advisors will guide you through the entire process assisting you to evaluate, which procedure suits you the best.

Mini Abdominoplasty: The procedure mainly focuses on correcting the issues of lower abdomen. It leaves less visible scarring but will not correct any issue above the navel region.

Only Liposuction: If the patient possesses proper skin elasticity and muscle tone, liposuction is the most viable option because the surgery can reduce abdominal fat considerably but cannot perform skin tightening. Liposuction is ideal for women who have plans to conceive in future.

Ideal Candidates

Men and women from all age groups can undergo Abdominoplasty. The surgery suits best to the ones who are almost in proper aspect of body but have loose abdominal fat, which they are unable to reduce even through dieting or exercise.

Men or women suffering from any of the below mentioned issues hold ideal candidature for tummy tuck surgery:

  • Loose, sagging skin in the abdomen
  • Excessive fat deposit in the abdominal area
  • Peeking abdomen
  • Weakened abdominal muscles (caused due to pregnancy or ageing)

Future pregnancy might nullify the impacts of tummy tuck surgery, so the best way to undergo the surgery is when one is no more planning for children and hence has no chance of gaining sudden weight. The scars left due to previous abdominal surgeries might debunk the results of the present abdominoplasty. Nonetheless, for Cesarean section scars new incision is done below the previous scar, which is subsequently removed during tummy tuck.

At the Consultation

If one is considering abdominoplasty, the first thing he/she should do is sit for an up-close consultation with the surgeon. The surgeons think that it is better to know the physical and emotional health of the patient, his/her aesthetic goals and other queries before carrying out the surgery.

Issues to be discussed during consultation:

  • Present medical condition as well as medical history (if any)
  • Medicines taken currently (including herbal remedies and nutritional supplements)
  • History of weight loss and aesthetic goals

Factors Evaluated in Initial examination:

  • Abdominal skin quality and elasticity
  • Condition of abdominal muscles
  • Quantity of fat deposits
  • Location of earlier scars (if any)

If the issues are limited, it is better not to opt for tummy tuck surgery. In such cases, it is recommended mini-tummy tuck or liposuction.

Another factor of paramount importance is choosing the right surgeon. Not all physicians are trained enough to carry out cosmetic surgeries. Thus, it is extremely important for the patient to do a thorough background research of the surgeon before finalizing dates with him/her. Our surgeons of Harley Body Clinic well trained in both Reconstructive and Plastic surgery including Otolaryngology (scientific term for head and neck surgery). Besides, they have considerable experience in the domain for more than 10 years.

Preparing for Surgery

Pre op instructions are very essential and the guidelines given by the doctors of Harley Body Clinic should be maintained properly to get the best possible results. The instructions are as follows:

  • Smoking should be prohibited strictly for quite a few weeks before the surgery
  • Certain blood thinning medications should be avoided
  • Patient should have at least one person to ride him/her home and understand the immediate post op guidelines

The Procedure

We offer an array of privileges and facilities in many hospitals in Harley Street for better convenience of patients. The patient might need to stay for a while in the hospital (one or two nights), but many can return on the same day itself.

General anesthesia along with other sedatives (if required) is administered during the procedure, so that the patient can sleep through the process. We have specially trained anesthesiologists for employing the anesthesia. Right from the beginning of the surgery until the end including the period of recovery, the surgeons monitor the patient with utmost care.

After the Surgery and Recovery

Small drainage tubes are very often placed beneath the skin to prevent excess fluid accumulation. The patient might suffer from a little bit of soreness but one can get rid of it through pain medication. The abdomen is dressed with tape or elastic bandage.

One should move around soon after the surgery to have normal blood circulation. One should, however, avoid lifting and bending. It is better to sleep on the back with knees positioned upwards for the first weeks of the surgery.

Period of recovery varies from one individual to another. However, the general timeline can be estimated as below:

For the first week (7 to 10 days)

  • Bruising and swelling will be maximum
  • Drainage tubes will be taken off
  • Removal of stitches are also done

After a few weeks

  • Gradual resumption of exercises and regular activities
  • Beginning of non-strenuous work
  • Diminished bruising and swelling
  • Visible effects of the surgery

After several months

  • Appearance of final results
  • Excess tightness will gradually disappear
  • Sensation will come back slowly
  • Incision line will start to fade

After Surgery and Final Results

The abdominal appearance usually starts to show improvements within few 2-4 months after the surgery. The sleeker and defined contour will start showing up once the swelling subsides. Most patients get an emotional boost after the surgery and gain confidence owing to the better body image.

Abdominoplasty procedure yields long-lasting results. All you need to maintain is a steady weight and you can perhaps retain your contour for several years. Additional surgical treatment might be required later on, if the patient tends to retain his/her sleek contour.

Follow up visits are very important after any cosmetic surgery. We are always available to answer any query you might have with the healing procedure. The first postoperative visit is generally scheduled in the first few days after surgery. Based on the condition of the patient, the doctors might ask you to come back for periodic checkups. The doctors always keep a good contact with patients after surgery for assessing the long-term results properly.

Price

Tummy Tuck Price
Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Starts From Offer £7,000 / £8,900

Our Patient’s Before-After Photo

Client Testimonials

” I had a very good experience with Harley Body Clinic with my tummy tuck surgery. They are good with communication right before the procedure. They quality of the surgery is excellent. ”

Wella, London

”I highly respect and appreciate the surgeon’s professionalism along with the work. The staffs are utmost professional and helpful during the time of surgery. ”

Catherine, Liverpool

“Harley Body Clinic were amazing from start to finish of the tummy tuck surgery. I highly recommend the clinic for considering undergoing the surgery.”

Alana, Bath

“The clinic itself was best with amazing staffs. They are professional and helpful during the surgery time.”

Ken , Glasgow

“I absolutely love my new improved tummy contour. The tummy tuck surgery totally enhanced my natural contour on my tummy. Totally appreciate them.”

Beth, Manchester

“my self-esteem boosted and has no comparison with my previous contour of tummy. Harley Body Clinic provided best consultation which helps me to opt the surgery.”

Thomas, Bristol

“totally good experience with my tummy tuck surgery with them, and also I felt comfortable under their care. ”

Benjamin, Brighton

“the surgeon explained the tummy tuck procedure and I was well informed with the outcome of the procedure.”

Rachel, Leeds

“they were way very attentive towards my needs, concerns during the time of the surgery and also with post-operative care. Thank you to Harley Body Clinic.”

Melissa, London

“questions are answered, doubts were cleared, amazing with follow ups. Finally they are best with the surgery and highly recommendable.”

Ian, London

Book Consultation