Neck Lift
Surgical tightening of loose neck skin and the platysma muscle band.
Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
Overview
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs separation of the abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), which commonly follows pregnancy or significant weight loss. It differs from liposuction in that it addresses loose skin and muscle laxity — problems that fat removal alone cannot correct. It leaves a permanent scar low across the abdomen.
Benefits of this treatment
Flatter abdominal contour
Removes excess skin and fat that diet and exercise cannot address once skin has been stretched.
Repairs muscle separation
Corrects rectus diastasis (abdominal muscle separation), commonly caused by pregnancy, restoring core support.
Can improve posture and back comfort
A tighter abdominal wall often reduces the lower back strain associated with muscle separation.
Addresses loose skin directly
The one procedure liposuction cannot substitute for when skin laxity is the primary concern.
How the procedure is performed
-
1
20 minutes
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia, given the length of the procedure.
-
2
15 minutes
Incision
A low horizontal incision is made, planned to sit below the underwear or swimwear line where possible.
-
3
45 minutes
Muscle repair
Separated abdominal muscles are stitched back together along the midline.
-
4
60–90 minutes
Skin removal & closure
Excess skin is removed, the tissue is redraped, and the navel is repositioned before closing.
Recovery and aftercare
-
Days 1–3
Hospital and early recovery
A short hospital stay is typical. Walking bent slightly forward is normal and expected in this window.
-
Week 1–2
Drains and support
Drains (if used) are typically removed within the first week; a compression garment is worn continuously.
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Weeks 3–4
Standing straighter
Posture gradually returns to normal as the repaired muscles adjust to their new tension.
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Months 3–6
Scar maturing
Swelling settles substantially and the scar begins to fade and flatten, continuing to improve for up to 18 months.
Risks and side effects
Visible scarring
A permanent scar across the lower abdomen — its final appearance and fading vary between individuals.
Swelling
Can persist for several months, particularly above the incision line.
Numbness
Reduced sensation over the lower abdomen is common and usually improves gradually over 6–12 months.
Rarer complications
- Wound healing delay — More likely in smokers and those with diabetes — both are specifically screened for beforehand.
- Seroma — Fluid collection under the skin that occasionally needs drainage.
- Deep vein thrombosis — A recognised risk with longer procedures — early, guided mobilisation reduces this significantly.
What it costs
What affects the price
Extent of muscle repair
More extensive diastasis repair adds to surgical time and cost.
Combined liposuction
Adding liposuction to the flanks in the same session (a common pairing) increases the overall price.
Hospital stay length
An overnight stay versus a longer admission affects the total cost.
Frequently asked questions
The incision is planned to sit low enough to be hidden by most underwear and swimwear, though this is confirmed against your own preferred styles at consultation.
You can, but pregnancy afterwards will stretch the repaired muscles and skin again, which is why the procedure is recommended once your family is complete.
No — liposuction removes fat only. A tummy tuck also removes loose skin and repairs muscle separation, which liposuction cannot do.
Light walking starts immediately; core exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 6 weeks to protect the muscle repair.
Related
Treatments patients also consider
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)
Correction of enlarged male breast tissue through gland excision and liposuction.
Liposuction
Removal of localised fat deposits to reshape body contour.
Thread Lift
A non-surgical lifting treatment using dissolvable threads to support sagging skin.
Next step
Considering Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?
Book a consultation and get a straight answer on whether this is right for you, what it involves, and what it will cost. No obligation to proceed.
- A private, unhurried assessment with the surgeon
- An honest view of what is realistically achievable
- A written quote with no hidden costs
- Complete confidentiality