Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen flatter and firmer. Excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen area in order to tighten the muscles and tissues of the abdominal area.
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What’s on this page
- About this Treatment
- Before & Afters
- What to Expect
- FAQs
- Our Clinics
- Things to Consider
- Patient Stories
- Why the Private Clinic
- Meet the Surgeons
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Advisory Committee for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed March 15th 2022
Related Cosmetic Surgery
Flabby skin on the belly is usually the result of weight-loss, yo-yo dieting or pregnancy. It might just be lax and wrinkled skin that has lost its elasticity, but in more extreme cases the muscles are stretched and there can be unattractive, overhanging folds of skin that won’t spring back into shape.
What can an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck achieve?
Pregnancy, weight loss and the natural ageing process can leave behind excess, sagging skin around the stomach(abdomen) area. This excess skin can’t be removed through exercise or non-invasive treatments. The solution is an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck (mini tummy tuck), which will give you a flatter, firmer abdomen.
At The Private Clinic we understand that deciding what you require can be confusing. We are here to help guide you to the best tummy choice so you feel confident. At your consultation we can discuss the various body contouring options that will be right for you. Age and skin elasticity can often be a deciding factor, let the experts guide you on our extensive range of tummy options.
- Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)
- Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Brazilian Tummy Tuck
- Fleur de lis Tummy Tuck
- Extended Tummy Tuck
- Liposuction
- Vaser Liposuction
- Non Surgical Fat Reduction, Coolsculpting
Procedure Time
2 hours
Anaesthetic Type
General Anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Overnight
Washing
1 week
Driving
2 – 3 weeks
Up & Mobile
4 – 5 days
Sexual Activity
4 – 6 weeks
Back to Work
2 – 3 weeks
Exercise
6 – 8 weeks
Travel
6 weeks
Full Recovery Time
8 weeks
Final Results
6 – 12 months
Support Garments
Compression garment for 6-8 weeks
Sleeping
Sleeping elevated 45º pillow underneath leg
What is an Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen flatter and firmer. Excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen area in order to tighten the muscles and tissues of the abdominal area.
What type of tummy tuck is best for me?
Best for patients who have a large amount of excess skin. A full tummy tuck is known as the standard tummy tuck and it is designed to remove fat, repair any torn muscles and removes excess skin.
Best for patients who have excess fat and skin in the flanks, upper hip, and lower back regions. An extended tummy tuck will remove skin and fat from all of these areas as well as repairing any torn muscles if required.
Best for patients who only have a small amount of tissue between the area above your pubic region to the tummy button, your stomach may have a crinkly appearance but doesn’t necessarily over-hang. A mini tummy tuck can also still repair the muscles as well as removing excess skin and tightening up the lower part of the tummy.
Designed to target excess skin from both the upper and lower abdomen in a vertical direction. The skin is pulled downward and inwards towards the centre of your abdomen resulting in a smooth and tummy.
A combination of liposuction with a tummy tuck, best for patients with more excess skin than fat. Liposuction is used to remove fat from the flanks and waist as well as the abdomen to give you a more sculpted appearance. By incorporating liposuction it allows the skin to heal quicker and the procedure can be performed as a day case with less risk of complications associated with a full abdominoplasty. Mr William Van Nierkerk is able to offer Brazilian tummy tucks in London.
“I had a Brazilian abdominoplasty done with The Private Clinic in Harley street. I have to say the operation went very well and the care and the team was fantastic. Most of all the surgeon Mr William Van Niekerk was brilliant. I never had any pain after the op and I highly recommend The Private Clinic. My review is a bit delayed as I had this a year ago but am still over the moon with the results. And it has totally changed my life! I am so much happier now.”
– Michelle, Brazillian Tummy Tuck patient.
as seen in
Before & After
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape. Take a look at some of the results below.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 35 years with thousands of patients placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
The Consultation
Your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure journey will start with a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
Your surgeon will be able to discuss in detail the different types of tummy tuck procedure techniques that are available including:
- Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)
- Full Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty)
- Brazilian Tummy Tuck
- Fleur de lis Tummy Tuck
- Extended Tummy Tuck
Your surgeon will also:
- Review your medical history
- Assess your suitability for tummy tuck surgery
- Discuss which technique is most suitable
- Discuss your expectations
- Detail the risks and complications of abdominoplasty surgery
- Go through the aftercare and recovery process
Following your consultation, you will be introduced to one of our knowledgeable patient coordinators who will be your point of contact should you wish to go ahead with surgery.
Pre-Operative Appointment
In the interests of patient safety all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your tummy tuck consultation your medical history will be reviewed our pre-operative nurse will advise on pre-operative tests. Most tummy tuck pre-operative assessments include a blood test, MRSA swabs, urine test and a blood pressure test.
They will also advise you of any precautions you need to take in the days or weeks leading up to your tummy tuck procedure and advise on any medication that you should stop taking ahead of your procedure.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
We usually ask patients to arrive at the hospital an hour before their scheduled surgery time. Tummy tuck procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic and depending on the type of procedure being performed, usually take around 2-3 hours.
On arrival:
- The nursing team will record your blood pressure and prep you for surgery.
- You will meet with the surgeon who will go through the procedure again and answer any questions.
- Pre-operative photos will be taken.
- Your stomach will be marked up ready for surgery.
The Procedure
A full tummy tuck involves:
- General anaesthetic will be administered by the anaesthesiologist.
- Making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area.
- Making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it.
- Separating the skin from the abdominal wall.
- In most cases realigning the abdominal muscles.
- Removing excess fat and skin.
- Cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place.
- Drawing together the remaining skin and stitching it in place with absorbable stitches and applying wound dressings.
- An abdominal support garment will be placed on you which you will be required to wear during your recovery process for the time stated by your surgeon.
A partial/mini tummy tuck involves:
- General anaesthetic will be administered by the anaesthesiologist.
- Making a large incision (cut) across the lower tummy.
- Separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the tummy button.
- Removing excess fat.
- Cutting away excess skin.
- Drawing together the remaining skin and stitching it in place with absorbable stitches and applying wound dressings.
- An abdominal support garment will be placed on you which you will be required to wear during your recovery process for the time stated by your surgeon.
Once the surgery is complete, You will then be taken back to your room where you may be required to stay overnight for observation.
Once the surgeon and nursing team are happy that you are safe to return home, you will be discharged and allowed to leave accompanied by a family member or friend.
After your tummy tuck procedure
A member of our nursing team will call you usually the day following your procedure to ensure you are well following your procedure. You will have information on how to contact your clinic or on-call nursing team should you have any worries or concerns at any point 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during your recovery time.
When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be provided with aftercare information from your surgeon to follow and any medication that you will be required to take during your recovery.
We recommend that you take 2-3 weeks off work and avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least 6 weeks. You should arrange for someone to help you around the house and to help with childcare if necessary, for the first week.
An appointment will be made for an incision and wound check usually 4-12 days following your tummy tuck procedure. A 6-week follow-up appointment will then also be arranged with your surgeon. At this stage you should be ready to return to your everyday activities, but your surgeon will be able to advise you on anything that you are unsure of.
Watch Mr William Van Niekerk Answer Tummy Tuck FAQ’s
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FAQs
Abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess, sagging skin and some of the connective tissue surrounding it and will not result in demonstrable fat removal. People who have lost a lot of weight quickly or had babies and have excess skin are typically ideal candidates for the procedure.
Instead people looking for fat removal will be suitable for liposuction. As the skin may struggle to tighten, a tummy tuck can be used to help improve the result of the fat removal. A consultation will help you to understand what procedure or procedures your body may need.
A full tummy tuck removes loose skin above and below your belly button, a mini tummy tuck will only remove skin below your belly button and an extended tummy tuck removes loose skin from above and below the belly button as well as from your sides / flanks or love handles.
To get an accurate idea on which procedure is best for you, make an appointment to see one of your specialist abdominoplasty surgeons.
You should notice an initial difference straight after your procedure however the best results are not seen until after the swelling has subsided which can take up to 6 weeks.
The Private Clinic sees over 15,000 new patients every year and perform over 10,000 procedures, with one of the highest patients’ satisfaction in the sector, Trustpilot 9.4, 5 star rating, 96% would recommend us to their friends and family. We are a multi award winning provider and have been voted the Aesthetic award for Best UK Clinic Group 2017.
The Private Clinic prides itself on its commitment to Medical Expertise, Patient Care and Satisfaction, Honest advice and most importantly Results. We are above all committed to Quality. Please feel free to contact us for any Tummy Tuck advice or to book a consultation with one of our expert surgeons. Tummy Tuck Cost can be part of your decision to undergo a procedure but it should never be the deciding factor. For more information about The Private Clinic, our experience and medical expertise click here
The average price for a mini-tummy tuck starts from £5,670. If you require a full tummy tuck the price starts from £8,295. You will be given an accurate quote for your procedure following your consultation.
Consultations with our plastic surgeons are £100 at our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.
All consultations with Mr William Van Niekerk are £150.
We also offer consultations with our highly experienced Patient Coordinators which require a £25 refundable deposit to secure your place. These are available in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.
Patient coordinators are able to offer you all the information you require prior to meeting a surgeon.
Please note all consultations available at our Harley Street clinic are with a surgeon.
The Private Clinic has clinics nationwide so we are sure to have an expert tummy tuck surgeon located near to you.
Our clinics:
Where can I get a tummy tuck in London?
London – 98 Harley street, W1G7HZ
Where can I get a tummy tuck in Manchester?
Manchester – 25 St John Street, M3 4DT
Where can I get a tummy tuck in Birmingham?
Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, B16 8LU – West Midlands
Where can I get a tummy tuck in Leeds?
Leeds – 45 Park Square North, LS1 2NP – Yorkshire
Where can I get a tummy tuck in Buckinghamshire?
Buckinghamshire – Virtual Consultations Only
Where can I get an abdominoplasty in Northampton?
Northampton – 82 Billing Road, NN1 5DF – East Midlands
To find out more about booking a consultation at a clinic near you, contact us here.
Tummy Tuck is Available in these Clinics
Things to Consider
Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure:
1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.
The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 35 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.
2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.
At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.
3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure
4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what your clinic’s reputation is.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
Patient Stories
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
Read about our patients’ experiences to see what you can expect from our award-winning procedures.
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- Top UK best tummy tuck surgeons with decades of experience.
- We are able to offer our patients a wide portfolio of abdominoplasty procedures, including the standard tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, Brazilian tummy tuck and extended tummy tuck.
- Dedicated care with your expert surgeon and nursing team before, during and long after every procedure.
- Our aftercare promise – you can call, email, and visit us to discuss how we tailor-make each procedure and offer ethical and professional aftercare for every patient.
- 24 hour help line so you are always in the best of hands.
- State of the art hospital facilities.
- 5 Star Trustpilot Rating.
Meet our Surgeons
We have a dedicated Plastic Surgeons and an expert medical team who will be with you throughout your journey.
At The Private Clinic, our procedures are performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons who have decades of experience in abdominoplasty procedures.
MD
GMC Number : 7614248
FRCS (Plast.)
GMC Number : 4764599
BS, MD
GMC Number : 6130664
MB ChB, MSc, MRCS, FRCS (Plast), FCMI, RAF (qs)
GMC Number: 4362791
BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast)
GMC Number: 4404969
MBBS, MD & Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng)
GMC Number: 3700956
MA(Cantab) MB BChir MSEd FRCS
GMC Number : 4767420
MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Plast.)
GMC Number : 3286812