Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. In addition, it often involves tightening of the tummy muscles to create a flatter, tighter tummy. After pregnancy, significant weight loss, or due to the aging process it is common to have excess skin and fat that can be difficult to lose by diet and exercise alone.

About the surgery

This can have a significant impact on body confidence and self esteem and can cause problems when exercising.

Tummy tuck is one of the most frequently performed operations. The scar runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip and is usually low enough to be hidden when wearing underwear. There is an additional scar around the tummy button. For people who have excess fat around the flanks, and back it can be combined with liposuction, or extended round the back as part of a body lift.

Indication

Excess skin and fat in the tummy. Bulging due to muscle weakness.

Anesthetic

General

Downtime

3 weeks

Results

Improvements in shape and contour of the abdomen

Anatomy

Removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of the tummy muscles

Duration

3 hours

Exercise

4-6 weeks

Price

From £8495

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

The team will welcome you to the clinic and get you settled and relaxed. If you are having a general anaesthetic will meet the consultant anaesthetist who will discuss this with you. We will go through the procedure and discuss the process and sign the consent form. Photographs will be taken before heading to theatre.

Mr West will mark the planned incisions and the tissue to be removed. Excess skin and is removed and the tummy button is sutured to its new location. The skin is closed with hidden dissolvable sutures. Dressings will be placed over the scars and a post surgical compression garment is put on.

Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and will be looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will ensure all aftercare is explained and follow up appointments are arranged before letting you leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is the different between a mini abdominoplasty and an abdominoplasty?

Mini abdominoplasty removes excess tissue from below the tummy button but doesn’t address any laxity above it. An abdominoplasty can tighten tissue both above and below the tummy button. There is also an additional scar around the tummy button.

What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and a Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty?

In an abdominoplasty, the main scar runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. This allows excess vertical tissue to be removed (the type that hangs down over your waist. In a Fleur de Lys tummy tuck there is also a vertical scar that runs up the middle of the tummy from the lower scar to the top of the abdomen. This allows excess vertical and horizontal (side to side) tissue to be removed too.

What are the follow up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 – 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. Further review appointment is usually made 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is ok after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 – 6 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are shower proof and should be dabbed dry.

Related Treatments

Abdominoplasty / tummy tuck

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. In addition, it often involves tightening of the tummy muscles to create a flatter, tighter tummy.

Lipo abdominoplasty

A lipo abdominoplasty is a procedure than combines abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction.

Fleur de Lys Abdominoplasty

A Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty is an extension of the standard abdominoplasty, and in addition to the horizontal scar that runs from hip to hip, there is an additional vertical scar up the centre of the tummy.

Mummy makeover

A mummy makeover is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed.

Liposuction

Liposuction can be performed alone, and if it is only a small area can sometimes be done with the patient awake. It is often combined with other procedures such as tummy tuck, arm lift, male chest reduction whilst under general anaesthetic.

VASER liposuction

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound to break down fat for easier, less traumatic removal with minimal downtime. Offered at Coppergate Clinic in York, it precisely targets stubborn fat and is ideal for body sculpting, often combined with other procedures.

Related Conditions

Excess fat

Loose sagging skin

Muscle separation / tummy bulge

Scars

Client Results

Testimonials

“After years of being self conscious about my eyes, i decided to have my upper blepharoplasty with Chris and the results are better than I had ever anticipated. The service I received before during and after the operation is unmatched. Dr west is a patient, calming and a highly skilled surgeon. If you’re thinking of going for it. Do it, you won’t regret it! Thank you again.”

“I recently had upper eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ) with Mr Christopher West. Very experienced surgeon so I felt straight away I’m in a good hands. I had barely any bruising or swelling and the scars are so neat. Overall the results exceeded my expectations which I’m extremely grateful for! 10/10 highly recommended! Thank you.”

“I found Dr Christopher West from 3 people's recommendation and came all the way from London. The upper blepharoplasty procedure was completely painless. I had a small amount of post op bruising, but could carry on with life almost immediately after. The recovery time was around one week. Once my sutures were removed the result was immediately evident. I am extremely pleased with the results of my upper blepharoplasty, and cannot hesitate to praise the skills of Dr Christopher West. Fantastic results. I highly recommend Mr Christopher West”

“I had been researching my options for surgery for a couple of years, I'd had lots of consultations with London based surgeons, I opted for Mr West as not only had I seen his work first hand on a few friends, I liked his approach to surgery, he is very honest and if he feels you don't need something or wouldn't benefit from it he will tell you straight, he's very good at managing your expectations. After a couple of consultations I booked in with him, for an upper blepharoplasty. Mr West saw me before surgery to go over everything, he has a very calming and kind nature which definitely helps before you are about to go under the knife, I am very happy with my results, Chris is very skilled surgeon, his stitches and incisions are immaculate, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering surgery.”