Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in blue scrubs and a red theatre cap, sitting by the operating table.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and often tightens the muscles.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

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 ageing process, it is common to have excess skin and fat that can be difficult to lose by diet and exercise alone.

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

In theatre
3 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Downtime
3 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £8,495
Suited to
Excess skin and fat in the tummy or bulging due to muscle weakness.
How it works
Excess skin and fat are removed and the tummy muscles are tightened.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the abdomen.
A patient under a blue drape in theatre, a member of the team beside them.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

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

  3. Recovery

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

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

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

A mini abdominoplasty removes excess tissue from below the tummy button but does not 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 to 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 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 fine after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

When can I shower?

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

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.