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Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Procedure Overview

Procedure Time 2-3 Hours
Hospital Stay 1 Night
Time Off WOrk 1-2 Weeks
Exercise 4-6 Weeks
Compression Garment 6 Weeks
Shower After 1 Week

The Different Types of Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty reshapes the abdomen by removing loose skin, tightening underlying muscles, and refining fatty deposits. Your technique is uniquely selected based on anatomy, goals, muscle integrity, and skin quality.

Tummy Tuck Journey

Before & After Gallery

Explore results and outcomes of 
real patients treated by Mr Nakul Patel.

Breast Augmentation Gallery

Benefits of Tummy Tuck

Are You Suitable for Tummy Tuck?

You may be suitable if

  • You have loose abdominal skin that will not improve with exercise
  • You experience muscle separation after pregnancy
  • You are embarrassed or uncomfortable with lower abdominal fullness
  • You are at a stable weight and not planning pregnancy soon
  • You do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery)

Alternatives

  • Liposuction alone (if skin tone is good)
  • Exercise-based core strengthening (if the issue is muscular laxity only)
  • Non-surgical skin tightening may help mild laxity

The Procedure: What's Involved ?

Labiaplasty Incision Diagram

Step 1: Marking and Incision

While you are standing, the surgeon marks the excess skin "pinch" to ensure the results are tight but natural. Incisions are placed where they can be most easily hidden by underwear or clothing.

Labiaplasty Reshaping Diagram

Step 2: Tissue Removal and Sculpting

The surgeon removes the redundant skin and uses liposuction to refine the underlying fat layers. If a body lift is being performed, the underlying tissues are "suspended" to provide a long-lasting lift.

Labiaplasty Suturing Diagram

Step 3: Closure and Drainage

The skin is closed in multiple layers to provide strength. In many weight loss surgeries, temporary drains are placed to remove excess fluid, and medical-grade compression is applied to help the skin adhere to the new frame.

During your consultation, we will plan:
  • Which technique best suits your anatomy
  • How much skin can realistically be removed
  • Umbilical Position / Reconstruction
  • Scar Placement
  • Whether muscle repair is required
  • Garments and post-operative care plan
  • Use of Liposuction

Preparing for Surgery

Avoiding Complications

Prolonged Swelling: Swelling above the incision line can persist for 3–6 months.

Numbness: The area between the navel and the scar will feel numb; sensation often returns slowly but may be permanently altered.

Scarring: A permanent scar from hip to hip. While it is placed low to be hidden by underwear, it takes 12–18 months to fully mature.

Tightness: A feeling of restriction in the torso, especially when trying to stand up straight.

Seroma/Haematoma: Collection of fluid or blood that may require needle aspiration in the clinic.

“T-Junction” Breakdown: The small area where the vertical and horizontal incisions meet (in some techniques) can be slow to heal.

Suture Spit: Internal stitches surfacing as small red bumps that may need to be “snipped” in the office.

Umbilical (Navel) Changes: The belly button may heal with a slightly different shape or some minor scarring.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT/PE): A blood clot in the leg; we use blood-thinners and early mobility to prevent this.

Skin/Navel Necrosis: Loss of a portion of skin or the belly button due to poor blood supply (highly linked to smoking).

Major Infection: Requires hospital-grade antibiotics and can compromise the final shape.

Frequently Asked
Questions about Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles, creating a flatter, more contoured abdomen in London patients.

You may be suitable if you have loose abdominal skin or muscle separation after pregnancy or weight loss, are at a stable weight, and are in good general health.

A mini abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button, while a standard tummy tuck treats both upper and lower abdomen with muscle repair and umbilical repositioning if required.

Many women choose a tummy tuck after completing their families to address stretched skin and muscle separation, but it is generally advised to wait until childbearing is complete.

Depending on the type (mini, standard, fleur‑de‑lis or lipo‑abdominoplasty), surgery usually takes 2–4 hours.

Depending on the type (mini, standard, fleur‑de‑lis or lipo‑abdominoplasty), surgery usually takes 2–4 hours.

Scars are placed low on the abdomen, typically within underwear or swimwear lines; they are permanent but usually fade and soften over time.

Patients are usually asked to stop smoking, adjust certain medications or supplements, maintain a stable weight and follow specific pre‑operative instructions from the surgical team.

Risks include pain, bruising, swelling, poor scarring, delayed healing, contour irregularities, infection, bleeding and, rarely, more serious complications.

Yes, lipo‑abdominoplasty combines liposuction with skin tightening and muscle repair to refine the waist and improve overall contour.

Results are usually long‑lasting if weight remains stable and a healthy lifestyle is maintained, although natural ageing and future pregnancies can affect the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is a contouring procedure, not a weight‑loss surgery; it is most effective once you are close to your ideal weight.

Body mass index (BMI) plays an important role in both the safety and results of abdominoplasty. For most patients, the aim is to be close to a healthy weight, with a BMI ideally under 30 and stable for several months before surgery.​

A lower, stable BMI reduces the risk of wound problems, infection, blood clots and anaesthetic complications, and helps achieve a smoother, longer‑lasting contour.
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