Abdominoplasty & mini-abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) improves the shape and contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin, removing excess fat where needed, and tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It corrects structural changes that diet and exercise cannot — it is not a weight-loss procedure.

Anaesthetic: General
Hospital stay: About 2 days
Time off work: 2–4 weeks
Final result: Scars mature over 6–12 months

A general guide only — your own timeline is confirmed at consultation.

What it involves

Through an incision placed low within the bikini line, the skin and fatty tissue are lifted, separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the navel is repositioned to keep natural proportions. A mini ('melon-slice') abdominoplasty suits minimal skin excess low on the abdomen and is often combined with liposuction. The operation usually takes about one and a half to two hours.

Who it may suit

May suit patients with loose or excess skin after pregnancy, muscle separation, persistent lower-abdominal skin folds, laxity after weight loss, or unfavourable lower scars such as a Caesarean scar. Ideally you are near your goal weight, a non-smoker (or willing to stop), and have completed childbearing.

Recovery

Hospital stay is around two days, with initial recovery of ten to fourteen days and a return to light activities after about two weeks. Strenuous exercise and sport are avoided for around four weeks. Scars are permanent but placed low enough to sit beneath underwear or swimwear, and mature over 6–12 months.

This page is a general guide. Every procedure is planned individually — the details, risks and recovery relevant to you are discussed at consultation.

Patient information leaflet Download the full abdominoplasty & mini-abdominoplasty leaflet (PDF)

Common questions

How is it different from liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin or muscle. A tummy tuck removes loose skin and repairs the muscle wall — the two are sometimes combined.

Will future pregnancy affect the result?

A later pregnancy can stretch the tissues again, so abdominoplasty is usually best considered once childbearing is complete. Maintaining a stable weight also helps protect the result.