Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Pain Level Moderate, 3-8 days of pain medication Numbness 6 months or more Bandages Removed in 2-5 days Work Return to desk job 1 week Exercise 4 weeks Final result scars healed after 6-12 months Find a surgeon Click here

The tummy tuck procedure

A tummy tuck operation will usually take place under a general anaesthetic and takes around 2 hours with one or two night stay in hostpital.

For a full tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen. A second incision is then made to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it and separates the skin from the abdominal wall. The muscles are then pulled down and stitched into their new position, removing fat deposits and cutting away any excess skin. A new hole is then cut for the belly button, and it is stitched back into place. Finally, the remaining is pulled skin down and stitched together at the first incision.

The results of a tummy tuck

A benefit of this procedure is that the entire abdominal muscle wall can be tightened, usually with permanent sutures, to give you a firmer result and flatter tummy (even if you didn't have a flat tummy previously).

Recovery from a tummy tuck

After surgery, you will need to abstain from excercise for two week and wear a light support garment. After this two week period it is recommended that you start to do light excercise to tone muscles and help the skin to heal. You should be able to return to work after two weeks.

Risks of a tummy ruck

A tummy tuck is often regarded as very low risk. Immediately after the operation, it may be difficult to stand up straight and it will feel as if your stomach is tugging - this is quite normal and will disappear over time.